React native app development with Low-code platform

4 min readMay 23, 2024

Developing a React Native app with a low-code platform combines the benefits of React Native’s cross-platform capabilities with the speed and ease of low-code development. This approach can significantly accelerate the development process while allowing for custom functionality and a high degree of customization. Here’s how you can go about it:

Key Features of Low-Code Platforms Supporting React Native

Visual Development Interface: Drag-and-drop interfaces for building app layouts and workflows.
Custom Code Integration: Ability to write custom React Native code when needed.
Pre-built Components: Extensive libraries of pre-built React Native components.
Third-Party Integrations: Easy integration with various APIs and third-party services.
Cross-Platform Support: Automatically generates code for both iOS and Android.
Live Preview and Testing: Tools for real-time preview and testing on actual devices.

Popular Low-Code Platforms for React Native Development

Wave maker

Focuses on creating React Native apps with a visual builder.
Allows exporting clean React Native code for further customization.
Supports custom code blocks to extend functionality.
Offers a visual builder for creating cross-platform apps, including React Native.
Supports extensive logic and data integration capabilities.
Custom JavaScript logic can be added.
Primarily focused on enterprise applications, integrating well with other services.
Supports custom connectors and APIs.
Less focused on React Native, but offers similar capabilities for building cross-platform apps.
Strong enterprise features with extensive integration options.
Supports custom code and widgets, including React Native components.
Offers a robust environment for building and deploying mobile apps.

Steps to Develop a React Native App with a Low-Code Platform

Define Requirements:

Clearly outline the app’s functionality, user interface, and integration needs.

Choose a Platform:

Select a low-code platform that supports React Native and fits your project requirements.

Design the UI:

Use the visual development interface to design the app’s user interface.
Leverage pre-built React Native components and customize them as needed.

Implement Logic:

Define the app’s workflows and business logic using the platform’s visual tools.
Integrate custom React Native code where necessary to implement specific functionality.

Integrate Services:

Connect to necessary third-party services and APIs using the platform’s integration tools.
Use custom connectors if the platform supports them for specific needs.

Test the App:

Use built-in testing tools to validate the app’s functionality and performance.
Perform real-time testing on both iOS and Android devices. Deploy:
Publish the app to the respective app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) through the platform’s deployment tools.Monitor and Iterate:
Use analytics and user feedback to continuously improve and update the app.

Example Project Workflow with Wave Maker

Project Setup:

Sign up and create a new project in WaveMaker
Choose a template or start from scratch.

Design the UI:

Use the drag-and-drop interface to build the app’s screens.
Customize the layout and styles using the properties panel.

Add Functionality:

Define navigation between screens.
Integrate data sources and APIs for dynamic content.
Add custom code blocks to implement specific logic or functionality.

Preview and Test:

Use Wavemaker live preview feature to test the app on virtual devices.
Make adjustments based on the preview feedback.

Export Code:

Once the app design and functionality are finalized, export the React Native code.
Open the exported code in a React Native development environment (e.g., VS Code) for further customization if needed.Deploy:
Follow the standard React Native deployment process to publish the app to the app stores.

Best Practices

Maintain Modularity: Keep your custom code modular to make it easier to manage and update.
Optimize Performance: Ensure the app is optimized for performance, especially when integrating custom components.
Focus on User Experience: Design with the end-user in mind to create an intuitive and engaging experience.
Ensure Security: Follow best practices for secure coding and data handling.
Continuous Testing: Regularly test the app throughout development to catch issues early.

Conclusion

Using a low-code platform for React Native app development allows you to harness the power of React Native while enjoying the speed and efficiency of low-code tools. By carefully selecting a platform that supports React Native, you can create high-quality, cross-platform mobile apps more quickly and with less effort, making it an excellent choice for many development projects.

Wave maker

Rapid application development platform

Low-code Enterprise application development platform

Low code application development platform or Low code development platform

What is Low code app development platforms

Composable low code isvs

Java-based low-code platform

Composable isvs

RAD studio-Rapid application development software platform

APAAS-application platform as a service

Cloud application development platform

Legacy application modernization services