Using React Native for mobile software development

Abstract

The topic chosen for this thesis is “Using the React Native framework for mobile software development”. The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate how React Native can be used to create a well-designed, multi-platform mobile application. React Native is a framework that is specifically designed for native mobile software development; however, it originates from React.js, which is used for the development of web applications. Although the programming languages are almost identical, the use of React Native allows for a more comprehensive application, which can integrate more with a mobile device.

Articles written about both React.js as a web development tool and mobile software development processes were used when writing this thesis. Having used these resources, the thesis is able to explain the benefits of using React as a language for mobile specific software development. React Native is a framework which has been gaining popularity since its release in 2015, because of its versatility as a programming language allowing for development on both mobile platforms, iOS and Android, whilst benefiting from native mobile application behaviours.

The thesis will document the processes and decisions made in the development of a React Native application for Nokia Solutions and Networks.