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As more and more people purchase cell phones, the demand for mobile apps continues to increase. Consumers expect to be able to do more with their devices. They want apps for communication, business and entertainment. It used to be that mobile app developers needed to program their apps for one platform, either Android or iOS, and then program it a second time for the next platform. This made rolling out apps on multiple platforms a slow process. Today, by using an app development framework, developers can program once and have the app work on both major platforms. The two most popular frameworks are React Native and Ionic. Although both frameworks have strong followings, they have some important differences. About React Native React Native was developed by Facebook and uses much of the same technology as their React JavaScript library. Developers can program in JavaScript to design apps for both iOS and Android devices. React Native is known as a hybrid-native app development framework. This means that, although the programming is done in JavaScript, the program runs in the platform’s native code, allowing for smooth operation on that platform. Mobile app developers love the fact that you can release your app on both platforms at the same time. About Ionic Ionic takes a different approach to mobile app development. It was created by the Drifty Company using the AngularJS framework, though current versions also support React. It is known as a hybrid-web app development framework. Developers use the basic languages of the web, HTML, CSS and JavaScript, to design their apps. Apps connect to native functions through additional APIs. This means that the apps are less dependent on the platform, leading to greater flexibility. Ionic can be used for both Android and iOS platforms, but also for desktop apps, progressive web apps, and any other web-based platform. Comparing the Frameworks Both React Native and Ionic are powerful tools for creating new apps across platforms. They are also both free to use. One difference is that Ionic is open source, meaning anyone can use it as they deem fit. Because React Native was developed by Facebook, users need to obtain proper licensing from the company. The major differences between the two frameworks involve performance, flexibility and ease of use. Performance: React Native runs in the native code of the platform. This leads to a smoother experience for the user and fewer hiccups along the way. Basic device functions such as audio playback and the device camera are simple to access. Ionic’s design makes it necessary to connect to device functions using an application programming interface, or API. While fans of Ionic see this as a minor issue, it can lead to slower app performance. Flexibility: React Native can be used to develop apps for the two major mobile platforms, Android and iOS. It is designed to offer the best performance on devices that use these platforms. Ionic is designed to offer both ease of use and flexibility across several platforms. Because it uses basic web languages, developers can use the framework quickly. Apps can be run out of the box on any web-based platform. Ease of use: For those who are familiar with React, using React Native will come quite naturally. Ionic is easier to get started with, since programming is done in basic web languages. It also comes with several pre-made user interface components that can save development time. Which Is Best for Mobile App Developers? Both of these frameworks have strong advocates in the programming world. It may be that people who know and like React will gravitate to React Native. The most common issue for people who choose React Native is performance. If you want an app that will run naturally on a smartphone, React Native is your choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for ease and flexibility in development, Ionic may be your framework of choice. Its web-based design allows you easy access to multiple platforms. It also offers a low bar for ease of entry, potentially leading to faster development times and lower development costs.
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