Guide to Convert an Android & iOS App to React Native

The technological stack React Native has been around since February 2015, introduced at the React JS conference of Facebook. It is an open-source platform that does not require any programming language, such as HTML or CSS. App developers can write native code in Java or Objective-C language to build cross-platform apps.

React Native is gaining popularity worldwide every day. The platform has billions of users who are switching from the current framework to the react native framework. This framework’s higher scalability and lower complexity entice many developers for developing React Native apps.

This post will aim to teach you how to convert Android or iOS apps to React Native.

So without further ado let’s get started!

What is React Native?

React Native is completely based on javascript and builds native applications. Instead of using web components, React Native app development services leverage native Android and iOS functionalities to design mobile UIs with expressive elements. React Native operates in the same manner as React. However, instead of using Virtual DOM, it manipulates the DOM using native views.

How to Convert an Android & iOS App to React Native?

The procedure to convert an iOS or Android application to React-Native is straightforward. The steps for converting Android and iOS applications to React Native are list below.

Step 1: If you want to convert an existing Android app to iOS using React Native, you must include a splash screen with an app icon.

Step 2: To begin, clone and install the necessary libraries. Once installed, you might be able to instruct it to operate as an Android-powered by React Native on any installed Android phone or emulator.

Step 3: You may now set up authentication for the iOS app built with React Native.

Step 4: Launch your application in the iOS Simulator.

Step 5: Now, modify your application’s style. Before executing on the device, set the icon and display name. Make a welcome screen

Step 6: Finally, submit your software/application to the Apple App Store.

Similarly, if you want to build an Android app with React Native, the required steps are listed below.

Setup Maven

Maven setup necessitates the inclusion of React Native and Javascript elements to the libraries file, i.e. build.gradle. If you want to make sure that you are using the correct version of React Native, you may replace the plus(+) sign with the original version of this. Make sure your all projects have a single entry for both React Native and the JavaScript maven directories. Here, you could double-check for the final path.

Automate Native Module

To automate, you must first create an entry to setting.gradle. After that, add that entry to the app/build.gradle file.

Setup Allowances

Make sure you are authorized to access the Internet. Check AndroidManifest.xml for further information on this. If your user flow necessitates access to DevSettingActivity, you can include it in AndroidManifest.xml.

ClearText Traffic

If you have an Android version higher than 9, you will notice that cleartext traffic is still disabled. Your application will not be able to connect to the Metro builder because of this. Apply the provided code to XML files to enable the connection.

Coding Integration

The following steps should be taken by React Native app development company when integrating code:

Set up a single index.js file.
Incorporate React Native JS code
Obtain authorization before overlaying development errors
Render JS component

In the emulators, the dev menu was not always active. As a result, to test the JavaScript code, you would need to utilize a particular ctrl+M function.

Testing

This is the final phase. Just like other codes and apps, this step is crucial to the success of the software. The testing phase verifies whether the converted app behaves like a real React Native app or not. To work on it the tester will use Metro builder for the building Index. Bundle.

First, run the packager. After that, launch the application you created. When you run the app, the React Native code should be deployed and the Javascript should be load from the server. It should clearly display the required outcomes.

Points to Consider While Converting Native iOS and Android Apps to React Native

The most accurate method to convert a Native app to a React Native app is to write less code. If there are too many modifications to be done, it is better to design a new app in React Native rather than convert. However, this depends on the type of application. So, if you need to convert a native iOS or Android app to React Native, keep the following points in mind.

1. Update Libraries

While developing an app with React Native, working with the most recent technological stacks, including tools, libraries, databases, and frameworks, is preferable for the end outcome. If you are using a different version, you should look for the Android version. The most recent version of React Native, 0.60, includes several new features, including auto-linking, lean core, accessibility, Android migration, and more.

2. Execution of Custom Native Modules

It is not enough to simply create a module file. Hence, the module must be register before using a Native module. To generate and register this module, another Java class must be written. The final step after importing the file is to complete the registration process to start another package class.

3. Assets Addition to React Native App

The elements in an application that improve user experience are called assets i.e. custom typefaces, launcher icons, push notification icons, and so on. The React Native app must be user-friendly. To improve its appearance, you can modify the debug App’s icon and push notification’s icon. The developers can also create the necessary features to enhance the font’s aesthetic appeal.

4. UI/UX Elements

One of React Native’s UI/UX elements’ best qualities is that developers can customize it to suit their projects. To keep the same layout resolution as Android, React Native uses the pixel density property. Therefore, the problems brought on by the misalignment are not visible. The interfaces and design ideas between Android and iOS are very different. To learn about the standard components, the developer must adhere to the design standards.

Benefits of Using React Native for your Android or iOS application

  • React Native offers a scalable, functional, user-friendly, secure, robust, and efficient app.
  • React Native uses different threads via Native applications and UI to improve performance
  • React Native allows for the reusability of components. No matter what OS is being used, all Native framework execution may be done by just reusing the codes.
  • Live reloading and Hot reloading, two key features of React Native, let you test the results immediately after executing the code and cut down on the period of time it takes to make changes before the app becomes live.
  • It provides strong community support so that people can study React Native and implement it effectively.

Closing Remarks

This concludes our discussion of How to Convert an iOS and Android App to React Native Developers can trust the instructions provided in the article to accomplish their goals. The setup and deployment of the libraries can be difficult for new developers. Therefore, the conversion can only be done by professionals

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