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React Native 0.72 vs 0.73 vs 0.74

From Performance Gains to Bridgeless Bliss

May 10, 2024

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React Native 0.72 vs 0.73 vs 0.74

Introduction:

React Native continues to evolve rapidly, empowering React Native experts to build even more performant and efficient mobile apps. Keeping up with the latest releases is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. ‘React Native 0.72 vs 0.73 vs 0.74’, In this blog post dive into the key differences between  React Native Versions 0.72, 0.73, and 0.74, highlighting how each benefits developers.

React Native 0.72: Streamlining Development (Released June 21, 2023)

React Native 0.72 focused on improving the developer experience. Here are some of the key features that make life easier for React Native experts:

  • Symlink Support: This long-awaited feature simplifies project structure by allowing developers to link native modules without manually copying them into the project directory. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Better Error Messages: Debugging just got more efficient. React Native 0.72 provides more informative error messages, making it easier to pinpoint and fix issues in your code.
  • Package Exports Support: Managing dependencies becomes more streamlined with package export support. This allows developers to export specific components or functionalities from larger packages, reducing bundle size and improving app performance.

React Native 0.73: Stability and Debugging Enhancements (Released December 6, 2023)

Building upon the foundation laid in 0.72, React Native 0.73 prioritizes stability and advanced debugging tools. Here’s what excites React Native experts:

  • Debugging Improvements: The debugging experience gets a significant boost in 0.73. Enhanced support for Hermes, the high-performance JavaScript engine, allows for faster debugging cycles. Additionally, stable symlink support within Metro, the bundler used by React Native, ensures a smoother development workflow.
  • Android 14 Support: Staying ahead of the Android version curve is crucial. React Native 0.73 adds native support for Android 14, allowing developers to take advantage of the latest features and APIs offered by the new OS.
  • New Architecture Updates: This release introduces the first pillar of the New Architecture: Bridgeless Mode (experimental). This has the potential to significantly improve performance by reducing the communication overhead between native and JavaScript threads.
React Native 0.74: Performance Boost and Architectural Advancements (Latest Stable Version)

React Native 0.74 brings exciting advancements that focus on performance optimization and architectural improvements. Let’s see how this empowers React Native experts:

  • Yoga 3.0: This upgraded layout engine delivers significant performance gains, especially for complex layouts. Yoga 3.0 translates into smoother animations and a more responsive user experience.
  • Bridgeless by Default (New Architecture): Building upon the foundation laid in 0.73, Bridgeless Mode becomes the default option in the New Architecture. This eliminates the communication bridge between native and JavaScript threads, leading to faster app startup times and improved responsiveness.
  • Yarn 3 for New Projects: React Native 0.74 embraces Yarn 3 as the default package manager for new projects. Yarn 3 boasts faster installation times and improved dependency management.
Choosing the Right Version for Your Project

The best React Native version for your project depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. For new projects, start with React Native 0.74 to leverage the latest performance optimizations and architectural advancements.
  2. For existing projects on 0.72 or 0.73, upgrading to 0.74 is recommended to benefit from the performance improvements and new features. However, React Native experts should carefully review the breaking changes documented for each version before upgrading.
Embrace the Future with React Native

React Native’s rapid evolution demonstrates the team’s commitment to providing developers with the best possible tools to build exceptional mobile apps. By keeping up with the latest releases, React Native experts can ensure their apps are performant and efficient, and leverage the newest features available.

Conclusion:

React Native’s dedication to constant improvement is evident in these recent releases. Each version offers unique benefits, empowering developers to create high-quality mobile applications. Whether you’re starting a new project or considering upgrading an existing one, understanding the strengths of React Native 0.72, 0.73, and 0.74 will equip you to make informed decisions.

By staying updated with the latest advancements, React Native experts can ensure their apps stay at the forefront of mobile development. With a focus on performance, stability, and architectural improvements, React Native continues to be a powerful tool for building exceptional mobile experiences.