React Native and Swift are technologies that are popular for iOS app development. While React Native is a framework for JavaScript and Swift is Apple’s developed open programming language to develop apps for iOS devices. Now, the question arises: which one should you use for iOS mobile app development?
If you also want to know which technology is best for developing apps for iOS, then you’re at the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss React Native and Swift and compare them so that you can make an easier decision. Read on.
React Native is a JavaScript framework designed by Facebook to be used for cross-platform mobile application development. There is perfect reusability of codes, which makes developers’ work easier and enables them to develop apps for Android and iOS even with less effort and time.
React Native is a well-known framework used by many popular companies, like Facebook, Microsoft, and Uber. Many successful projects are built with React Native, such as Pinterest, Facebook, UberEats, Instagram, Skype, Shopify, and so on.
Swift is an open programming language created by Apple for designing native iOS applications. The language provides more freedom to developers so that they can create something incredible for users. This programming language has gained so much popularity in just a couple of years. The companies that were using Objective-C for app development switched to Swift.
The Swift programming language helps developers create native apps for iOS and macOS. Compared to Objective-C, Swift is simpler and allows developers to use native hardware features and build feature-dense and high-quality applications.
Now that you know about React Native and Swift, let’s compare them.
Don’t get too confused with React Native and Swift. Here, we will do a comparison between both technologies so that you can make your decision and hire the respective developers for your project.
This comparison is based on different factors, so make sure while comparing you take into consideration what app type you want. It will help you to compare both technologies.
React Native is a JavaScript framework that uses native components and APIs to build apps for multiple platforms. React Native offers an easy-to-code platform to developers and helps them to create an appealing solution for Android and iOS both. React Native apps are quite popular and face no issues with being displayed on various screen sizes.
On the other hand, Apple especially designed Swift to build native apps only for iOS. Developers get full freedom to create the best solution. However, coding is required from scratch. Hence, every element needs to be polished separately.
Here, React Native Wins
From the performance perspective, Swift in native development provides great performance over cross-platform development.
With React Native, it’s quite difficult to add graphics. When it comes to adding dynamic and graphic effects, Swift takes the lead.
React Native supports the use of native code in apps. This method allows developers to create various assets and tools to manage development activities. In general, Swift applications run more efficiently than apps built with other technologies.
Both have their own perks, but Swift wins the race here.
The biggest plus point of using React Native is that developers can reuse the code and create apps for other platforms. The thing is that mobile app code can be mostly written in JavaScript, and from that, you can minimize a lot of duplicate code by simply sharing logic across the web and mobile versions of an application. This not only saves time but also effort and money spent on cross-platform app development.
On the other hand, the Swift programming language is an open-source language that is based on Python, making it fast and intuitive. Swift is mainly used for native iOS and macOS development.
Here, React Native Wins
The development speed factor depends on which platform you want to develop the app on. For example, if you just want to develop an app for iOS, then Swift will deliver high speed as well as great performance for iOS app development.
On the other hand, if you want to develop an app for both Android and iOS, then React Native is the best choice to opt for. It can provide you with better development speed and performance. Also, Swift is specially designed for iOS applications, not for Android.
Hence, decide your needs and choose the technology as per your requirements.
So, from the speed perspective, for cross-platform, React Native is an ideal choice. And for native applications, Swift is an ideal choice.
React Native framework can develop apps for Android and iOS and decent native-like UI, but it cannot reach the stability standard of Swift. React Native uses internal APIs and libraries to make the app work. It is like adding a middle man between the code and the platform, which may disrupt the stability of the application.
On the other hand, with Swift for native development, it is possible to leverage the device’s features and build a more stable and appealing application.
Here, Swift wins.
The app development cost depends on various factors. A leading app development company can add their brand name value; small and medium-sized businesses can charge based on the service quality.
The React Native app development cost is still less than Swift because React Native is based on a conventional JavaScript framework and it allows code reusability that ultimately reduces the cost.
Swift is especially for iOS applications, so there might be chances of a little high development cost compared to React Native.
Here, React Native wins
React Native is based on a JavaScript framework, which is quite popular since its launch. JavaScript is currently one of the top programming languages used in web and hybrid mobile app development. JavaScript has large community support as it is involved in web development, app development, and machine learning. So, when you find anything about JavaScript on the internet, there can be countless responses to resolve the problem. There is a large community of JavaScript coders, yet it can be difficult to find the right answers.
On the other hand, Swift refers to only one type of programming—iOS app development. Due to the small community, there are fewer problems asked by users, and assuming that everyone is facing the usual challenges of Swift, asking about it in the community is significantly easier. So, asking and getting solutions is quite easy here.
Here, React Native wins
React Native and Swift are both created by well-known tech giants. These tech giants are quite particular about security and the documentation needed. React Native is created by Facebook, while Swift is created by Apple. Hence, both the projects are well documented and organized. Both technologies also provide a standard for commenting code to easily convert it into documentation, significantly reducing the time required.
Here, tied
Both technologies are doing well in their field, allowing developers to work with freedom. When it comes to cross-platform development, React Native boosts developers’ energy by allowing them to reuse the code. It increases the efficiency of developers, enhances their productivity, and also boosts their thoughts to create something new and unique.
Swift comes from the popular tech giant that is always up for creativity and innovation. Swift is an open programming language that encourages developers to work freely and allows them to create incredible solutions if anyone has an idea.
Here, tied
This is less a comparison factor but a suggestion to you when it’s time to use React Native or Swift.
React is mostly used for cross-platform development, and Swift is specially designed for building native applications for iOS devices. So, it’s quite clear that if you want to develop an app that should be compatible with both Android and iOS, then you can move to React Native. And when it comes to developing an app for iOS devices, Swift should be your first choice.
React Native vs. Swift-Popular Applications
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If you’re still not sure about React Native, here are some of its benefits and drawbacks you should check out before you make any decision.
Benefits
Faster Development
As we mentioned earlier, React Native works independently, and the code reusability significantly reduces the development cycle and time to market. Hence, faster app development is possible.
Modules
The modular architecture of React Native separates program functions into flexible free blocks called modules. This technique creates versatility, enhanced coordination, and seamless updating. This allows React Native developers to deploy app updates on the fly.
Hot Reloading
This feature allows developers to instantly view changes made to an app’s code in a preview window. It helps developers with real-time feedback, which is really beneficial in app development projects.
Cost-Effective
React Native is a cost-effective solution as it minimizes the work, effort, and team members.
Drawbacks
Performance barrier
This is one of the biggest barriers when it comes to React Native. React Native applications can take up more space on the device and create many disruptions in performance that create a bad user experience. However, it is said that React Native is improving, so it’s possible we will see the improved version of React Native.
Not suitable for intensive apps
The React Native framework is not the best option to create intensive apps. For intensive apps, native app development is the best approach.
Benefits
Faster Development
Swift is considered an expressive language that uses simple syntax. Hence, faster development is possible with Swift. The Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) feature manages app usage tracking and management, which saves lots of development time because memory tracking and management are no longer an issue. Therefore, developers using Swift can build apps faster.
Best for Intensive Apps
Such apps that require heavy lifting need a native approach. For native development, Swift is one of the best options you can take.
User Experience
Applications built with Swift take less time to install and take up less memory space on the user’s device. Apple created this language specifically for iOS device app development, allowing more access to the native device’s features. Therefore, developers can create better apps with better functionality that create a better user experience.
ABI Stability
ABI refers to an Application Binary Interface that solves a major issue in native development. Prior to this feature, it was difficult to implement a new language into the existing application. Whenever developers tried to implement a new version of the language into the existing application, some features crashed.
Thanks to ABI stability that prevents this from happening, and made possible the implementation of all languages with existing applications, without any loss.
Drawbacks
Not a mature language
It has been 6 years since Swift came into existence, but still, it is a relatively young programming language compared to Objective-C, which launched in the 1980s. However, Swift has gained so much popularity in the last 6 years among developers and users.
Small community
As we said, Swift is a programming language designed for native iOS devices. This open-source language is not as large or strong as others, such as Objective-C. As a result, the count of experienced developers is lower, which poses a challenge for new developers who need support.
Specific to one platform only
Apple created the Swift programming language, especially for iOS devices and mobile app development. There is no use in Android app development.
There are relatively few factors to differentiate between React Native and Swift as both the platforms are gaining importance in their respective fields. React Native is quite popular and suitable for cross-platform development, where less intensity is required. On the other hand, Swift is the best choice for native app development as it also comes with specific features and tools to develop apps for iOS devices.
Now, it’s upon you to decide what your requirements for your app are, how you want to develop it, and who your target audience is. These are the questions you can ask yourself before making any choice. And once you decide, you will probably need the best app development company, isn’t it?
You can contact enAct eServices for your app development project right now. We will provide you with everything we have to make it the best among others.
