Navigating the Challenges of React Native Development
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
My experience with mobile application development using React Native has been a rollercoaster ride, especially as I work with a startup focused on Web3 and AI. My primary responsibility is to create a mobile app, and I've opted for React Native as my framework.
React Native is relatively new to the Web2 landscape, and the question remains: will the community contribute effectively to the Web3 sector? What really frustrates me is that each time I embark on a React Native project, I'm met with various challenges, often revolving around:
- Issues with Gradle versions or plugins
- Problems related to the JDK, whether it's not installed or misconfigured
- Incompatibilities with React Native versions
- SDK location errors
- Java version discrepancies
While these may seem trivial for mobile developers to master, they significantly hinder productivity.
Often, a React Native project might build flawlessly in one GitHub branch but fails in another. Even a single npm module installation can disrupt the entire APK build process. Although these issues may not appear critical, they can become major roadblocks when rapid development is essential.
Section 1.1: The Reusability Dilemma
I firmly believe in the power of reusability. If I've already developed a component or a feature, why should I have to recreate it? The lack of a straightforward reuse mechanism in React Native is disheartening. Even the addition of a new npm module can jeopardize the stability of the entire repository’s APK build and the overall development process, necessitating caution.
For instance, I encountered a Gradle version issue while working on my Web3 wallet app. After spending 3-4 hours searching for solutions and consulting ChatGPT, nothing seemed to resolve the problem. Ultimately, I had to switch to a different branch of the same repository and reinstall the packages to get the app functioning again. It's incredibly frustrating to see two branches of the same codebase yield such different outcomes.
I recall my battle with installing react-native-firebase, which was one of the most exasperating experiences I faced in this framework. The reasons behind these challenges with React Native packages remain unclear, but I found that a lot of my time was wasted on inconsequential tasks. Installing third-party packages should be seamless and straightforward, ideally achievable with a single command.
Section 1.2: A Glimmer of Hope
Will React Native have a bright future? Absolutely! We need to streamline the cumbersome aspects—issues related to Gradle, JDK, and SDK should not consume excessive time. In the realm of AI, we should prioritize efficiency and focus on reusability.
I've been exploring Expo, which simplifies the development and testing processes for both iOS and Android apps through its live snack bar feature. It’s an exciting and engaging tool for mobile development. However, using Expo with Web3 applications poses questions, though it does allow full ejection. I’ve attempted this but remain skeptical about its reliability.
Currently, I'm in discussions with the Expo team regarding the development of my non-custodial wallet app and the hurdles I face. My exploration into React Native deepens, and I aim to eliminate the challenges associated with the Android and iOS folders, wishing for a solution akin to how node_modules operates.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
React Native is still in its infancy, with version 1 yet to be released. The persistent issues with Gradle, JDK, and SDK are commonplace, and building APKs for different environments can be daunting. Nonetheless, there’s a growing array of applications being developed with React Native, as opposed to Swift and Java.
The JavaScript community is vast and supportive, ensuring continuous growth for React Native. Its future remains promising.
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Shrey
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In this video titled "Is This the Future of React Native? app.js Recap and Insights," the host dives into the evolving landscape of React Native and its potential implications for the future of mobile app development.
The second video, "React Native Just Made A Long Overdue Change," discusses recent updates in React Native that promise to enhance the development experience significantly.