React Native New Architecture Explained in Simple Terms

The original design of React Native was groundbreaking, but it had certain problems as apps got more complicated and needed better performance. The main problem was the bridge, which made it possible for JavaScript and native modules to talk to each other.

Original Design: What the Bridge Does

The "Bridge" was the main way for people to talk to each other in traditional architecture. Think of it as a translator who is always bringing messages back and forth.

• Communication that isn't in sync: Messages between JavaScript and native modules were sent and received at different times, which could cause delays and make the user experience less smooth.

• Serialisation Overhead: The data had to be serialised (turned into a string format) then deserialised, which slowed down speed.

• Single-Threaded Bottleneck: The JavaScript thread could slow things down, especially when doing a lot of calculations, which would make the UI less responsive.

This method worked, but it wasn't always the best choice for more demanding applications.

Introducing the New Architecture for React Native

The React Native New Architecture tries to fix these problems by changing the way JavaScript and native code work together. It's not just an update; it's a big change that will make things work better, make it easier for developers to work, and make apps more stable.

The New Architecture's Key Pillars

There are a few main parts that make up the new architecture that all function together perfectly.

TurboModules

TurboModules are the next step up from native modules. TurboModules are loaded only when needed, unlike the prior method where all modules were loaded at launch.

• Lazy Loading only loads native modules when they are needed, which speeds up the starting time of the app.

• Type-Safe: Uses JSI (JavaScript Interface) to talk to each other directly, which makes sure that types are safe and that there are less runtime problems.

• Better Performance: It skips the bridge's serialisation and deserialisation overhead.

This means that your program starts up faster and uses fewer resources at first.

Renderer of Fabric

The UI rendering layer has been completely rewritten in the Fabric Renderer. It wants to make the rendering process the same on all platforms and faster.

• Synchronous Layout: This lets layout passes happen at the same time, which makes animations smoother and UIs more responsive.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Makes sure that the rendering experience is more uniform on both iOS and Android.

• Direct Native Module Access lets React Native talk to native UI components directly.

Fabric is like a smoother, more direct way for your app's UI to talk to the screen.

Codegen

Codegen is a sophisticated tool that makes it easy to make the interface files that TurboModules and Fabric need.

• Automated Code Generation: This feature creates native code automatically based on JavaScript type definitions.

• Lessens Boilerplate: Developers create less boilerplate code and spend more time on business logic.

• Better Consistency: Makes ensuring that JavaScript and native layers are type-safe and consistent.

Codegen makes it easier for developers to work with native modules by streamlining the integration process.

JSI (JavaScript Interface)

is a lightweight C++ interface that lets JavaScript call C++ functions directly. It is the main part of the new design. This changes the game.

• Direct Communication: This removes the asynchronous bridge, allowing JavaScript and native to call each other at the same time.

• No Serialisation: Data is sent directly, therefore there is no need to serialise and deserialise it.

• Better Debugging: Direct engagement makes it easier to debug.

"The change to JSI is huge; it's like going from a slow, winding road to a fast, straight highway for data."

A Guide to Moving to the New Architecture

Moving to the React Native There are a number of steps involved in New Architecture. It takes time, but the advantages are worth the work.

Step 1: Update React Native

Make sure your project is using a recent version of React Native that works with the new architecture. This is really important for getting to the newest tools and features.

To update your version of React Native, use this command:

npx update react-native

Step 2: Turn on the New Architecture

You have to choose to use the new architecture. You will have to turn it on in the configuration files for your project.

• To use Fabric and TurboModules on iOS, change your Podfile.

• Android: To turn on the new architecture flags, you need to change your gradle.properties file.

For specific flags and settings, check the official React Native documentation.

Step 3: Move Native Modules to TurboModules

You will need to move your custom native modules to TurboModules if your project needs them.

• Set up an interface: Use Flow or TypeScript to make a JavaScript specification for your native module.

• Run Codegen: Use Codegen to make the native code you need.

• Add Native Code: Change how your native module works so that it works with the produced interfaces.

You need to know a lot about both JavaScript and native development to do this stage.

Step 4: Change the UI parts to work with Fabric

You may need to make changes to custom native UI components to make sure they work with the Fabric Renderer.

• Look over the structure of the component: Learn how Fabric renders UI and change your components to fit.

• Use ViewManager and UIManager to make sure that Fabric appropriately registers and manages your custom components.

This is a more sophisticated step that usually requires a lot of research on native UI development.

Things to Not Do

Moving to a new architecture might be hard. Knowing about typical mistakes might help you save time and energy.

• Not paying attention to documentation: The official React Native documentation is the finest thing you can do. Don't miss it!

• Not Doing Enough Testing: It's important to do thorough testing on a wide range of devices and platforms.

• Moving Everything at Once: Think about doing a gradual migration, especially for big apps.

• Ignoring Dependency Updates: Make sure that all of your third-party libraries work with the new architecture.

Important Points

• The new React Native architecture fixes problems with the old bridge-based system that hurt performance and the experience of developers.

• TurboModules let native modules load only when needed and communicate safely.

• The Fabric Renderer makes the UI rendering experience faster and more consistent.

• Codegen makes it easier to write code by automatically generating boilerplate code.

• JSI makes it possible for JavaScript and native code to talk to each other directly and at the same time.

• Moving is a process that takes many steps and needs to be planned and carried out carefully.

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the React Native New Architecture?

The main goal is to make React Native apps run faster, make it easier for developers to work with, and provide a stronger and more flexible base for them by getting rid of the old bridge's problems.

Will the new architecture immediately update my current React Native app?

No, the new architecture is optional. You will have to turn it on by hand and move your project. It doesn't update by itself.

What are the new architecture's main performance benefits?

Some of the main benefits are that TurboModules load slowly, which speeds up startup times; the Fabric Renderer's synchronous layout makes the UI and animations smoother; and JSI's direct interface cuts down on communication overhead.

Is the new architecture stable enough for apps that are used in production?

Big companies are already using pieces of the new architecture, even if it is still being worked on and improved. It's getting more stable, but it's still a good idea to test it well before putting it into production.

Where can I obtain more information about moving to the new architecture?

The official React Native documentation and a number of community guides, such as this one, are great places to start. Check out the React Native blog for the most recent news and best practices.

Suggestions

For any professional mobile developer or business, adopting the React Native New Architecture is a smart decision. The move may appear hard, but the long-term benefits for performance, scalability, and developer experience are huge. Begin by learning the basics, making a plan for your move, and using the many resources at your disposal. Start your road towards a faster, better React Native app today. Don't wait until it's too late!