Electron vs React Native: What are the differences?

When it comes to developing cross-platform applications, Electron and React Native are two popular choices. Electron is a framework that allows developers to build desktop applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while React Native is a framework that enables the development of mobile applications using JavaScript and React. Although they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two.

1. Performance: Electron apps are known to consume high amounts of memory and can have slower performance compared to native applications. On the other hand, React Native apps, being closer to native, generally have better performance and use less memory.

2. Deployment and Distribution: Electron applications are easily distributed as standalone executables that can be installed on various operating systems. React Native apps, while they can generate executables for different platforms, need to be submitted to respective app stores for distribution.

3. User Interface: Electron allows developers to build highly customizable desktop UIs using web technologies, providing a wide range of design possibilities. React Native, on the other hand, focuses on providing a set of native components that are available for use across different platforms. This allows for a more consistent user experience but limits the flexibility of UI customization.

4. Platform Support: Electron supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for building desktop applications for a wide range of operating systems. React Native primarily targets iOS and Android platforms, making it ideal for mobile application development but limiting its compatibility with desktop platforms.

5. Development Workflow: Electron developers typically use tools like Electron Forge and Electron Builder to streamline the development process and package the application for distribution. In React Native, developers rely on package managers like NPM and use platform-specific build tools to create app binaries.

6. Native Capabilities: Electron applications have access to a wide range of native system capabilities through APIs, allowing developers to interact with the file system, hardware, and other system resources. React Native, while it supports native integration, requires additional modules or third-party libraries to access native features.

In summary, Electron is best suited for building feature-rich desktop applications with advanced UI customization, while React Native is ideal for creating mobile applications that prioritize performance and cross-platform compatibility.