Previously it wasn’t possible to create a fully built iOS app on JavaScript. The developers had to create different native apps using native codes for each OS separately. Else, they would have to use the available plugins or frameworks like Phonegap to bridge the spaces between iOS and the JavaScript app. But this worked good only for basic functionalities of an app, and developing a complicated app was a tedious task.

That is when Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook could perceive a requirement for a common developing platform for mobile applications on different OS and devices. So for fulfilling this need, React Native was created by Facebook. So basically, ‘React’ is a JavaScript Library and ‘React Native’ is a framework that enables its users to develop mobile apps with native functionalities. Thus, the very first and the clear advantage of React Native is that developers can build native apps without the need to learn the native development languages like Obj C, Swift for iOs and Java for Android.

New JavaScript libraries and frameworks are launched every day in the market. But React Native has maintained its position as the top framework used for app development for quite a long time now. And, React Native just being created by Facebook is not the reason for it being at the top. The following are the reasons why React Native tops the list of cross mobile development platforms and why it is not going anywhere in the near future:

1) Massive Cross-Platform Developing Capabilities

React Native is mostly used for developing apps for multiple OS like Android, iOS and UWP. Additionally, the biggest reason behind React Native being so successful is, that it allows the developers to create native-like apps while writing the code only once.

Whenever a platform-specific code is required, it can send instructions via a bridge to the platform and then those instructions will call the platform-specific functionalities. So, the overall performance of the app regardless of platform (i.e. web, Android or iOS) is very smooth, just like it has been developed natively.

2) Build Native-Like Apps without Learning Native Development Language

As mentioned earlier, React Native lets the developers write a single code for Android and iOS versions of the app (not the whole code but almost 80% of the code is similar). Furthermore, React Native is such a powerful framework that it can detect the platform and it can send platform-specific instructions accordingly for calling native functionalities.

For example, when you want to create a button using a function, React Native sends this information through a bridge to the native platform. It detects the type of platform and then calls a JavaScript function if it is Android or calls the Objective-C function if it is iOS. Thus, most of the app’s code remains similar and only the platform-specific functionalities are to be written in the platform-specific language. So as React Native works on Javascript, the developer only needs to learn Javascript and some native functionalities to work with React Native.

3) Does not touch DOM (Document Object Model)

React Native works on the same principles as React.js. But, the main difference between the two is that React Native creates a virtual DOM which in turn updates the browser’s actual

DOM. The idea behind this feature was that an in-memory cache was created and the changes were made in this virtual DOM. Then this virtual DOM would only update the actual DOM at places where the actual changes took place. This made it look like the whole page was rendered when only those parts were rendered where the actual changes took place. This is very useful while fetching rapidly changing data.

React Native renders directly the native components via background processes. That means React Native runs in the background in the end device by calling Javascript. This Javascript, in turn, communicates with the platform in native language via a series of bridges which are asynchronous and batched. Thus, React Native renders native components through invoking native APIs.

4) Highly Popular

As of now, React Native is the market leader for developing cross-platform applications and is very popular amongst developers. Some of the biggest applications like Facebook, Instagram, Bloomberg, Tesla, Skype, Uber, Walmart and many more are built using React Native. Many start-up apps are also being created using Reactive Native. Developers find the working environment of React Native very user-friendly. According to a Stack Overflow Developer Survey done in 2018, the React framework is the developer’s first choice to work with for cross-platform development.

The other reason for which React Native is highly popular is, that it is very cost and time effective as compared to native development. It is rather costly to develop a native app for each Android, iOS, and Web. The cost almost shoots up by three times. And not all companies will be able to use those specialized resources for development of such apps as they will have budgetary constraints. But, while using Reactive Native, the development cost can be reduced and so the development time also decreases, making it cost effective.

5) Huge Community Support

Being the brainchild of Facebook, it has a community of developers who are always donating towards polishing Reactive Native. Even outside Facebook, there is a huge community of developers who support Reactive Native and are actively participating in its enhancement. In January 2018, Facebook created a repository for Reactive Native Releases. This allows any user to keep up with the latest releases of Reactive Native and also allows its users to propose and discuss anything and everything on Reactive Native.

6) Better Capabilities then other Frameworks

There are many other frameworks like ‘Flutter’ by Google and ‘Ionic’ by Drifty Co. which offer cross-platform app development. But these have many glitches and can sometimes get difficult to work with. For example, Flutter works mostly fine with Android OS, but native calls with iOS are difficult and the results are far from that of a native app.

In Ionic development, the web mechanisms written through CSS and Javascript are wrapped in a Webview. Thus, the app gets dependent on Webview which itself is very slow. This has resulted in the developers choosing to use React Native over other frameworks.

What Does the Future Hold?

React Native currently holds a top position for cross-platform development mechanism and the industry exprets see no downfall in the near future. Though there are a few issues working with React Native, Facebook is constantly upgrading its features and capabilities to make app development with React Native smoother.

React Native was designed in a way to create a single bridge between Javascript and native which is asynchronous, serializable and batched. But these principles were a hindrance when APIs were expecting an asynchronous reply. A batched bridge meant it was harder to call functions that were implemented natively. A serializable bridge meant unnecessary copying instead of directly sharing the memory. So, Facebook is now making major changes to make this framework even more flexible. The three major areas where React Native is being changed are:

1) Threading Model:

In the current threading model, a UI change requires to work on three different threads. But in the new model, it would be possible to call asynchronously into Javascript on any thread. This will maintain responsiveness and will keep the low priority work away from the main thread.

2) Asynchronous Rendering:

New async capabilities will be added to access the asynchronous data.

3) Bridge Simplification:

A new bridge that would be simple to use and which can make direct calls between native and JavaScript will be developed. This would also mean that debugging tools would be easier to make.

Conclusion

Even though there are a few problems with React Native, but with such constant up-gradation, React Native is not going anywhere in the near future and is about to remain topping the list of favourites for cross-platform frameworks.

Many third-party libraries are also providing React Native support looking at its user base. Within the last five years, React Native has emerged as one of the biggest frameworks for cross-platform development and with new capabilities being added constantly, it is going to be the number one framework for at least a couple of years in the near future.

To develop a cross-platform app using React Native and to know more about React Native, please get in touch with us.

Here at Sunflower Lab, we understand that high quality businesses require high quality solutions. Founded in 2010, we are a fast-growing digital innovations agency with top-notch management, and over 75 talented engineers around the world. We focus on growing startups and helping global brands to build stunning, custom technology solutions. Our products always make an impact and we’re dedicated to making better technology today for our client’s bright tomorrow!

In light of our success, we’ve been named a 2019 Clutch Leader on the Clutch top 1000! This is a comprehensive list of the top global B2B service providers, vetted by Clutch’s verified reviews! We’re just one out of 147 custom software development companies listed, but the only one from Somerset New Jersey!

We’d like to take this time to thank our customers for participating in reviews on our behalf. They ranked us according to our quality of service, scheduling capabilities, and cost efficiency. In summation of those scores, we’ve been ranked a phenomenal 4.7 out of 5 stars! We’re so glad we’ve been able to meet our customers’ expectations thus far. Please take a look at a recent review to see what they’ve been saying:

For those who might not know, Clutch is a B2B ratings and reviews platform that employs a one-of-a-kind measurement methodology to compare companies across industries. Our development skills have also been highlighted by The Manifest, a premier business data platform, as well as on Visual Objects, a site that helps serve clients around the world through company portfolios.

Once again, thank you to our customers and to the Clutch team for making this award possible! Please drop us a line if you’d like our help in building a sunnier tomorrow!

SECTION. 1 

It’s been couple of years since react-native has taken hive in Mobile App Development world. Based on JavaScript, react-native gives you a way to write your whole mobile application in single code base language, and allows you to release a Mobile Apps for two different platforms: iOS and Android.  

Build with best part of native development with React and written in JavaScript, it’ll help software developers to bring the best of their knowledge for mobile app development as good as made with native app development. React-native has also introduce many components that you can term as views that can be used to build a cross-platform mobile application. This component behaves differently based on the platform on which they are running. Like an Alert component, which looks differently on both the platform as their native behaviour, but it’s coded in single code base. But what if we need to design a component that looks the same, works the same, and responds the same on both platforms (Android, iOS)?

Here in this article, we’re going to discuss how we can design a custom component that looks the same and behaves the same for iOS and  android platforms. We’re going to design a Custom Alert Component that will have an alert title, alert title image, alert message, and two buttons from which user can respond back (OK, CANCEL, YES, NO). So, let’s start with it.  

First, we’ll create a new react-native project using specific version of react-native, 

react-native init CustomAlertComponent –version 0.59.4 

Execution of this command will take some time. At the end of the execution, open our application project in Visual Code or any other code editor to go further.  

Initially we’ll have entry level structure of react-native application and we’ll go with this one. As we can see, index.js have a registered component declared in App.js file. We’re going to work with this file. So next open it and remove the unnecessary content from it. At end the content of file should be as below, 

Next, we’ll create our custom alert component. For that we require a separate CustomAlertComponent.js file. So, copy and duplicate App.js file and simply change the name of the file and class to CustomAlertComponent. Modify the content as shown in below image. 

Next, we slightly modified our main App.js file as below. 

Change that we’ve made are, first import CustomAlertComponent that we have created and put it in between <View/> tag of the render method. Now, let’s run the application using react-native run-ios (for iOS) or react-native run-android (for Android) command. We’ll get results as below images. We’re keeping it visible so we can see how our designing takes place with time. 

At Sunflower Lab, we exist to help our client’s, plain and simple. This mission fuels every time we write a line of code, when we test beta versions, and when we create UX/UI design that gives consumers a seamless transition from browsing to checkout.

We’re proud of the work we’ve created for over 175 projects, and that’s why we’re excited to share the news that Clutch has named us a top leader in the retail mobile app developers sector in New Jersey.

The 2019 Clutch Leader listrepresents all the companies that are top notch in the eyes of their clients. Clutch is a B2B ratings and reviews platform that designates top companies only if they’ve received positive feedback and results from the client’s they have worked with.

We are inspired to know our 22 clients that have reviewed us feel good about our partnerships.

It’s an inspiring time in the retail industry. It’s important for companies to stay updated about the different ways consumer purchases are changing. Check out the directory on The Manifest, a Clutch resource that lays out need-to-know industry information and offers how-to guides for companies. Users can also check out the Visual Objects list for top app development companies.

Thank you to our clients for all the support this year. Send us a message if you’re looking for a consultation on your next project!

People often fondly refer to certain time periods as a “golden age” to reflect that a certain aspect was at its peak.

To say we’re in the “golden era” of mobile technology doesn’t properly reflect just how good things are. Perhaps it is more applicable to call this the “platinum era.”

The number of mobile device users is projected to climb to 4.68 billion this year.

With everyone so adept at using mobile technology, app developers need to stay at the top of their game by designing and building apps that cater to the expectations of tech-savvy 2020 users.

These expectations include:

● An intuitive, engaging interface
● Minimal disruptions to user experience
● Relevant content

This article will discuss how to approach mobile app development with these considerations in mind and the benefits your company can earn as a result.

Keep Users Engaged With Visuals

Today’s technology has shortened our attention spans, so it is imperative to keep users engaged.

There are several strategies that you can employ to create an engaging experience for the user:

● Navigation Gestures: Adding simple animations that demonstrate the gesture required to perform a task can streamline user’s experiences on your app and allow for better use of the screen. Many mobile apps are adopting this method; for example, Gmail allows users to control actions through swiping.

● Motion: The days of staring at static screens are definitely over. If you want to keep users engaged, incorporate moving visuals such as video or animation. Instagram is a perfect example of how video content can replace written content effectively. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a video or animation is worth 1,000 pictures.

Source: Lifehacker

In-app gestures and visual design can significantly change mobile user interface design and make it sleeker, more modern, and far more effective

Avoid Disruptions to User Experience

Even the most engaging app experience can be ruined by a disrupting pop-up or ad. People engage with content that interests them, and any disruption is a disincentive for them to interact with your company.

A few examples of mobile app disruptions that you should avoid include

● Logins: Forcing users to stop and sign up for an account can cause frustration and compel some users to abandon their purchase. After all, shopping online or through an app is supposed to be more convenient than visiting a brick and mortar location, which doesn’t require an account or login. Give the user the opportunity to sign up for an account after the purchase is completed.

● Unfamiliar language: We live in a world filled with too many confusing acronyms and proprietary terms. For example, if you tell people that you’re leaving to join the WWF, are you saving wildlife or becoming a professional wrestler? If users have to search for a term you use online, you’ve lost them as a customer. Make sure all of your language is easily understood by all audiences, or explain terms as soon as you introduce them (and possibly visually).

● Confusing architecture: A user’s path through your app should make sense. Make sure users can get from one page or interface to another quickly and easily without having to backtrack or jump through any hoops.

Your mobile app design should cause users no trouble. If operating your app is complicated, it can ruin their experience, which reflects negatively on your company and creates serious harm to your conversion rate.

Optimize Your App For User Relevance

When developing an app, focus on how to provide value for your users instead of overtly selling them on your product.

Think about the information, services, or entertainment they value and base your app design around those subjects.

Making your app content relevant can involve several different strategies:

• Location-based: provide geofenced content relevant to the user’s location
• Immediate – deliver push notifications and alerts with useful and timely information (but don’t go overboard)
• Adaptive – make sure the content is specific to each user, such as items they have searched for in the past.
• Unique – give them items they can’t find anywhere else

The best strategy involves identifying the core needs of your users and develop app content that immediately, directly, and completely meets those needs.

Focus on Value and Relevance for Your App in 2020

Developing a successful app for 2020 users means providing added value to your target audience through the app’s look, feel, function, and content. This will require some research and design skill, but the benefits will far outweigh the cost and effort.

Sunflower Lab is featured as a top mobile app development company on Clutch and as a leading app development firm on Visual Objects.

MobileAppDaly recently listed Sunflower Lab as one of the Top React Native Development Companies in 2019. Being a premier custom software and mobile app development company, Sunflower Lab has 75+ people, spread across two continents, with three offices in Ohio, New Jersey, and India. Sunflower Lab ’s range of app services includes Custom Business, Mobile & Web, IOT, AR/VR Development, Strategic Consultancy, Cloud Migration, Cloud Managed Service, and Open-Source Development. Its excellence has made it as prominent as the other offerings in the list.

The company believes in bringing a sustainable IT solution by tailoring business needs. Right from business analysis to project management, things are done with offshore development. It goes by the principle of sustained organic growth in order to achieve the results that are worth considering. With the rightful guidance of Ronak Patel, CEO, Sunflower Lab is becoming more prominent steadily in the way React Native is transforming the mobile world.

What is MobileAppDaily?

MobileAppDaily is a leading news portal covering the most recent and drifting updates in the mobile application world. It is the one-stop platform for all mobile application geeks: developers, end users, and even app organizations. Since its origin, MobileAppDaily has been striving to help tech lovers stay fully informed regarding the intricate details of the industry. 

MobileAppDaily likewise covers app reviews, with details including the advantages and disadvantages of each application. Additionally, you will also discover restrictive yearly reports, comprising the best mobile application development companies having a place with different industry verticals. One of the well-examined reports is Top React Native App Development Companies, Top iPhone App Development Companies, Top Beacon App Development Companies and more. Sunflower Lab was listed in one of the Top React Native App Development Companies 2019. 

Why Did MobileAppDaily Choose Sunflower Lab?

MobileAppDaily keeps a steady track of the organizations endeavoring to make it to the highest point in the market as far as mobile application development is concerned. This is when we spotted Sunflower Lab doing its level best to live up to client expectations and solving problems. They indeed are all about moving fast, but they make sure to never leave quality behind while delivering solutions quicker than most. This is why MobileAppDaily listed Sunflower Lab in the list of the Top React Native App Development Companies in 2019.

Today, Sunflower Lab is 60+ engineers and technologists across the globe, who continue to push the needle on helping clients solve their hardest technology problems across mobile, web, and IoT. 

Final Thoughts

Table XI indeed deserves the fame it has received. To stay tuned with the latest updates on the mobile app world, connect with MobileAppDaily. We are a reliable platform that readers can trust. With a team of tech experts, you can expect nothing but the most honest data from our portal.

Push Notifications determine the necessity of a mobile App. If the app is not using Push Notifications, it is missing out majorly on the best marketing tool it could come across. Text messages are completely different phenomena that one might confuse with push notifications
but the purpose of push notifications is to prove the handiness of an app and one of the reasons as to why should users keep using that particular app. The appearances that they take on the lock screen might look similar but they are actually two completely different things.

What are Push Notifications?

Push Notifications are small messages designed by applications to stay in connection with the users. They are messages that inform the users about discounts, new features of the app, news, updates, etc. regarding the particular app it is being sent from. Users may or may not choose to respond to the notifications, the reasons for which we will discuss later in the blog. This communication channel built by the applications often decides whether the apps are going to be kept by the users or not.

What Decides if the Notifications will get clicks or not?

Push Notifications are all about subtle approach. The subtler and necessary the approach, the better the response the app will get. Imagine if your phone keeps buzzing with unnecessary notifications the entire time from a certain app – what would you do? Would you look for the option to shut off the push notifications or will just uninstall the application and go looking for better quieter competition? You don’t want that happening, now, do you? You need to make sure that the notifications that go on to the users phone must be of use to them or at least be enticing enough for the user to take interest in it and click to look forward.

Push Notifications can be made interesting by the addition of video content or image content along with the text that can be seen in the lock screen. The additional proof of what the text is saying will add to the authenticity of the notification adding to the reasons why the user might open it and see. The second way to make it more interesting is by compiling the message in as fewer words as possible. Using 10 or fewer words will increase your chances of being clicked and viewed than using lengthier texts in simple push notifications.

What we see in the push notifications that mostly annoy the users is the irrelevance of the notification to the user. Notifying a user about discounts on things that aren’t even available in the particular area is absolutely pointless. According to a user’s previous buy or searches on the app, one can construct a choice pattern of the user to send him very particular notifications of the kind he/she prefers. For example, if you add a particular item in your cart on the Amazon application only to buy it later when it may have some discounts on it or maybe just to buy later, Amazon sends a notification regarding that particular item or searches related to the item and reminds you to buy it. Consumers now depend upon the Push Notifications sent by Amazon for their products.

These notifications matter also when the allowed GPS connect with the application allows the application to pinpoint where a user is and if a push notification can be sent to avail something from a user being there. For example, with apps like Town Money Saver, the location of a user helps the application to send push notifications regarding that location and the discount coupons available in that location. It would help the user out in terms of being aware of the offers and deals surrounding them. Suppose if the application sends the discount coupon of a store in Cincinnati to a user in Columbus, the application is likely to get uninstalled.

Push Notifications android vs. ios

Marketing is a tool of innovation that is put to test every time by higher quality digital devices. iOS has a security feature which enables the users to choose whether to receive the push notifications or not. The installation of an app goes through a process where the OS intercepts its ability to send push notifications and aks the user. However, in the Android version, the app asks for permission to send push notification during the ‘I agree’ section. It doesn’t ask for special permission from the user. This increases the receiver base in android phones but also leads to the loss where the users won’t go the extra mile to disable the push notification feature, but just uninstall the app and find a worthy replacement for the same.

It’s all about marketing strategy. It’s a privilege of unbothering notifications for iOS users because in Apple phones the notifications aren’t readily visible to the immediate onlook, whereas, in android phones, the user has gone ahead a step to remove the notification.

Why are push notifications important to mobile applications?

Push notification is basically application reminder or advertisement that keeps the user involved with the app to keep its traffic going. Subtle and healthy push notifications that are short and sweet would rather encourage the users to open it than to shun it off. This would increase the market of the app and keep the users close to it.