How to Convert Android & iOS App to React Native

How to Convert Android & iOS App to React Native

How-To-Convert-Android-&-IOS-App-To-React-Native

React Native is a technology stack that has been around since February 2015. It was put to sea by the tech giant Facebook itself at the ReactJS conference. Just after a month i.e. March 2015, React Native was welcomed as the new open-source platform. The platform does not need any kind of language. Developers producing apps can write native code in Java or Objective-C language. The article is a guide to Convert Android & iOS App to React Native? Read all the information carefully.

React Native being the open-source platform has become the top-notch preference among the developers. The main reason why it has taken away the IT sector is the codes are written for once and can be utilized on any platform i.e. Windows, iOS, or Android OS. Any code that has been placed once can be utilized anywhere. One can also see the script as an open-source code.

Can We Convert Android & iOS App to React Native?

The answer is yes! There are many cases where an iOS App is converted to React Native app. Similarly, there are some cases where Android apps are turned to React Native. The study below shows the conversion of the apps to this amazing platform.

The conversion can be done in two ways:

  • Constructing Native Apps using React Native
  • Converting an Already Existing App to React Native

Now we are going to read about converting or deploying the apps on react native. But before this, It becomes a mandated task to check about the Limitations it has during development.

Read Also: Challenges Faced By Android App Developers

What Are the Limitations On Converting an App to React Native?

All good things come with some disadvantages. When building native apps using the RN Mechanics, the developer might encounter bugs, errors, and security issues. But if you hire an expert, this issue may get resolved.

  • Dependency on Native App Developers
  • Limitations in Using Abstract Layers
  • Annoying Debugging Styles
  • iOS App Testing Difficulty

1. Dependency on Native App Developers

Some aspects of development require Javascript coding, for this, you need the native app developers. The help of such developers is required when there are high analytical operations in your react native app.

Simultaneously,  you need to get an understanding of the Native Library to jell up with SDKs like Google Analytics. Other limitations involve, being in the cross-platform segment, it is believed that any code written on a hybrid framework will execute the same on both platforms i.e. iOS and Android.

2. Limitation in Using Abstract Layers

Application development today involves manifold functionalities. It helps in converting the leads into business. During the react native app conversion, an abstract layer is added to the features to improve the productivity standards.

With the addition of these layers, bugs are also deployed which are not detectable at the same time. Hence, it eventually results in a bug in the application. Along with this, abstract layers create a dependency on third-party services for marking the framework’s relevancy.

Read Also: Why App Developers Prefer Android platform over iOS

3. Lack of Debugging Patterns

A newcomer in the react-native development segment cannot handle the debugging task. Most of the developers get stuck because to change the properties of each element, the developer must not rely on the chrome debugger.

The debugging patterns in the react-native frameworks involve complexities and can convert things tough for the developers in management.

4. iOS or Android App Testing Difficulties

In iOS or Android App Development, testing becomes a hurdle in itself. In making or converting the app in React Native framework, the main trouble comes as choosing the testing tool. In both cases i.e. Android or iOS, it becomes a tough task to select the testing tool wisely. So these are a few limitations when you want to convert your app in react native.

How to Convert Android or iOS App in React Native Framework?

It is as simple as putting the cherry on the cake. No, not that easy. The pioneer way of transforming android or iOS apps is to shorten the codes in large numbers. When the developer has to assign so many codes, it’s better to develop a new one. It results in a cut-down of requirements and kind of application.

Read Also: Common Mistakes during App Development

Steps for Integrating Android & iOS for React Native:

  • Configure Maven
  • Automate Native Module
  • Set-up Permissions
  • Clear Text Traffic
  • Code Deploying
  • Testing

1. Configure Maven

The configuration of Maven requires adding React Native and Javascript dependencies to the Libraries i.e. build.gradle. The developers make sure that either they are on the right React Native Version, They can replace the (+) sign with the original version. Add a layer of Javascript Maven Directories and React Native to all of your projects.

2. Automate Native Module

Automation of the native module is done through these two aspects. First, make an entry to setting.gradle. Now, post this to the app/build.gradle.

3. Set-Up Permissions

Check you have got the Internet access permissions. For this, you can take a look at AndroidManifest.xml. Now you find the correct user flow, you can access DevSettingActivity. After this, you can add the implementations to AndroidManifest.xml.

4. Clear Text Traffic

On Android version 9, the developer can get an account that the Cleartext Traffic is being disabled. This setting refuses the developer to connect to Metro builder. For allowing the connection, apply code as usercleartext traffic to AndroidManifest.xml.

5. Code Integration

The code integration of the react-native to the android or iOS apps, follow some simple steps:

  • Create an index.js file.
  • Insert React Native Code.
  • Now seek permission for development error overlay
  • Render JS component

By default, the Dev menu will be activated which is not in emulators. In conclusion, you are requested to use ctrl+M to execute Javascript code for testing.

6. Testing

Now comes the final part i.e. testing. Just like the other codes and apps, testing plays a vital role in the performance of the app. This ensures that the app so converted is acting like an actual React Native app or not?

For this, the tester will use Metro builder for building index. Bundle. Now run the package. Once you do it, run the application so developed. Upon running the app, the React Native code should be deployed and load the Javascript from the server end. Eventually, it should display the desired results.

Final Words:

This was all the information on How to Convert Android & iOS App to React Native. Any developer who is trying to do so can rely on the steps stated in the article. The conversion is possible by experts only. New developers might get stuck in the set-up and deployment of the libraries.

Sanjeev Agrawal

Sanjeev Agrawal

My name is Sanjeev Agrawal. I am a Director and Co-founder of Dreamsoft4u, IT Consulting Company. I am having a keen interest in the latest trends and technologies that are emerging in different domains. Being an entrepreneur in the field of the IT sector, it becomes my responsibility to aid my audience with the knowledge of the latest trends in the market.