Published on February 3rd, 2025
React Native has recently launched its new version 0.77. This version is packed with new features. These improvements make app development faster, smoother, and more flexible. This update focuses on enhancing the user experience. You will experience improved performance, and better tools for building cross-platform mobile app development.
1. New Styling Feature
Some of the key updates are:
display: contents: This feature lets you display child elements without adding extra layers in the layout. It helps keep the design clean and organized.
boxSizing: With this property, developers can control how an element’s size is calculated, making layouts easier to manage.
mixBlendMode: This allows elements to blend with others visually, creating cool effects like overlays or color blending.
Outline Properties: New outline properties make it easier to highlight elements, improving focus indicators and accessibility for users with visual impairments.
These new styling tools bring React Native closer to web development standards, making it easier for web developers to transition to mobile app development.
2. Better Support for Android Devices
React Native 0.77 now supports 16KB memory pages on Android devices. What does this mean? It simply means that apps will run better on newer Android phones and tablets. This update ensures that your app is more stable, faster, and compatible with the hardware.
3. Swift Template for iOS
Another major update is the switch to a Swift template for iOS development. Previously, React Native used Objective-C, but Swift is now the default language for new iOS projects.
Why Swift? It’s faster, safer, and easier to read and write compared to Objective-C. This change will help developers build iOS apps more efficiently.
What if you prefer Objective-C? No worries! You can still use Objective-C if that’s your preference.
This update simplifies iOS development and makes it more beginner-friendly.
4. Changes in Debugging: Goodbye console.log() Streaming
React Native 0.77 has removed console.log() streaming in Metro, which is React Native’s bundler. Previously, developers relied on console.log() to debug their code. Now, React Native encourages the use of more advanced debugging tools like React Native DevTools.
While this change might feel like an adjustment, it actually helps improve performance and encourages better debugging practices. DevTools provide a clearer, more detailed view of app performance, making it easier to find and fix bugs.
5. Performance Improvements
React Native 0.77 isn’t just about new features—it also brings several performance upgrades:
Faster Loading Times: Apps built with this version will load quicker.
Reduced Memory Usage: This makes apps more efficient, especially on older devices.
Improved Stability: Handle large data sets easily with fewer crashes.
These improvements ensure that apps run smoothly, providing a better experience for users and less frustration for developers.
6. Bug Fixes and Security Updates
Every new version of React Native comes with bug fixes, and 0.77 is no exception. The React Native team has addressed several bugs reported by the community, making the framework more stable and secure. This release helps ensure your apps are safe and reliable.
7. Migration Tips for Developers
You can transition to new update by:
Backup Your Project: Always create a backup before upgrading.
Check Dependencies: Some third-party libraries may need updates to work with 0.77.
Test Thoroughly: Run tests on both Android and iOS to catch any issues early.
You can check the official update guide to help if you face any challenges during the migration process.
Conclusion
React Native 0.77 brings exciting new features, better performance, and improved tools for developers. The updates to styling options, Android support, and iOS templates make it easier to create high-quality mobile apps. While some changes, like the removal of console.log() streaming, might require adjustments, they ultimately lead to better development practices.
If you’re planning to build a new app or upgrade an existing one, React Native 0.77 offers the tools and improvements needed to make your project a success.
Happy coding!
