Great question! Here's a clear and simple breakdown of the difference between React and React Native:
🟦 React (aka ReactJS)
- What it is: A JavaScript library for building user interfaces, mainly for web applications.
- Platform: Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Use Case: Building interactive websites and web apps.
- Rendering: Outputs HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in the browser.
- Example: Websites like Facebook, Instagram (web version), Airbnb.
📱 React Native
- What it is: A framework for building mobile apps using React principles.
- Platform: Mobile (iOS and Android)
- Use Case: Building cross-platform mobile apps from a single codebase.
-
Rendering: Uses native mobile components (not HTML), like
. - Example: Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Shopify mobile apps.
🧠 Summary:
| Feature | React (ReactJS) | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web browsers | iOS & Android mobile devices |
| Output | HTML & CSS | Native mobile components |
| Styling | CSS |
StyleSheet.create (JS-based) |
| Navigation | React Router | React Navigation |
| Goal | Build websites | Build mobile apps |
✅ Common Ground:
- Both use JavaScript.
- Both use components, props, state, and hooks.
- If you know React, you can learn React Native faster!
Let me know if you’d like a visual comparison or beginner roadmap for either! 🚀
