Xamarin and React Native are two of the most popular cross-platform frameworks used in the mobile app development industry. Today, many businesses hire a mobile applications development company that uses these two platforms to develop high-quality, feature-rich applications. But which one of these mobile app development frameworks is better than the other?
Well, to understand this, we have come up with a profound comparative analysis between Xamarin and React Native. This article will discuss the features and limitations of both frameworks and help you decide which one of them will suit your business app needs.
Overview of Xamarin
Came into existence in 2011, Xamarin is a top-notch cross-platform app development platform that Microsoft acquired in 2016. The framework uses C# and .NET to provide multi-platform app solutions with a single codebase. Its feature of code reusability made Xamarin extremely popular among mobile app developers. Moreover, with the help of Visual Studio, you can get all the necessary tools to build highly functional apps.
Overview of React Native
React Native is a JavaScript platform used to design mobile applications for various platforms like Android and iOS. Based on React, Facebook’s JS library, you can create beautiful user interfaces for your mobile application. With React Native, you can experience a complete native feel with the help of native modules and APIs. Due to its code-sharing approach, you can simultaneously build mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices.
React Native vs Xamarin: A Comparative Analysis
Since you have got an overview of both the mobile app development frameworks, let’s discuss some critical factors to compare these two.
In terms of the development environment
React Native offers its users an IDE (Integrated Development Environment), where you can write codes for your app and add essential components to develop an app. You can also use Expo for debugging your applications. Moreover, your mobile app reloads automatically with its Hot reloading feature when making changes to your code.
On the other hand, Xamarin does not provide any specific IDE. However, it is still a robust choice in this context, as with Xamarin, you can write code for your iOS app on Windows and later compile it for macOS. However, for the further development of the application, you need a platform for the processes.
In terms of ready-made components
Although you can use existing codes in React Native, there are chances that the ready-made components available today might have less or no scope soon. Since no one wants to make an app with outdated functionalities, these ready-made codes make no sense. However, you can still use these components after updating them once a better version arrives.
Xamarin codes, on the other hand, can be complex. Still, there are high chances that you can find similar codes related to your app project, especially when you are looking for components with the exact specifications. The Xamarin developers community also regularly shares many ready-made code blocks, which can help you design high-performing applications.
In terms of app performance and code implementation
React Native works on JavaScript for coding purposes, but internally, it uses the same fundamental UI code blocks as any other cross-platform application. For compilation, it uses the JIT (Just in Time) approach for the Android platform; however, you can not use the same for iOS.
Xamarin uses C# along with JIT and AOT (Ahead of Time) compilation. Since iOS avoids JIT compilation, you can use the AOT approach to compile the iOS applications. By default, the framework follows JIT compilation but based on requirements and platforms, you can configure it into AOT.
In terms of app compilation and development speed
React Native is well-known for fast and efficient app development. Whenever the development process slows down, React Native makes sure to reload the JavaScript codes, test them and modify them as per the requirements. For debugging, the Chrome developer tool is present that speeds up the debugging and testing phase.
Although Xamarin is quick with developing apps, you will require more time in the entire compilation process whenever there is a large project. It can directly impact the development time and cost. Hence, compared to React Native, Xamarin is slow in terms of app compilation and development.
In terms of application testing
React Native comes with suitable tools to make testing easy. The framework uses the PropTypes tool (requires no setup) for static type testing. Furthermore, for unit and integration testing, React Native uses a test runner and an affirmation library. In addition, Jest, a JS testing tool with an API for specifications and behaviour testing.
Xamarin consists of various testing tools like Xamarin Test Recorder and NUnit to test cross-platform app user interfaces. You can use Xamarin Test Cloud for a broad range of devices.
Final Thoughts: Who’s the winner?
By understanding the above app development aspects, you can figure out that both the frameworks are exceptionally well in their own way. There are specific directions in which React Native takes the lead; however, in some features, Xamarin has no match. Therefore, it would be challenging to state any one of these platforms as superior to the other. Hence, it would be better to analyse your business requirements and hire top developers.to fulfil them. After all, tools and frameworks will only provide the features you want; the real success lies within the initial concept and how you implement it.
