React Native, a JavaScript-based framework used for designing high-quality mobile applications that simultaneously function on both Android and iOS platforms, was introduced by Facebook in 2022, as per the official website of React Native. This declarative framework takes advantage of the native APIs, which grants it access to the unique features of individual platforms and devices.
React Native bridges the gap between JavaScript/HTML and native code, facilitating the sharing and reuse of code across various platforms with ease. The framework operates by using JavaScript-based components that generate native User Interfaces (UIs) for each platform – including iOS and Android, according to the official React Native website. Some of the most popular apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Pinterest, and Uber Eats have all utilized React Native – either partially or fully – in their development process.
This guide aims to assist you in finding and recruiting exceptional React Native developers, whether you need internal or external support.
The Benefits of Using React Native
Listed below are some advantages of using React Native for developing mobile applications that function on numerous platforms:
Extensive Public Support
React Native is an open-source platform developed using JavaScript language, empowering developers to collaborate and enhance the framework with their expertise.
React Native has over two thousand contributors and more than one million users on GitHub, who are available to assist developers. The thriving React Native community on Stack Overflow provides numerous answers to developers’ queries related to technology. The official React Native repository on GitHub also connects users with a vast pool of resources, including forums, developers, and expert support, as well as information on bug reporting.
Changes Made by Third Party
Developers can save time and money by utilising the numerous third-party plug-ins available for React Native instead of building from scratch. These plug-ins come in various formats, such as native modules and JavaScript-based, and are available in both npm Registry and React Native Directory.
Cost-Effectiveness
React Native code is incredibly portable and can generate native iOS and Android applications, reducing developement costs by eliminating the need to build separate teams for each platform. Besides, React Native facilitates the use of third-party plugins for enhanced productivity and accelerated development cycles.
Live Reload
React Native provides live reload feature, enabling developers to see their modifications instantly. Any changes made to the code are automatically reflected, thereby accelerating the compilation process and surpassing native languages like Java in speed.
Native Style and Feel
React Native presents a simple way to access native device APIs, like photo library and geolocation, without requiring Android or iOS native programming languages. Moreover, by utilising platform-specific component libraries, such as Android’s Material and iOS’s Cupertino, which eliminates redundancy and ensures consistent look and feel of the programme across iOS and Android platforms.
Essential Qualities to Look for When Hiring React Native Developers
In the following section, we’ll discuss the necessary hard talents to keep in mind while looking to hire a React Native developer.
Proficiency in JavaScript ES6
React Native is built on JavaScript, which necessitates that developers possess a strong grasp of the language to create interactive UI components and optimise the app’s underlying logic.
A React Native developer must have an in-depth knowledge of JavaScript and be familiar with the basic principles of JavaScript ES6.
Released in 2015, JavaScript ES6 was a significant update to the language. Therefore, skilled React Native developers must be acquainted with different ES6 functionalities, including variable scope, arrow functions, array methods, callback functions, and DOM manipulation.
Familiarity with React
React Native’s component-based approach to developing responsive user interfaces enables developers to construct both basic and intricate UI designs simply.
A developer who has a thorough understanding of React’s fundamentals will be adequately prepared to handle topics like virtual DOM, lifecycle of components, state management, routing, JSX, components and props, conditional rendering, and event handling- issues that React Native uses the same underlying concepts. Therefore, adapting the framework to suit its needs will be a smooth operation.
Ability to Develop Competently for Both iOS and Android Natively
React Native developers must have extensive knowledge in developing applications for both Android and iOS. It’s crucial to understand that specific app functionalities require the use of native programming languages like Objective-C, Swift, and Java. By utilizing their knowledge, these developers can leverage each platform’s unique strengths while mitigating any potential limitations.
Besides, developers with this skillset will find it easier to integrate with other libraries or increase efficiency by utilizing platform-specific functionalities.
Knowledge of Native Systems and their Modules
Your React Native app may require access to native platform APIs unsupported by JavaScript. Examples may include Google Wallet or Apple Pay APIs. Additionally, it may be necessary to use native libraries written in other programming languages like Java, Swift or Objective-C.
By using the NativeModule approach, a skilled React Native developer can integrate native modules/classes with JavaScript as JS objects. If the application relies on a native API that is not pre-exported, the React Native developer should be able to export it.
Proficiency in Utilizing Version Control Software
It’s essential for developers to have prior experience working with version control systems such as Apache Subversion, Git, and Mercurial. These systems allow teams to maintain a record of all codebase revisions, enabling them to retrieve a specific version of the code when necessary. Adopting version control techniques ensures maximum transparency and prevents conflicts among team members when multiple people are working on a shared codebase. By monitoring who made which changes, it’s possible to ensure everyone is on the same page and no one has overwritten anyone else’s contribution.
Clarity in Communication
When recruiting React Native engineers, like in all recruitment processes, two points must be taken into account. Providing employees with the chance to speak openly and express themselves unambiguously allow ideas to be shared and processes to be enhanced.
When implementing requested modifications, it’s beneficial to maintain transparent communication with customers and companies. Clients should also seek input and feedback from developers regarding the original specification.
Management and Monitoring of Processes
Developers must possess the critical skill of managing time well and staying focused.
React Native developers should possess the vital skill of creating a comprehensive process log, which entails keeping track of team backlogs and software version control. Familiarity with popular project management tools like ClickUp and Jira would be beneficial. Hiring developers with prior knowledge of these products can save time on training.
Summary and Final Remarks
In this post, we delved into an introduction to React Native, its function, and how it can contribute to mobile application development. Additionally, we highlighted the critical traits engineering managers should seek when recruiting React Native engineers. Familiarity with native modules and integration with native platforms, along with experience in native Android and iOS programming, are valuable assets.
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