When planning a mobile app development, the very first challenge will be choosing a suitable framework to work. As the world is moving forward to cross-platform development, React Native vs. Ionic is a quite hot debate among mobile app developers. It is the most recommended platform to build a highly engaging and secured mobile app. 

Choosing the right framework relies on the needs of the business as well as the end-user requirements. In this blog post, we will explore some of the differences and similarities between the React Native vs. Ionic. and find which one will be a better framework for your mobile app development

What is React Native?

React Native is an application library developed by Facebook. It an amazing platform that allows app developers to build robust mobile apps. It is built on the top of ReactJS and device native bits. React Native can automatically render using the native components on Android and iOS with capabilities of great performance and animations like a native app. It is an ideal choice for rapid development without compromising on the user experience and performance. 

Pros of React Native Development

• Unmatched developing experience
• Active community
• Build a cross-platform app for iOS and Android
• Robust app framework 
• Uses React and written in Javascript

Cons of React Native Development

• Not suitable for gaming and heavy animation apps. 
• Steep learning curve

What is Ionic?

Ionic is an open source mobile framework developed by Google. It is an HTML5 based framework that primarily focuses on the look, feel, and user interfaces aspects of the mobile app. Ionic uses web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. As the code can be deployed in cross-platform on Android, iOS, web, and desktop. The same code is shared to use in all these platforms, thus saving time for developers. It is the perfect choice if you are on a limited budget and a shorter development cycle.

Pros of Ionic Development

• Higher Flexibility
• Cross-platform hybrid apps on iOS and Android
• Supports most of the modern frameworks

Cons of Ionic Development

• Lower performance with native applications
• Plugin dependent system
• Absence of hot reloading

React Native vs. Ionic: A Brief Comparison

User Interface

When it comes to the mobile app, the user interface is the essential factor to determine the success of the app. There are certain differences between React Native and Ionic. React native is a dynamic framework that uses native components for enhanced user experience. Ionic makes use of the UI components. It has the reusable elements which serve as the building blocks for a mobile app. The components can be easily customized and developers can bring changes wherever required across the whole app as it uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to make the components. 

Performance

Both React Native and Ionic can deliver incredible performance. As the React Native framework aims to build a native app, developers can transform the app according to the requirement. Ionic helps the developers to build exceptional hybrid apps using different web development technologies and allows access to some of the native features. 

Development time

Development time is a crucial factor to consider when analyzing the time to market of the mobile app. React Native is well appreciated for its efficiency and reduced development time. The components in React native simplifies the development process, ensuring high-quality usability. The ionic framework can boost the development speed and deploy apps that are virtually appealing in the shortest time. It allows the developers to build a more engaging UI cross-platform app for both iOS and Android from a single codebase. 

Stability

Great community involvement has greatly influenced the popularity of these frameworks. With consistent community support and remarkable features React native has recognized as reliable. There are stable security support and bug fixes which offers stability to the mobile app. On the other hand, Angular is embedded in Ionic allows the developers to build scalable apps. Ionic uses Cordova to allow access to native device functionality. 

Learning Curve

If you are already a React Developer, React Native is extremely easy to learn. They are similar concepts as you code in React. If you re beginners, it is recommended to learning Javascript and ReactJS before learning React native. The learning curve of react native is steep for someone new to programming.

Ionic has a flexible tech stack that allows starting working with the knowledge of Javascript, HTML, and CSS. When compared with React Native, Ionic is much easier to learn.  

Community

React Native has a highly engaging developer community when compared to Ionic. Ionic also has an active community and open source contributions. Both of these frameworks developers community are quite strong and stable since thier official release. 

Conclusion

We have detailed the comparison of React Native vs. Ionic for mobile app development. So, you can see that both of these frameworks have thier advantages and lackings in various factors. Such as performance, development speed, security, and stability. 

But it’s hard to decide which is better over the other. Considering the pros and cons of these frameworks, you might have an idea which might suit your requirements. We recommend hiring a mobile developer or app development company that is proficient in the above frameworks. They can help you build a successful app with a competitive edge and meet the desired business goals. Having experienced mobile app developers can ensure that your mobile is good looking, engaging, fast, and secured with the best practices.