You might have heard developers mention React Native and React JS when talking about building apps or websites. They sound similar, but they’re used for different purposes. Here's a clear breakdown to help you understand the difference, even without a tech background.
React JS – For Websites
React JS is used to build websites — the kind you open in a browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. It's a JavaScript library that helps developers create web pages that are fast, dynamic, and interactive.
For example, if you're browsing a news site and click “Read more” to expand an article without the entire page reloading, that smooth experience is likely powered by React JS.
It focuses purely on what you see on the screen — the buttons, text, images, and how they move or change when you interact with them.
React Native – For Mobile Apps
React Native is used to build mobile apps — the ones you download from the App Store or Google Play. Apps like Instagram, Uber Eats, or Airbnb use this technology (at least in part).
Instead of building separate apps for iPhones and Android devices, React Native allows developers to use one codebase for both platforms. This saves time and keeps the experience consistent across devices.
While React JS builds things for browsers, React Native builds things for your phone’s operating system.
How They’re Similar
- Both are made by the same company: Meta (formerly Facebook).
- Both use the same programming language: JavaScript.
- They share some of the same logic and structure, which makes it easier for developers to switch between the two.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | React JS | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Used For | Websites | Mobile apps (iOS and Android) |
| Runs In | Web browser | Mobile phone |
| Look & Feel | HTML and CSS | Native mobile components |
| End Product | Website you access via URL | App you install on your phone |
Which One Do You Need?
If you're building a website, you'll need React JS.
If you're building a mobile app, React Native is the better fit.
Some companies use both — React JS for their web platform and React Native for their mobile app — because it allows them to maintain a similar development style across different platforms.