React Native lets you build apps for Android and iPhone from one codebase. Whether it's easy depends on where you're starting.
Direct answer
React Native is reasonably easy to start if you know basic JavaScript. You build screens from small reusable pieces and see results quickly. Complete beginners should learn JavaScript first, then React Native ideas such as components, state and navigation. Expect a small app in days to weeks and real confidence in a few months.
What makes it easier
- One language (JavaScript) for both Android and iPhone
- Reusable components
- Fast refresh while you edit
- Large community and plenty of examples
What's tricky
- Getting your tools set up
- Understanding state and how data flows
- Navigation between screens
- Differences between phones
- Publishing to app stores
What to learn first
- JavaScript basics. See JavaScript for beginners.
- Components and props
- State and events
- Lists and navigation
- Saving and loading data
- Publishing
How long?
| Goal | With regular practice |
|---|---|
| A first small app | Days to weeks |
| Comfortable building apps | A few months |
| Publishing to stores | Extra time for accounts and review |
Where to practise
Start with a small idea such as a habit tracker or a menu. See the React Native tutorial for beginners.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's React Native for Beginners course has you build a real phone app with one codebase for Android and iPhone: ten-minute lessons, real code in every one, and screens you can tap right in the lesson. It has 80 lessons and is free to start.
The bottom line
Learn JavaScript first, then build something small.
