is it better to build using Swift or React Native?

When deciding whether to build using Swift or React Native, it's important to consider the context and goals of your project. Here are some key points from the WWDC sessions that might help you make an informed decision:

Swift and SwiftUI

1. Native Performance and Integration:

   • Swift is deeply integrated into Apple's ecosystem, used across apps, system services, frameworks, and even firmware. This integration ensures high performance and security (Platforms State of the Union).
   • SwiftUI, Apple's declarative UI framework, allows you to build apps that work seamlessly across all Apple devices, leveraging native capabilities (SwiftUI essentials).

2. Productivity and Expressivity:

   • Swift and SwiftUI are designed to be easy to learn yet powerful, enabling developers to focus on describing the UI rather than the implementation details. This can lead to higher productivity and more expressive code (Platforms State of the Union).

3. Code Sharing Across Platforms:

   • SwiftUI allows for significant code sharing across different Apple platforms, making it easier to maintain and update apps (SwiftUI essentials).

4. Advanced Features and Customization:

   • SwiftUI provides a large set of modifiers and protocols for fine-tuning the look and feel of your apps, ensuring you can achieve exactly the result you want (Platforms State of the Union).

React Native

While React Native is not specifically covered in the WWDC sessions, it is a popular framework for building cross-platform apps using JavaScript and React. Here are some general considerations:

1. Cross-Platform Development:

   • React Native allows you to write code once and deploy it on both iOS and Android, which can be a significant advantage if you need to support multiple platforms.

2. Community and Ecosystem:

   • React Native has a large and active community, providing a wealth of libraries, tools, and resources that can speed up development.

3. JavaScript and Web Technologies:

   • If your team is already proficient in JavaScript and React, React Native can be a more natural choice, leveraging existing skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

If your primary target is the Apple ecosystem and you want to leverage the full power of native performance, integration, and advanced features, building with Swift and SwiftUI is likely the better choice. However, if you need to support multiple platforms and have a team experienced in JavaScript and React, React Native could be more suitable.

For more detailed insights on Swift and SwiftUI, you can refer to the Platforms State of the Union and SwiftUI essentials sessions.