Unlocking the Power of Modern Mobile App Development with React.js or React

In the fast-changing world of web and mobile development, React clearly stands out above the competition. Yet, if you go through any sort of technical forum, blog, or job board that is using the technology, you will see another name out there: React.js.  

This probably raises some eyebrows and questions: Are React.js or React different? Are there some differences that we, as developers, should care about? Most importantly, how does this library dictate how we build modern ReactJS applications, especially mobile applications?

We will not only take the time to clarify with some nuance the naming convention and its implications, but we will also explore how React.js development can enable businesses to develop high-performance, scalable, and maintainable mobile applications.

React vs React.js: Clearing Up the Confusion

Let’s clear this up: 

React = React.js.

There are no functional differences and no separate frameworks. Just two names for the same library in JavaScript.

React is the official name, maintained by Meta (Facebook) that describes the open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces (especially for single-page applications).

React.js is the casual name that emphasizes that React is a JavaScript-based library (like Vue.js or Node.js). When developers say “React.js,” they are just referring to React instead of a different tool.

Nevertheless, both terms are often used interchangeably throughout any technical discussion, in a project description, or purposefully in a marketing piece. The bottom line: Don’t stress the naming; focus on what React can do.

ReactJS for Mobile App Development: Bridging Web and Mobile

Originally, React was a UI Library focused on web development, but it has grown to have so much more functionality. Nowadays, developers are able to build not just a web interface but a fully functioning mobile app, using ReactJS mobile app development methods and React Native.

So, what does that mean for your business or dev team?

You can create a React Mobile App that:

• Shares logic across web and mobile applications,
• Delivers nearly native performance,
• Reduces time to market,
• Easy to maintain if you use modular code.

Both mobile and web use React Native with nearly identical principles – components, state, props – the only difference is that React Native renders the component using native APIs instead of DOM Elements for web.

Fun fact: do you know that Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Uber Eats, and Airbnb all use React Native in their mobile applications?

Why React.js is Perfect for Mobile Application Development?

Here are the reasons React.js development is ideal for both startups and enterprise mobile applications:

• Cross Platform

Using ReactJS for mobile app development means the developer writes once and deploys twice. React Native enables the developer to build applications for both iOS and Android with the same code, leaving you with a much smaller development cost.

• The Virtual DOM

React uses a Virtual DOM (Document Object Model) that helps to keep track of how UI elements change, while updating and rendering the performance of the application. The overhead of manipulating the DOM can be quite costly, so this can significantly improve performance, which is important for those who utilize mobile applications in the long run (as users expect quick loading times and responsive interfaces at all times).

• Component-Based Architecture

In a React application, every UI element will be a component. This means any elements can be reused throughout your app, be it buttons, menus, or form fields. By having a component library, development is faster, and an app is easier to maintain.

• Powerful Testing Tools

React comes with both built-in testing capabilities and additional tools. Libraries like React Testing Library, in conjunction with Jest and Cypress, allow developers to test logic and UI components perfectly, ensuring quality at every step of your deployment.

• Community and Ecosystem

With over 200k stars on GitHub and taking hold of support from a massive community around the country, React is battle-tested and production-ready. There are endless libraries, tools, and patterns to help accelerate your development workflow.

Testing React.js Applications: Build With Confidence

No one wants an app that fails halfway through a user flow. That’s why testing is so important. The React Testing Library is your new best friend. It was designed to test how your application behaves from a user’s perspective. Use it with Jest for unit and snapshot testing, and you will have a strong safety net for your ReactJS application.

Aside from the tool mentioned above, there are additional tools of support.

• Enzyme (though now a legacy tool),
• Cypress for end-to-end UI testing,
• React Test Renderer for snapshot rendering.

These tools provide support in ensuring your React application performs as anticipated in a cross-device, cross-user journey.

Scalable React Application Architecture

Let’s not kid ourselves, building a “Hello World” application in React is downright simple. Now, what about constructing something more sophisticated, like a full-fledged mobile banking application? Or an e-commerce platform that supports multi-user capabilities?

The difference is the architecture.

An architecture for a ReactJS application is generally considered good if it has:

• A defined separation of concerns (presentation vs logic),
• Reusable components and styles that can be shared,
• State management methods using Context API or Redux,
• API integration layers,
• Centralized routing, or centralized handling of errors.

This architecture will increase performance, make onboarding new developers simple, and set you up for the future with a framework that can be scaled.

Why GKM IT is the Best Choice for Your React.js Projects?

At GKM IT, we do not just build applications; we create digital experiences.

As a professional IT services provider, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking company that specializes in providing React.js development. We provide solutions that balance performance, design, and dependability. Our client experiences range from cross-platform mobile apps to enterprise React applications. Our expert teams embody agility, innovation, and excellence in every line of code that we write.

Here is what you can expect from us: 

• Full-service React.js & React Native development.
• User-friendly UI/UX design.
• Testing-first approach including React Testing Library, Jest & Cypress.
• Blazing-fast performance with a scalable architecture.
• With ongoing support and future-proofing.

Are you ready to take your digital idea to the next level? Let GKM IT be your innovation partner.

Conclusion: React Isn’t Just a Library. It’s a Paradigm.

Whether you refer to it as React or React.js, the name really isn’t what counts; it’s what it allows you to do. Create fast, scalable, maintainable, and cross-platform apps built for today’s mobile-first world.

With its unparalleled component system, enormous ecosystem, and prominent community, React has evolved to mean so much more than a library; it has become the standard of quality for UI development, especially with mobile.

So, the next time someone asks you, “React or React.js?” smile and say, “Both. Now, let’s build something awesome.”

Related Blogs:

React Native App Development Company – GKM IT

Difference Between React Native and ReactJS