React Native vs. Native Apps: Finding the Right Fit

Should you build native mobile apps for iOS and Android or use React Native for your next project? In this episode of SaaS That App: Building B2B Web Applications, Kevin Erl, a Team Lead at Delta Systems, joins Aaron Marchbanks and Justin Edwards to dive into when native development makes sense, why React Native is often the better choice, and practical considerations for technical leaders making this decision.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to determine when native mobile development is truly necessary versus when cross-platform solutions are more practical
• Why React Native has become the preferred choice for most business applications
• The real business impact of maintaining separate native codebases for iOS and Android versus a single React Native codebase
• How to evaluate team composition and hiring strategies when choosing between native and cross-platform development
• Why performance considerations should drive native development decisions
• How to leverage React Native for Web to create a unified codebase across mobile and web platforms

Kevin is a Team Lead at Delta Systems, bringing deep expertise in both native Android development and cross-platform mobile development using React Native. Originally joining Delta Systems through an acquisition as an Android developer, Kevin successfully transitioned to become proficient in React Native and Ruby on Rails, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and technical prowess. With a strong background in embedded systems and C++ development, he offers valuable insights on the strategic decisions between native mobile development and cross-platform solutions.

This podcast is brought to you by Delta Systems, your one-stop shop for front-end, back-end, and full-stack software development. At Delta, Justin and Aaron share the same philosophy when it comes to clients: they treat people like colleagues, not just customers. Maybe that’s why Delta typically spends years working with the same companies: how many software engineering firms can you say that about? So, if you’ve got a big SaaS project in mind but have no idea where to start, come and get a free scope and estimate from Delta Systems on their website.

Got a burning idea for an episode, or a SaaS question you absolutely must know the answer to? Leave us a voice memo at SaasThatApp

Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:12] Native vs. Cross-Compiled Basics
• [02:33] When Does Native Still Make Sense?
• [07:35] The Cost of Maintaining 3 Apps
• [15:49] Alternatives to React Native
• [26:42] Reskilling Journeys
• [32:07] The Double-Edged Sword of Abstractions
• [37:52] Debugging and Testing Realities
• [41:12] When to Choose What

Episode Resources:

• Kevin Erl on LinkedIn
• Aaron Marchbanks on LinkedIn
• Justin Edwards on LinkedIn
• Delta Systems Website
• Join the Conversation 

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