773: React Native with Robin Heinze

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May 24, 2024

In a delightful chat, Robin Heinze, Director of Engineering at Infinite Red, shares insights on the magic of React Native. He highlights how it stands apart from webview platforms like Cordova, enabling developers to write code once and deploy it across iOS and Android. Robin showcases notable apps like Mercari, discusses the powerful features of Expo, and explains the new architecture's impact on performance. Expect colorful anecdotes about navigating technical frustrations and even a quirky sock subscription service!

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INSIGHT

React Native's Native Nature

React Native renders native UI views, not web views like Cordova.
This creates a native user experience, unlike webview-based solutions.

INSIGHT

Benefits of React Native

React Native allows for faster development and maintenance with smaller teams.
It also enables component and logic sharing between mobile and web apps.

ANECDOTE

Mercari's Success with React Native

Mercari, a popular buying and selling app, successfully transitioned from native to React Native.
This rewrite improved performance while maintaining their five-star rating.

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Scott and Wes dish out a feast with Robin Heinze from Infinite Red, diving into the world of React Native. They discuss how React Native differs from other webview platforms, highlight popular apps built with it, and serve up essential tools and libraries to spice up every React Native project.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
01:13 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
01:30 React Native is different than Cordova or other webview platforms.
04:18 Is there a ‘write once deploy everywhere’ aspect?
05:48 What are some React Native apps people may not realize?
- Mercari: Buying & Selling App.
07:13 What about Twitter + Facebook?
09:15 What is Expo? Is Expo Required?
- expo.dev.
13:27 Does it require a Mac to build an iOS app?
14:58 React Native and routing.
- Expo Router.
16:56 How do native apps normally work without a URL?
18:35 Can you use CSS with React Native?
20:27 Do React Native or Tamagui translate to CSS or Yoga?
- Tamagui.
- Yoga Layout.
21:02 React Native app styling on Android and iOS.
22:20 React Native’s own JavaScript engine.
- React Native Docs: Using Hermes.
23:30 Does Hermes have full JS support?
23:52 What is the new architecture of React Native?
- New Architecture.
- React Native JSI.
26:11 Avoiding translation errors.
27:24 Will this change break a lot of older React Native apps?
28:24 Has React Native improved update stability?
29:55 Where else can React Native run?
32:52 JavaScript on smart TVs and other smart devices.
33:57 Bridging to native APIs.
- Tauri.
37:14 State management.
- Redux.js.
- MobX State Tree.
39:30 What are some tools + libraries that you install on most projects?
- JestJS.
- Maestro.
- Detox.
41:58 How do you manage authentication?
44:55 Does Facebook use React Native?
47:15 Supper Club Questions.
50:29 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs.

Sick Picks

Robin: Awesome Sock Club Wes’ X Post.

Shameless Plugs

Guest: Infinite Red, ChainReactConf, React Native Radio.

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