# React Native

> React Native is an open-source framework, created at Meta (then Facebook) and now owned by the independent React Foundation, for building mobile apps for iOS and Android from a single JavaScript or TypeScript codebase using React. Unlike a website wrapped in an app shell, React Native renders native platform interface components, and it can use device features such as the camera, location and push notifications.

## Why it matters for your business

For most business apps, React Native lets one team ship to both iPhone and Android instead of maintaining two separate codebases, which lowers build and maintenance cost. Companies with React web developers can share skills, and sometimes business logic, between web and mobile. It is a common choice for customer portals, ordering apps, field service apps and AI-powered mobile features. Apps that depend on advanced graphics or very new platform features may still need native code for parts of the app, and the framework choice should consider who will maintain the app long term.

## Example

An auto parts distributor wants repair shops to place orders from their phones. A React Native app gives iOS and Android users the same catalog search, stock checks, order history and push notifications for delivery updates, all backed by one API. The team builds and tests each feature once, then releases to both app stores.

Related terms: https://www.lumeor.studio/glossary/nextjs-development/, https://www.lumeor.studio/glossary/api-application-programming-interface/, https://www.lumeor.studio/glossary/mvp-minimum-viable-product/

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Source: https://www.lumeor.studio/glossary/react-native-development/