React Native vs Swift in 2023: Which One is Better to Develop iOS App?

Let us give you our verdict:

• If you want to build a Native iOS application, Swift is the best option for you.
• If you want to go for cross-platform mobile application development, React Native is your best option.

But this is something anyone can tell you. What they won’t tell you is which is perfect for your project and why.

So, we have solved this for you!

Building an iOS app is challenging, though it takes only to hire an iOS app development company after discussing the project requirements, costs, and deadline, and get it developed. To do this takes a lot of work. You need to explore plenty of things, but selecting the right technology or platform is the day of the back-breaking task. The same is true with businesses looking to build an iOS application. No doubt, they have plenty of options, but selecting which one among many fits the project is the name of the game. React Native vs. Swift is all about helping you come over with this challenge.

This article will discuss and compare Swift v/s React Native and understand the project they best fit for. Primarily, we have covered three main points in this article;

1. What are React Native and Swift?
2. Comparisons of React Native and Swift
3. Help you choose the right technologies

What is Swift?

Swift is the most prominent programming language developed by Apple to build native applications for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. No doubt, businesses, and entrepreneurs have to spend a lot of upfront costs, but iOS native app development is the best option against cross-platform development in terms of quality and performance.

According to a survey conducted by Stack Overflow, Swift is the 9th most popular programming language among developers worldwide for its flexibility, which makes the platform not just a good choice for building iOS and macOS applications. Still, it is also used for creating server-side applications and machine-learning models.

What is React Native?

React Native is the hybrid mobile app development framework developed by Facebook in 2015. According to Statista, With a 42% market share in mobile app development, it is the top performer as the best cross-platform app development framework.

React Native is an open-source framework and is the best option for building a mobile application for Android and iOS. The best part of this technology is the availability of developers as you can find React Native developers without much effort.

React Native is a boon for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to develop cost-effective mobile applications. The mobile application built using React Native is fast and scalable, offering high-end to developers to write once and deploy to both Android and iOS platforms.

Why compare React Native and Swift anyway?

Both React Native and Swift are perfect technologies used for mobile app development. But they are different in many ways. And the significant difference between the two is that the former is one of the best cross-platform frameworks that allow developers to write once and deploy to both iOS and Android platforms. At the same time, the latter is a programming language specifically designed for iOS app development.

The comparison does nothing but clear the air and doubt and helps entrepreneurs (even developers) determine which digital innovation is suited for their work. For example, if you want to develop a mobile app for both Android and iOS in a short period of time, you may consider React Native. The React Native app developers write one codebase that can be deployed across multiple platforms such as iOS and Android.

However, if you want to build a mobile app only for iOS platforms with high performance and complex UI design, Swift is a better choice.

Pros and Cons of Swift and React Native

Both technologies are fine with their elements and are best for iOS mobile app development. But, as we have told you, they are different in many ways; understanding their benefits and drawbacks will help you understand the technologies, and at the end of this article, you will be able to make the right choice in selecting the best one.

The Benefits of Swift Programming Language

There are the top 7 benefits of Swift programming language;

1. Modern & Dynamic
2. Safety & Security
3. Faster & Powerful
4. Open source
5. Future-Proof
6. Interoperability
7. Ease of Use

Drawbacks of Swift Programming Language

Digital transformation is never without drawbacks, as it gives innovation room for improvement. Swift is no different. There may be many, but we have mentioned the top three disadvantages of Swift;

1. Limited Support for Older Operating Systems
2. Limited Third-Party Libraries
3. No Cross Platform, Only for Apple Devices

The Benefits of React Native Framework

React Native is a popular open-source framework, and it is the best choice for building cross-platform mobile applications. For developing cost-effective applications for iOS and Android platforms, React Native is the most favored choice. There are the top 6 benefits of using React Native.

1. Cost-Effective
2. Creates Native Cross-Platform Apps
3. Seamless Integration
4. Code Reusability
5. Faster Development
6. Backed by Facebook

Drawbacks of React Native

Like advantages, there are a few disadvantages to using React Native for app development. There are mainly three drawbacks of React Native. They are;

1. Complex Design
2. Sluggish Performance
3. Longer Testing and Debugging

React Native vs. Swift: Features Comparison

React Native and Swift are the best tech offerings for the development of iOS app arena. So, let’s come to the final round of comparison. In this React Native vs. Swift comparison, we will compare the followings;

• Swift vs. React Native: Popularity
• The Core Features of React Native and Swift
• Top Apps Built Using Swift and React Native
• React Native and Swift: When to choose one?

React Native vs Swift: Who is the Winner?

Both seem winners too as they offer outstanding results, given the suitable project they used for. The same we’d suggest to customers. In some cases, we have seen Swift having edges over React Native while in others React Native takes the leads. But, this is also a fact that one size does not fit all. Whether it’s Swift or React Native, Choose a technology based on your project requirements.

Besides, if you are not so tech-savvy, find app developers or mobile app development companies, discuss your project, and get a consultation. Besides, comparing native vs. cross-platform, apart from comparing specific technologies, like React Native vs Swift, can also help you determine which technology is suitable for your project. Hope this helps.

Originally published on : https://www.topdevelopers.co/blog/react-native-vs-swift/