React Native extends the award-winning React library, making it possible to build native mobile applications using familiar web technologies.

Differences from React

• Platform Scope: React is tailored for web development, while React Native is exclusive to building iOS and Android applications.
• Rendering Engine: React uses the browser’s DOM for visualization, whereas React Native achieves a parallel outcome through native platform rendering.
• Component Style: While most of the component-building strategies and lifecycles between React and React Native are analogous, the controls manage the considerable difference in rendering and event handling. For instance, React uses simple buttons and divs, whereas React Native leverages platform-compliant components like Button, View, and Text.
• Integration with APIs: While React targets web APIs, React Native consolidates connectivity with native mobile device features and APIs. This extension makes it feasible to tap into mechanism such as Camera, GPS, and Fingerprint sensors.

Code Example: React vs React Native

Here is the React code:

import React, { useState } from 'react';

const MyComponent = () => {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
  
  return (
    <button onClick={() => setCount(count+1)}>
      Clicked {count} times
    </button>
  );
};

And here is the equivalent React Native code:

import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, Button } from 'react-native';

const MyComponent = () => {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
  
  return (
    <View>
      <Button title={`Clicked ${count} times`} onPress={() => setCount(count+1)} />
    </View>
  );
};