NativeScript vs React Native for Cross-Platform App Development

In the past, the development of cross-platform applications was a taxing task for most developers. With limited choices available until a couple of decades ago, they had to either remain content with the limited performance or compromise with user experience.

But the introduction to up-to-date frameworks like NativeScript and Real Native has transformed the method of cross-platform app development. It has left businesses to only deal with the challenge of drawing the NativeScript vs React Native to choose the best option.

It has pulled out contemporary developers from the horns of a dilemma involving the choice between shorter development timeframes and lower costs. However, the problem of choice still remains intact.

What is NativeScript? Is it better than React Native? If yes, then in What Ways?

Most app development professionals and business owners linked to cross-platform app development companies seek an answer to these questions.

In this post, we will dig deeper into the concept of NativeScript and weigh up its pros and cons with that of React Native to help you make an informed choice.

What is NativeScript?

NativeScript is a commonly used open-source JavaScript framework for the development of native applications for mobile devices featuring Android and iOS platforms.

Among other things, the chief benefit of NativeScript is that it saves both time and hassle. This becomes possible due to its ability to operate with a single codebase. Also, it enables developers to access native APIs of iOS and Android as well as their user interface and rendering engines.

This JavaScript enabled framework eliminates the need to work on two distinct projects for building native applications. By doing so, it boosts the productivity of developers in building native applications with the use of minimum time and effort. NativeScript CLI plays a key role in achieving this objective.

Wondering what is NativeScript CLI? We have it covered for you in detail in the next section.

What is NativeScript CLI?

The cost factor and anonymity are the two challenging prospects for the development of Android and iOS applications. NativeScript command-line interface provides a solution to it. NativeScript CLI works in conjunction with a text editor or an IDE to help a developerwork locally in building a native iOS or Android app.

Once it is properly set up, it works in a streamlined manner to accomplish this task without the installation of either the Android or iOS operating system. The Quick Setup and the Full Setup are the two components that enable the interface to perform this task with finesse.

NativeScript CLI works in the following ways:

• The Quick Setup element enables developers to build cross-platform apps without the installation of the dependencies concerning both the platforms. It works perfectly at the fundamental level on a local machine.

• The Full Setup makes it a breeze for a professional to install the dependencies for iOS as well as Android in a straightforward way. Using this component, a developer can compile the dependencies for both the platforms locally. This eventually lends a helping hand to the creation of compatible applications with Google Play and the App Store.

One can set up both by performing a few simple steps in quick time. Other than this, there are also some other NativeScript benefits worth consideration. These are discussed below.

NativeScript Benefits

One of the considerable merits of using writing applications in NativeScript is that it is cost-effective. Most companies bank on its positives to find a long-term solution to bring out native applications without putting stress on the finances.

Here are some ways in which the application of NativeScript for app development gives a competitive edge to firms that generate cross-platform apps:

• It cuts down the expenditure involved in the generation of software that can run on both Android and iOS platforms.

• It gives app development professionals the ability to reuse the codes conveniently.

• By using it, app development professionals get a break from the requirement to learn the operation of new tools.

• The use of NativeScript offers a viable option to control the performance of API simplistically.

• NativeScript proves to be a valuable asset in terms of purchase and validations of apps for multiple devices.

• Developers of NativeScript apps can troubleshoot as well as release the updates of their apps from time to time. Also, they can work on their application software to release newer versions.

• On the part of companies, NativeScript simplifies the job of staffing teams.

Besides, NS helps bypass the need for investing time and effort in the testing or training phase. These NativeScript advantages make NS the tool for cross-platform app development in future.

Differences between NativeScript and React Native

Many experts believe React Native is the only alternative to NativeScript. This belief stems from the fact that both the tools are equipped with contemporary functionalities to meet the demands of app development firms.

It may not be easy to tell straight away as to which of the two JavaScript frameworks carries more weight in contrast to the other. However, a comparison between the two based on the pros and cons of both can help in finding an answer to this question.

• Programming Language: NativeScript uses TypeScript and Angular, whereas React Native makes use of JSX for native app development. While the former works by dividing the components, the latter operates by creating a single file.

• Performance: Both frameworks contribute to native. But performance-wise React Native is much faster than NativeScript due to the mechanism of its operation.

• Third-party libraries: Both NativeScript and React Native boast an impressive array of third-party libraries. But NativeScript has more of such libraries compared to that of React Native.

• Usability: The programming codes of NativeScript and React Native can be used across various platforms. In this regard, both are on par with one another.

Wrapping it up

Though the NativeScript vs React Native comparison outlines the differences between both the frameworks, it does not indicate a clear winner. Notwithstanding the benefits and drawbacks of these frameworks, the usefulness of each depends on the specific demands of a mobile app solution project. Though React Native surges ahead in terms of popularity, NativeScript stands next to it in terms of performance.