Everything You Need To Know About A React Native Developer

Companies and entrepreneurs must continuously innovate to penetrate consumer markets and engage customers better. Mobile applications have become dependable business tools. These applications cut across operating systems, firmware and hardware devices. When discussing software development, it is common for individuals to mention React Native. It may spark curiosity among newbies and inexperienced product developers. Should businesses and individuals hire a React Native Developer when handling mobile app development? Why is the React Native Framework gaining popularity within the software development cycles?

React Native is a popular mobile development framework; vital for building various mobile apps. It is preferred for its incredible power and versatility, enabling professional developers to maneuver complex mobile app development processes.

React Native is a framework that uses JavaScript for programming

What is React Native

Before we explore the roles and skillsets of a React Native developer, we must understand what the React Native Framework entails. Traditionally, software developers have built mobile apps native to specific platforms. The developer writes code that only runs on Android, iOS or Windows phones. The developer requires different codes for each mobile platform, making the process time-consuming and costly. 

However, app developers are now shifting to cross-platform app development frameworks. These frameworks allow developers to write one codebase and run it on different mobile platforms. React Native is among the popular cross-platform app development platforms. It implies companies and innovators working on mobile apps should set aside a budget to hire react native developers.

React Native is a relatively new mobile app development framework. It is an open-source framework enabling developers to create attractive user interfaces (UI) using the React Framework. It is a robust framework that developers can leverage to build apps that have native capabilities. 

The framework allows mobile app developers to create cross-platform apps using JavaScript. The developer creates a single JavaScript code and compiles it into native apps. These apps can run on iOS, Android, and Windows Phones.

React Native uses JavaScript. It implies your next React Native Developer must possess strong skills in Javascript. Since mobile app development continues evolving, it is safe to say the role of the React Native Developer remains vital moving forward. There is a huge market for freelance React Native developers and React Native companies seeking to deliver delightful mobile applications and increase revenues.

What does a React Native Developer Do?

React Native developers build mobile applications using the React Native framework. They maintain and update existing mobile applications and work with other developers to add new app features. In this article, we will discuss what a React Native developer does, the skills and experience required for successful project execution and the prerequisites for using the React Native framework.

Briefly, the React Native developer should understand React, JavaScript, and the React Native framework. They should be knowledgeable about various tools and libraries required to build mobile applications from scratch. In addition, a React Native developer works with other professionals to achieve a common product development goal. They should be accommodative and collaborative to work harmoniously within a team environment. 

A React Native Developer performs various roles. They include:

• Conducting preliminary market research to optimize mobile app designs. It allows the React Native Developer to write code for new apps and customize user interfaces based on customer requirements.
• Utilizing JavaScript to write functional mobile app codes
• Analyzing existing mobile app codes and modifying them to satisfy emerging customer requirements and technological changes.
• Testing application codes written using JavaScript
• Identifying and eliminating bugs in mobile app codes
• Integrating apps to native operating systems using platform-specific APIs
• Coordinating with other app developers to optimize user experiences and mobile app designs

React Native Developers Code and Test Mobile Apps

What Are The Desirable Skills and Qualities Of A Good React Native Developer?

After thoroughly reviewing the requirements of your new mobile app, it is time to engage an experienced React Native Developer. The developer handles the technical aspects of the project. 

The mobile app development process undergoes several interdependent stages, each contributing to product success. Some of these stages require a mix of different skills. What qualities and skills should one look for when hiring a React Native Developer?

Technical Skills

The developer builds React Native cross-platform apps. They require several technical skills enabling them to optimize apps for different platforms. 

Extensive knowledge of JavaScript

As mentioned, React Native relies heavily upon JavaScript libraries and tools. The first thing React Native developers must acquaint themselves with is JavaScript. The developer should master the ins and outs of the JavaScript framework, code syntax and rules.

The developer uses JavaScript to manage application logic and enhance product performance. Failure to optimize mobile app code causes usability issues.

Mastery of Native App Development Processes

The developer requires a mastery of native app development. These developers build apps that work across mobile platforms. Everything from design to testing must comply with the basic requirements for the app to run on Android, iOS or Windows platforms. The React Native developer should understand how the information architecture for each mobile platform works. They should also possess basic knowledge of other programming languages like Swift and Objective-C. 

The developer has to integrate these apps into native platforms. They must learn how the API and tools for developing native apps work. With this knowledge, the developer can easily customize mobile app solutions for every platform.

Solid Comprehension of React Native Concepts and Assumptions

Developers rely on a few assumptions when developing mobile applications. These assumptions are vital for simplifying lifecycle management issues. The developer requires extensive knowledge of React Native App development concepts like Virtual DOM or JSX. Find an alternative entity if the potential freelance React Native Developer or company lacks comprehension of such technical concepts and assumptions. 

Access To Advanced Development Tools

React Native developers use several tools and technologies to expedite mobile app development activities. These tools are useful for tracking and fixing app errors, managing workflows, automating coding, managing prototyping and testing and verifying app compliance with App Store requirements. Some of these tools include React Native Testing Library and Jest.

Code Optimization Techniques

React Native framework is powerful and versatile. It is easy for developers to assume the code written on the platform must be complex. In reality, the app needs to achieve its usability and functionality objectives using simple and clear lines of code. Adding complex lines of mobile app codes makes it difficult for the React Native developer to implement future changes to the app.

React Native Developers Optimize Mobile App Codes

The developer should continuously optimize mobile app performance as the number of downloads increases post-launch. The React Native developer requires strong problem-solving and analytical skills to enable them to incorporate user feedback and evaluate optimization measures to enhance app stability and usability in the long term. 

Soft Skills

Besides competent technical skills, React Native Developers should possess several soft skills. These skills are crucial for enhancing team collaboration and accommodating differing opinions regarding mobile app development. Combining soft and technical skills ensures app developers can organize workflows and steer operations correctly and deliver them timely.

Here is a brief look at soft skills React Native developers should possess when creating react native apps.

App developers should have good communication skills to work in a team

Good communication skills

A react native developer liaises with different experts and clients when working on new consumer products or modifying existing mobile apps. They consult and research consumer markets to identify the most appropriate work practices and desirable features to incorporate into the app. Good communication skills prevent clashes of ideas, interests and processes, which may derail the course and pace of the project.

Adaptiveness

Good react native developers should be adaptive and flexible to changes. They should be open to new ideas and willing to explore new technologies and skills needed to streamline React Native mobile app development. They should be fast learners and capable of working in different teams. App developers may reconstitute creative teams severally to adapt to changes in mobile app development in response to market dynamics and customer requirements.

Patience

Mobile app development involves repetitive tasks. The developer makes several changes to app designs, codebases and technical documentation. Sometimes, the developer must redo entire sections of the project. Apart from spending a considerable amount of time understanding desirable app features, React Native Developers should take time to understand the business strategies and practices of their clients. The developer should be willing to explain technical terms and concepts to their customers and other team members lacking technical skills. 

Ability to Estimate Effort and Resources

React Native Mobile app development is relatively cheap. However, several resources go into developing and sustaining these apps. The react native developer needs good planning skills to assist them plan and allocate resources. They should estimate the amount of money needed to execute different activities. Once the mobile app developer estimates effort and resource requirements, they can seamlessly assign activities to team members. With proper planning, the developers can complete mobile app development activities within the prescribed timelines. 

How To Be A React Native Developer

Anyone can become a React Native developer. Most companies hiring this group of professionals may require the developer to complete a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning. If you are considering a career as a React Native developer, follow these steps.

Enroll for a university degree

The developer can enroll in a 4-year study program with a bias in software development. It is a necessary step since more companies looking to hire React Native developers list a university degree as a requirement. The developer can also study for a degree in computer programming, computer science or software engineering. 

The university degree program exposes individuals to extensive computing knowledge. 

They acquire basic skills and techniques for developing various mobile apps. The developers work on several projects under the guidance of their tutors. At this stage, the learners are allowed to make mistakes enabling them to gain better problem-solving and analytical skills in preparation for actual market experiences.

Learn JavaScript Skills

React Native developers require in-depth knowledge of JavaScript. It is the core programming framework that developers leverage to complete mobile app development projects. Fresh university graduates and experienced software developers should learn the ins and outs of JavaScript to build attractive React Native apps.

Developers can acquire JavaScript skills from several open-source platforms. The developers can also leverage online forums, developer communities and React Native resources to hone their technical skills.

React Native developers can build and test sample software products to evaluate their comprehension of data structures, JavaScript tools and API integration. Learning JavaScript does not have to be expensive. Developers can gain these skills at home.

Acquire React and React Native Skills

Once the developer is confident in their JavaScript coding skills, they should acquaint themselves with React Native. The developer should also understand how React works. React is a JavaScript library and contains diverse codes required for building mobile apps and websites. 

Acquiring these skills is vital for streamlining app development processes. Developers can acquire these skills through online forums, developer communities and in collaboration with experienced developers (or mentors).

Test your skills over and over 

The best way for a React Native developer to build confidence in their skills is to build different apps. The developer should practice by creating personal projects. Identify a problem, formulate a problem statement and implement the most suitable solution.

The developer improves their technical skills and builds their portfolio. The React Native developer retains the versions of these applications and can showcase them to potential employers when hunting for jobs.

Join online communities and apply for jobs

The developer requires mentorship and peer review of their projects before taking on professional projects. The developer should consider joining relevant online communities and forums to discuss emerging React Native development trends, tools and jobs. Developers can build dedicated networks and establish freelance teams working on projects remotely.

The developers should visit technical job boards to look for jobs. There are several search engines listing React Native jobs. Aim for well-paying jobs and ensure you deliver on the client’s requirements.

Tips For Hiring A React Native Developer

When launching revolutionary software products, companies and individuals hire react native developers to manage product development workflows. In the digital age, the recruitment process is simple. The client performs an online search and filters results based on their preferences and expectations. Millions of developers can handle mobile app development on behalf of businesses and innovators. 

While the hiring process is seamless, there are instances when the client fails to get value for their money. React Native developers charge a substantial premium on their service. The developer must deliver a high-quality React Native mobile App.

What mistakes should clients avoid when headhunting for a React Native Developer?

Failure to examine and understand the capabilities of the developer

Sometimes, the client is interested in completing the design, testing and launch of software products within short timelines. In the process, the client rushes the recruitment process. They engage a developer who responds fast to their request. During the rush, the client may fail to vet the developer well. The developer may market themselves as experienced yet lacking a verifiable portfolio of past projects.

To avoid possible conflicts and waste of funds, clients should vet potential candidates. They should seek reviews from past clients and examine the reliability and functionality of apps listed in the developer’s portfolio.

The client should also provide a brief preview of their expectations and discuss remuneration and expected project delivery timelines. The client should pick pointers to the capabilities and dedication of the potential candidate.

Going for expensive talent

Clients may have the perception that the best software developers are those that charge a heavy premium for their services. It may push the client to overlook the local talent and begin focusing on established software development companies, most of which may have their hands full. 

Clients should consider all cost-cutting measures, including hiring local teams. The client must verify the competence of locally available talent and engage them. Avoid overlooking talent. The client can achieve maximum value for their money and have projects delivered within the desired timelines and budgets.

Future of React Native Developers

More people are acquiring smartphones for personal and business use. As the number of phone owners increases, the demand for high-quality mobile apps increases. Companies are increasingly shifting to cross-platform app development to reduce product development costs and increase customer reach. Several developers use React Native to build these apps. Moving forward, the demand for React Native developers is expected to grow. Clients are willing to pay more money to these developers. Individuals interested in building a career in mobile app development should consider gaining the relevant skills required for React Native development. 

Final Words

React Native is a popular framework for developing cross-platform mobile apps. React Native developers write program codes using JavaScript. Anyone can learn and master React Native app development. They should combine technical and soft skills to enable them to tackle potential challenges during the development lifecycle. React Native developers can find lucrative jobs on different online boards and forums.