React Native

React Native is a cross-platform mobile framework that enables building native iOS and Android apps using React and JavaScript. It provides native UI components, hot reloading, and an ecosystem of libraries. Suitable for teams aiming to share business logic while maintaining native performance characteristics and platform-specific integrations.

Use this profile to understand the building block briefly, place it in the model, and open related building blocks.

Content type

Technology

Technical building block: can be automated, integrated, or operated.

Classification level

Element

Concrete cog in the system that works inside larger relationships.

In brief

React Native in brief

React Native is a framework that connects React components and JavaScript with native iOS and Android elements for mobile applications.

Where does it come from?

React Native was developed at Facebook and released as open source in 2015. It carries React's component model into a cross-platform mobile development line where shared logic connects to native platform APIs.

The mental model

Treat React Native as a translation layer: you describe UI with React, and the runtime connects it to native views and platform services. Shared code remains possible while iOS- and Android-specific parts can be added separately.

Key building blocks

Native components

UI building blocks map to the respective platform's native widgets.

Cross-platform code

JavaScript and React logic can be shared between iOS and Android.

Native integration

Camera, push, sensors, or special performance needs may require native modules and platform-specific code.

When is it useful?

React Native helps teams build mobile products with shared React and JavaScript logic. Build toolchains, permissions, native modules, and differing OS behavior remain part of the project.

Offizielle Dokumentation – React Native