Choosing the right framework can make all the difference in the success of your mobile app development project. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one best fits your specific needs and requirements. Two frameworks that have gained popularity in recent years are Xamarin and React Native. While both allow developers to build cross-platform apps, there are significant differences between the two that should be understood before making a decision.
What is Xamarin?
Xamarin is a programming language developed by Microsoft, and it was designed to let developers create native apps using C# that work on multiple platforms.
The biggest benefit of Xamarin is that it lets those different native apps work from a single codebase, making it much easier to develop and manage apps.
Xamarin also provides access to the native APIs of each platform. This lets developers take advantage of features specific to each platform, while still working from a single codebase. That way, developers can optimize and customize the app based on where it is used without affecting it in other environments.
Apps built using Xamarin often have better performance, are responsive, and have a more native feel. This is exactly why companies choose Xamarin over other options.
Along with Xamarin, developers get access to development tools, including an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) customized for Xamarin and the ability to share code across multiple projects.
What is React Native?
Similar to Xamarin, React Native is another programming language that is designed to let developers create one code source that works across multiple platforms. React Native was developed by Facebook as a means of supporting the company’s push to be on every device regardless of the platform that it uses.
Unlike Xamarin, React Native works very differently on the backend. Developers can create single codebase using JavaScript, then create “bridges” that translate the code for different platforms. JavasScript itself is widely used and support, making it easier to translate code for other platforms.
React Native is closely related to React, which is used for developing web apps using JavaScript. Developers choose React Native for mobile development for its ability to translate to most other platforms easily. There are more steps to the process than Xamarin but the results can be highly customized based on how the bridge is developed.
It is also easier to adjust the code to changes in individual platforms. All developers have to do is adjust the bridge to align with the new updates without touching the JavaScript codebase.
Finding the Right Fit
While both frameworks have their pros and cons, choosing one over the other ultimately depends on the requirements of your project.
For example, developers should choose based on the programming languages that they have experience in. C# developers are better off choosing Xamarin and JavaScript developers are more likely to have a better time with React Native.
Another consideration is how your company handles platform changes and which platforms your app needs to be on. React Native can be easily adjusted for different platforms as they change and evolve over time, which can make a big difference in long-term app management costs.
The size of the IT team at a company is another important consideration when making a choice between the two. For companies that don’t have extensive teams and resources to manage large-scale apps, then Xamarin may be a better option. The fewer steps in the development process, alongside the ability to quickly expand to new platforms, is a major benefit for small development teams.
Alternatively, companies that can spare the staff and resources should consider React Native. Once the codebase is developed, it won’t need to be adjusted again unless there is a major change that is needed. Instead, the company can dedicate teams to work on the bridges to different platforms and maintain them so that each platform stays up-to-date. It's a much more effective means of distributing effort so that teams can hyper-focus on their tasks rather than having to sprint to fix issues across a range of platforms.
Hire an Experienced Mobile App Development Team
Understanding the differences between Xamarin and React Native is crucial in choosing the framework that best fits the needs of your project. By taking into consideration various factors, such as developer experience and project requirements, you can make an informed decision that will lead to the creation of a successful, high-quality app.
If you are looking for a team of experienced mobile app developers that can help you build the perfect mobile application, then KitelyTech is the ideal choice. We offer an outstanding team of experienced professionals who have years of experience in developing and designing mobile applications for businesses in various industries. Call KitelyTech at (800) 274-2908 to get started.
