A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started with React Native

Olowoniyi Daniel
2 min readAug 15, 2023

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Mobile app development has evolved rapidly, and one technology that has gained immense popularity is React Native. In this article, we’ll dive into my journey as a beginner learning React Native. From grasping core components to styling techniques and handling events, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts I’ve explored.

Understanding Core Components & Component Styling

At the heart of every React Native app are its core components. These building blocks form the user interface of the app. I began by familiarizing myself with components such as Text, View, and Image. To add visual appeal, I delved into component styling, exploring how to use inline styles, external stylesheets, and even styled-components to give my app a unique look and feel.

Working with Core Components

With a grasp of core components and styling under my belt, I embarked on practical projects. I discovered how to leverage these components to craft intuitive interfaces. Buttons, input fields, and lists all came together seamlessly, laying the groundwork for a user-friendly experience.

Styling React Native Apps

Styling isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a consistent and engaging user interface. In this section, I learned how to apply styles to components using various techniques. The flexibility of React Native’s styling capabilities allowed me to adapt my app’s appearance for different platforms and devices.

Exploring Layouts & Flexbox

Layouts define how content is organized within an app. I explored the world of layouts and learned how to structure content effectively. Understanding Flexbox was a game-changer, as it enabled me to create dynamic and responsive layouts that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes.

Handling Taps with the Pressable Component

Interactivity is a cornerstone of modern app design. I explored the Pressable component and how it streamlined tap event handling. Adding interactive elements like buttons and toggles became intuitive and efficient.

iOS & Android Styling Differences

Cross-platform development brings its own challenges. I discussed the nuances of styling for both iOS and Android platforms. Adapting my app’s design to align with platform-specific guidelines proved to be an interesting and necessary endeavor.

Conclusion

My journey into React Native provided a solid foundation for building mobile apps. From mastering core components and styling to handling events and creating interactive interfaces, I’ve gained insights that are invaluable for any budding developer. As you embark on your React Native adventure, I hope my experiences and learnings help guide you to success.

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Olowoniyi Daniel

Fullstack Engineer (MERN) || Website & Mobile (React/React Native) Developer || JavaScript