React Native, the popular JavaScript framework for mobile app development has undergone significant advancements in 2024. One of the key developments is the introduction of a new architecture, which includes the Fabric Renderer and the TurboModule system.
The Fabric Renderer in React Native is designed to improve the framework’s interoperability with host platforms. It uses C++ for logic rendering, enhancing the interaction between React Native and host platforms like Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. This change aims to provide greater consistency across platforms and make React Native more adaptable to new platforms. The architecture shift also involves decoupling the JavaScript interface from the engine, allowing for the use of various JavaScript engines such as Hermes, V8, or Chakra.
Another major change is the implementation of the TurboModule system. This system enhances the Native Modules by using a top-level Native Module Proxy for access. This approach is expected to streamline the initialization process of Native packages and improve the efficiency of interactions between JavaScript and native modules.
React Native’s new architecture also brings improvements in areas such as data fetching, with greater integration with React Suspense and the availability of Concurrent Features from React 18. This includes features like startTransition, which helps maintain UI responsiveness during intensive state transitions.
The render pipeline of React Native now consists of three phases: Render, Commit, and Mount. Each phase plays a crucial role in the overall rendering process, with the Render phase involving the creation of React element trees, the Commit phase handling layout calculation and tree promotion, and the Mount phase transforming the React Shadow Tree into a host view tree for display.
React Native’s popularity continues to grow, with its use by many Fortune 500 companies and startups. Its GitHub repository boasts a significant number of contributors and commits, reflecting its vibrant community and ongoing development.
In summary, React Native in 2024 has made substantial strides in improving its framework, focusing on better integration with native platforms, enhancing efficiency, and streamlining the development process for mobile applications.