DEV Community

Cover image for React Native Isn't React: Why Web Developers Struggle with Mobile
Flovet-stack
Flovet-stack

Posted on

React Native Isn't React: Why Web Developers Struggle with Mobile

#webdev #reactnative #flutter #frontend

The "write once, run anywhere" promise? It only works in ONE direction. And web developers keep getting the short end of the stick.

I spent two months learning React Native, coming from a solid React background. Beyond the learning curve, there's a fundamental architectural asymmetry in cross-platform development.

The Flutter Paradox

Flutter developers can build web apps with one command:

flutter build web
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

React developers trying to go mobile?

npm install react-native
# Welcome to a parallel universe (Hell)
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

This isn't about tooling. It's about fundamental architecture.

React Native ≠ React

React Native isn't "React for mobile." It's React-flavored syntax wrapped around an entirely different system:

You're not writing CSS, you are writing JavaScript objects that look like CSS but behave differently. You're essentially learning a new framework that happens to use JSX.

The One-Way Street Pattern

After comparing frameworks, I noticed a clear pattern:

Mobile-First Frameworks: Web as a Bonus ✅

Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, and SwiftUI treat web as an output target—a compilation step, not a rearchitecture.

Web-First Frameworks: Mobile as Punishment ❌

React, Vue, and Angular require learning parallel frameworks (React Native, NativeScript) with different components, styling, navigation, and tooling.

Why This Asymmetry Exists

Mobile is harder. It demands:

  • True native performance (60fps, instant touch response)
  • Platform conventions (iOS feels like iOS, Android like Android)
  • Gesture handling, runtime optimization, app store requirements
  • Native API access (camera, GPS, sensors)

You can't just "port" web code and expect native feel.

Web is easier. Forgiving browsers, no gatekeepers, standardized APIs. When you build mobile-first, web becomes a compilation target—not a rearchitecture.

The WebView Trap

"Why not wrap my React app in a WebView?"

Tools like Ionic and Capacitor do this. But you sacrifice native performance and platform conventions—the very things users expect from mobile apps.

My Reality Check

"This is just React with different components, right?" Wrong.
"Why doesn't CSS work?" Rewrote all styling.
"Navigation is completely different?" Learned React Navigation from scratch.
I finally accepted the reality that "I'm learning a new framework."

The syntax similarity is almost a trap—it makes you think it'll be easier than it is.

Three Paths Forward

Option 1: Go Mobile-First

Learn Flutter, Swift/Kotlin, or native development. Web becomes your bonus output.

Pros: True native performance, web as a compilation target

Cons: New language, temporarily leaving web skills behind

Option 2: Embrace The Parallel Universe

Learn React Native as a separate framework, not "React for mobile."

Pros: Leverage some React knowledge, large community

Cons: Still a new framework, performance compromises vs native

Option 3: Wait For Web-First To Catch Up

Hope React adds --platform mobile that compiles to native.

Reality: Doesn't exist. May never exist (architectural constraints).

Practical Recommendations

For React devs considering mobile:

  1. Try Flutter first—similar learning curve, native performance AND web
  2. If using React Native: Use Expo, accept it's a new framework, budget 2-3 months
  3. Consider PWAs for simple use cases

For teams choosing a stack:

  • Mobile-first users? Choose mobile-first frameworks (Flutter, native)
  • Web-first users? Build great web, then decide if you need native
  • Equal importance? Flutter with web output

The Bottom Line

Cross-platform has a one-way street problem:

  • Mobile → Web: ✅ Easy (compilation target)
  • Web → Mobile: ❌ Hard (rearchitecture)

Until React treats mobile as a true compilation target, web developers will face this asymmetry.

My advice: Choose your starting point wisely. If mobile is primary, start there. Web will be easier to add.

If web is primary? Make sure you need native mobile before committing to the React Native journey.

Your Turn

Have you made the jump from web to mobile? What was your experience?

Drop a comment, I'd love to hear your cross-platform war stories.

Follow me for more honest takes on modern development:

Further Reading

About The Author

Full-stack designer and developer specializing in building products that actually ship. Currently exploring the messy reality of cross-platform development so you don't have to.

Follow for more: X/Twitter | LinkedIn

Top comments (0)