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React Native is one of our favourite frameworks for creating mobile apps because of its unique approach. The framework is always evolving, and the release of a new React Native version is always an opportunity to discuss what’s new and exciting. When it comes to React Native releases, developers don’t have to wait long. In the year 2021, a new stable version 0.64 was released, as well as a release candidate for React Native 0.65. As a result, we get a slew of new features and enhancements. Let’s have a look at the most recent React Native version.

This article has been updated to reflect the most recent changes in React Native’s release history. Use the “Content” menu to the left to get straight to the new features 0.64-0.65 if you’re only interested in the new stuff.

Let’s take a peek at how React Native is doing in 2021 before we look at the upcoming releases.

React Native made its debut in 2015 and has since grown in popularity. Many businesses see it as a viable alternative to native apps and programming languages for popular mobile operating systems. They respect its capacity to save production time without sacrificing performance, as well as the synergy that can be expected when integrating both React Native and React in your applications. React Native is a compelling argument for abandoning native platforms in favour of JavaScript.

According to the current Stack Overflow Survey 2020 (6th place in the “Other Frameworks, Libraries, and Tools” category), React Native has become one of the most popular software frameworks in 2020.

The rising popularity of React Native is evident in the search trends. Since its release, interest in this technology has shown no signs of waning, according to Google Trends. The graph below depicts React Native’s relative popularity over the last five years.

Still, React Native core needs to deliver new features to attract even more users and meet the expectations of its veterans, and its release calendar is rather active, and the present React Native version is always seeking for methods to become more powerful and refined.

Flipper now has a React Native integration. It’s a debugging tool that makes checking what’s going on in the app’s native logs a breeze. The sophisticated Layout Inspector may be used to troubleshoot native components, and the Network plugin allows you to analyse your app’s outgoing network traffic. Given the difficulties of doing so with mobile applications, this is a really useful ability.

Another significant update is the complete redesign of LogBox. It alters how the application notifies us of faults and cautions that you may cause while developing. The new style is much more straightforward and pleasing to the eye. The updated edition also includes more information on where to look for problem sources.

The Pressable component, which was introduced in React Native 0.63, is a significant step in reducing the number of “tells,” when users are given an experience that isn’t native. It recognises user interactions significantly more effectively than TouchableOpacity. It’s developed to ensure better compatibility with React Native’s growing list of supported platforms (Web, Desktop, etc.) so that users can expand its capabilities as they go.

There are two more Hermes-related updates to mention.

Hermes traces with Chrome is the first, which will aid in application debugging. However, Proxy Support for Hermes is the one that is most significant to me. It makes it possible to use communal libraries. This is a significant feature because it allows Hermes to be enabled by default in future React Native versions.

Inline need is a Babel compiler transformer that translates code in the middle of the compilation process. For a few years, this feature has been accessible as an option. Imports in files are converted to inline using Inline Require. It reduces startup time by delaying the execution of JavaScript modules. As a result, modules will only be imported if they are used. You will notice an improvement in performance as a result of this adjustment. It has been enabled by default since 0.64.

What are your thoughts on the new features in React Native 0.62 and 0.63 in 2020? Do you think you’ll be satisfied with React Native in 2020? Do you agree with Andrzej’s assessment on React Native’s future? Or perhaps you believe you require React Native or React JS development services? In any case, get in touch with us and let us know!

We’ll make sure to keep this post up to date with new information regarding native APIs, the React Native community, and more. Stay tuned for coverage on React Native’s next updates!