6 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a React-Native App

React Native is a leading cross-platform app development framework that has more than one and half thousand active contributors. The growing demand for React Native development is due to its increasing popularity and regular updates that enhance its features. However, to fully leverage the benefits of React Native, developers must be conscious of the common mistakes that may occur during the development process and learn how to avoid them.

Success in React Native app development requires being proactive and avoiding common errors. By keeping up with the latest updates, familiarising oneself with best practices, and taking the time to comprehend the framework and its capabilities, developers in react native app development companies can ensure their React Native apps are of the highest quality and provide an optimal user experience.

Here in this post, we will explain some of the most frequented React Native app development mistakes.

Inability to plan Redux Store properly 

Redux provides a robust solution for organizing and managing data within an application, especially in larger and more intricate projects. However, when incorporating Redux into a React Native app, careful planning is essential to avoid potential problems.

On the other hand, using Redux in small-scale React Native projects is not advisable. The requirement of extensive and complicated code writing, even for minor changes, can result in increased workload and quickly become overwhelming. In these situations, avoiding the use of Redux would likely result in a smoother development process and fewer issues.

Considering web view and native view as one 

When working with React Native, it's important to understand the difference between web views and native views. Web views utilize HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to render web content, while native views are built using the platform's UI elements and APIs. The consequence of using web views is that they can have lower performance and restricted access to device capabilities.

It's vital to keep in mind that web views may not offer the same level of responsiveness as native views, and some features may not be supported. That's why testing your code is critical to ensure it operates as expected. By having a clear understanding of when to use each type of view, you can avoid potential errors and ensure the best possible outcome for your project.

Not treating images for size and quality 

While React Native supports several image formats, not all of them are optimized for mobile usage. Unoptimized images can hog memory and slow down the performance of the app, especially on devices with limited resources. Furthermore, loading large images over a network can extend the app's load time and negatively impact the user experience.

To avoid these issues, it's important for developers to optimize their images by reducing file size without sacrificing quality. This can be achieved through techniques like compression, using the correct image format, and selecting the right resolution for different devices. 

Another solution is to use third-party libraries such as React Native Fast Image, which aids in image loading and caching, leading to a faster and more efficient image loading experience. This improvement in performance makes the app more responsive and enhances the overall user experience.

Missing some code coming from external modules

App development is a challenging and lengthy process and many developers seek ways to make it easier. One approach is to use external modules during the development process. External modules often come with documentation and pre-written code, which can streamline the app development journey.

However, a common pitfall is not thoroughly scrutinizing the code within these modules. Neglecting to do so can result in unexpected issues, such as the module not functioning as intended or even disrupting the app. To avoid these setbacks, it's essential for developers to carefully read and examine all the code within the external modules they use. 

Not conducting test on different hardware 

React Native's ability to cater to multiple platforms from a single codebase is well known. However, it demands developers to consider the disparities in display and interaction across different devices.

Devices have diverse screen sizes, resolutions, and aspect ratios, which can impact the way the app is shown. Moreover, hardware specifications, such as the camera, GPS, and accelerometer, can affect the app's functionality. To make sure the app performs optimally on a wide range of devices and platforms, developers should test their code on multiple devices. Moreover, testing the app's compatibility with different devices and platforms through emulators and simulators can also be a useful option. 

Not doing unit testing

Neglecting to write tests for your React Native app may seem harmless, but it can actually lead to uncertain outcomes when the app is released to the public. Instead of relying on luck, it's crucial to thoroughly test the app's functionality and quality before its launch.

Unit testing is an effective tool for ensuring the reliability of your app. It allows you to examine each component and feature separately, ensuring that each function behaves as expected. By incorporating unit tests during development, you can catch and fix any bugs early, making the launch process smoother and more efficient.

Don't take chances with the new React Native app's success simply by taking things for granted. Make testing a priority and take the necessary steps to ensure its smooth launch.

Ending Notes 

Being considerate of the errors that can negatively affect the user experience is crucial for any app development project. Another critical step is to align with a mobile app development company that views mistakes as a way to learn and encourages growth.

Such a partnership can provide indispensable support and guidance, reducing the occurrence of common mistakes and increasing the likelihood of success. This collaboration can foster growth and advancement, leading to the production of high-quality, user-friendly mobile applications.