Ask HN: React Native or Not

Hello HN,

There has been a few threads in the past on the same question. But considering the current status of the project, do you think React Native is good to develop an app? It's not a super complex app but with decent functionality (Think like coursera app). I'm not sure how well Native supports video playback.

Also thinking in business perspective, i assume most startups cannot afford to develop both Android and iOS when they hit the market. What is the approach you follow? If not react native, Is it better to start with the iOS app and if there is traction, think about Android?

6 comments

[ 5.2 ms ] story [ 34.7 ms ] thread

provlem 8y ago ↗

At initial stage, when you do not have complex thing happening inside your app. It's fine to start with react native, but as soon as user grows, Native is best especially in terms of performance.

Readout Airbnb thread - https://medium.com/braus-blog/airbnb-is-dropping-react-js-sh...

[deleted] 8y ago ↗

(comment deleted)

muzani 8y ago ↗

I think the only advantage to developing a React Native app is if you only know JS and are weak in actual native mobile. Both Swift and Kotlin are easier to build and maintain.

AskTheRightQs 8y ago ↗

I think development with React Native without the issues (compatibility would be much faster than Swift or Kotlin). People build prototypes within hours

miguelrochefort 8y ago ↗

It depends.

If you're already using React for the website, or are very proficient with React, then React Native is probably a good place to start.

If you're building a MVP, expect to iterate a lot, don't need anything fancy or super custom, React Native is probably a good option too.

If you have the resources and/or want to provide the best experience on Android and iOS, then you probably should go native.

If you don't already have a mobile website, you probably should tackle that first.

togusa2017 8y ago ↗

I think all depends on the project. In ur case a Coursera app would be easy to do even with video play back. But issues seep in when you try to do complex features and their bugs and implementation. My 2:cents would be time box your react native implementation and decide if it's worth it.