Understanding the Difference: While React and React Native share core principles, they serve different purposes. React is used for web applications, while React Native is used for mobile app development.
1. Platform:
- React: Builds web applications that run in the browser.
- React Native: Builds mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms.
2. Components:
- React: Utilizes standard HTML and CSS.
- React Native: Uses native components, allowing for a more native look and feel in mobile applications.
3. Styling:
- React: Styles are typically defined using CSS or CSS-in-JS solutions.
- React Native: Uses a styling approach similar to CSS but with slight differences tailored for mobile platforms.
4. Performance:
- React: Performance depends on the browser’s capabilities.
- React Native: Offers near-native performance as it renders components using native APIs.
Conclusion: Understanding the distinction between React and React Native is crucial for developers looking to specialize in web or mobile application development.