7 things no one will tell you about hiring React Native Developers

Introduction

The React Native framework is an alternative to native development popular among iOS users in the United States.

More than 204 billion mobile applications had been downloaded as of 2019.

Customers spent over 23.4 billion dollars on mobile apps across all platforms in just the first quarter of 2020.

With those astounding figures in mind, utilizing the potential of mobile applications for your company may not be such a bad idea.

And if you believe your company would gain from creating a unique mobile application, you'll likely need to hire a top-tier React Native developer to help bring that idea to fruition.

However, a question arises—how can you tell if they are a good developer? To determine if a programmer knows React Native inside and out, what skills should you test during an interview? If you aren't unable to answer these questions, fret not!

In this article, we'll cover the top 7 things that no one tells you about hiring react developers, some must-have skills the developers must possess, the cost of hiring them, and so on.

To learn more, continue reading!

Who Are React Native Developers?

In order to create Android and iOS applications, Facebook created an open-source platform called—React Native. 

It leverages the Reactjs library, making it simple for Reactjs developers to switch to mobile development while retaining the same programming language and technology stack.

An individual who has spent time understanding the React Native framework to build cross-platform mobile applications is known as a React Native Developer.

Since React Native effectively makes use of the React library, several React developers also gain knowledge of React Native.

Companies that utilize React Native:

1. Facebook Ads Manager
2. Bloomberg
3. Airbnb
4. Gyroscope
5. Myntra
6. UberEats
7. Discord
8. Instagram

7 things no one will tell you about hiring React Native Developers

React Native development is skyrocketing. Companies big and small are seeking talented developers adept in this framework for their app development needs. Before you jump in, however, it's important to understand key considerations that can make or break your app project.

This isn't just about finding someone who knows React Native. It's about finding a well-rounded, skilled, problem-solving developer who can navigate potential hurdles and optimize app performance, irrespective of the challenges they face.

So, let's clear the air. Here are seven things you definitely need to know before you hire a React Native developer.

1. Understanding of Fundamental JavaScript

Grappling with React Native without grounding in JavaScript is like wanting to write a novel without knowing the alphabet. React Native is a JavaScript framework after all. Test your candidate's knowledge in objects, variables, loops, and closures. 

Look at their command over ES6 and ES7 syntaxes. A developer with a deep understanding of JavaScript is more likely to write efficient code, identify and correct bugs, and find novel solutions to programming challenges.

2. Familiarity with Popular Libraries and Tools

Every artist needs their tools; for React Native developers, these are libraries like Redux and tools like Enzyme, Jest. These tools help in managing app state, automating tests, and simplifying complex tasks. 

Check if your developer can work with such tools. Lack of this know-how can slow down development or cause inconsistencies in your app. Thus, knowing when and how to utilize these tools is a critical asset for an efficient developer.

3. Experience with Native Modules

Even though React Native aims for maximum code reusability across platforms, it doesn't dodge platform specifics. Certain features may require interacting with native Android or iOS APIs. The ability to work with native modules — write or integrate with them — is necessary. 

Assess if your developer can slide between JavaScript and native code realms when the need arises. This skill ensures your app utilizes platform-specific APIs optimally.

4. Appreciation for User Interface, User Experience (UI/UX)

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works,” Steve Jobs once said. Along with coding, a developer's understanding of good UI/UX principles plays into the success of any app. 

How well does your developer understand the way end-users interact with mobile applications? Do they know how to make interfaces intuitive, user-friendly? Don't overlook this softer aspect, it's crucial in creating a great user experience.

5. Knowledge of Backend and Databases

The ideal candidate doesn't live in the front-end bubble. They understand that correct use of databases and backend systems can directly impact the app's performance and architecture. 

They need to be familiar with HTTP/S requests, APIs, connectivity issues, data formats(JSON, XML), and backend services. Even some familiarity with languages like Node.js is advantageous. This understanding plays into building an efficient, smooth-performing application.

6. Understanding of App Lifecycle

In the tech orchestra, your developer is the conductor, guiding your app through various stages of its lifecycle. From initialization, mounting, updating state to unmounting and garbage collection – it’s a dance of code, managed deftly. 

Your developer needs to know the intricacies of this dance. They should be acquainted with the lifecycle methods, where and when to use them for preventing memory leaks and optimizing performance.

7. Commitment to Code Quality and Testing

Good code isn't just about functionality; it's about readability, maintainability, efficiency. It's about semantics, comments, formatting. It's about a commitment to quality. Does your developer write 'clean' code? Do they follow best practices - proper indentation, descriptive variable names, avoiding global variables? 

Further, testing is crucial. Developers who write tests as part of their development process lead to stable apps and quicker debugging cycles. Remember, to ensure success, you need high-quality products, and high-quality products come from high-quality code.

Each of these indicators holds weightage when you're recruiting your dream tech team. Go beyond just coding abilities and languages known while hiring. A holistic approach ensures you lock in a developer well-equipped to handle whatever comes their way, thereby securing the success of your product.

What Are The Top React Native Developers' Skills?

Numerous React Native developers are vying for attention in the crowded market.

But can you separate the wheat from the chaff and discover programmers who can produce the standard of quality you require?

A concise list of some skills that a top-tier React Native developer should possess is provided below:

1. JavaScript

The foundation of React and React Native is JavaScript. These technologies are all based on JavaScript. 

So, in order to work with React Native, a thorough understanding of this programming language is imperative.

2. ES6 and React

A recruiter should inquire about the applicant's familiarity with ES6 and React because a React Native developer must have a solid understanding of both these frameworks. Knowing these technologies is crucial for developers.

3. Redux

Some familiarity with Redux is also helpful when working with React Native. 

Therefore, a recruiter should be aware of the candidate's Redux expertise.

4. Navigation

Tools like React Navigation and React Native Navigation can be used to create user-friendly and seamless navigation.

Errors must be corrected during the application development process, and the app must be tested to determine whether it is functioning efficiently or not. 

Therefore, when hiring a React Native developer, it is crucial to assess their debugging and testing abilities.

5. Strong Communication Skills

The ability to communicate effectively is vital. 

Developers who are excellent communicators are far more valuable than those who are merely proficient in coding but lack social skills. 

In addition to writing high-quality code, a programmer with strong interpersonal skills will be able to appreciate and understand the requirements of their clients.

Roles And Responsibilities of React Native Developers

1. Seamless UI: For iOS and Android, developers must create a smooth user interface. They must create components from several prototypes and wireframes

2. Code conversion: Writing clean, maintainable code per client specifications is the responsibility of all React Native developers. The code must also be repurposed.

3. Quality check: Performance tests must be conducted by React Native developers, and any mistakes found must be corrected.

4. Native modules and APIs: When required, developers must integrate native iOS and Android components as well as APIs. In addition to that, they must work with third-party plugins like entypo, FontAwesome, Andesign, etc.

5. Cross-functional coordination: React Native developers must collaborate with cross-functional teams to build apps within the allotted time frame.

Cost Of Hiring React Native Developers

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a Senior React Native Developer in the U. S. is between $103,500 and $180,500 per year.

The cost of outsourcing software development is much lower than recruiting full-time employing U.S. expertise because of the economic differences between the United States and South America in its entirety. South American senior react native developers currently make an average income of approximately $100,000, while mid-level developers make about $76,000.

When looking at salaries in Eastern Europe, research shows that a Senior React Native Developer makes an average salary of $100,000. 

Using hourly rates is another technique to evaluate developer costs. Although salaries for hiring developers for full-time, long-term positions are essential to comprehend, you could just need a developer for a 3-6 month or a 6-12 month period.

It's preferable to base your cost calculations on a developer's hourly rate.

Conclusion

The purpose of this post was to discuss the skills, roles, responsibilities, and cost of hiring a React Native developer. 

Based on this article, we have learned that when hiring a React Native developer, it is important to ensure that they have good knowledge of JavaScript, ES6, React and React Native.However, a React Native development team is not easy to come by. Particularly for those who have even the slightest knowledge of technical development. 

The safest bet is to hire an existing team of developers rather than build one yourself. 

The challenge remains to find competent React Native developers who support a business's vision and strive to make it a reality. And who better to choose than—AppsRhino?

You can find React Native developers on several freelancing websites and at tech events, but none offer the chance to collaborate with a cohesive team.

A market leader in agile development, this platform offers exceptional flexibility and transparency to its customers. So what are you waiting for? 

Contact Appsrhino immediately to hire the finest developers on an hourly or project basis!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you provide insights on the importance of experience when hiring React Native developers?

Experience plays a crucial role in hiring React Native developers as it indicates proficiency in building cross-platform apps, familiarity with industry best practices, and the ability to troubleshoot common issues efficiently.

What are some key factors to consider beyond technical skills when hiring React Native developers?

In addition to technical skills, factors like communication abilities, problem-solving aptitude, teamwork, adaptability to new technologies, and creativity should be evaluated when hiring React Native developers.

How can cultural fit impact the success of hiring React Native developers?

Ensuring a cultural fit between the developer and the organization can enhance collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. It fosters a positive work environment that contributes to the success of React Native development projects.

Why is assessing problem-solving skills important when hiring React Native developers?

Problem-solving skills are critical for React Native developers to identify, analyze, and resolve issues efficiently during app development. Candidates with strong problem-solving abilities can contribute significantly to project success.

How can assessing a portfolio help in hiring the right React Native developers?

Reviewing a developer's portfolio provides insights into their past projects, the complexity of apps they have built, design aesthetics, user experience considerations, and overall proficiency in React Native development.