WalmartLabs opensources its tool for bringing React Native to mobile apps

1: https://github.com/walmartlabs/lacinia

Now that said, I agree on the performance costs, and too wonder why Walmart is hellbent on this strategy, given the endless resources they have.

But at the end of the day, they have a head of engineering and need to make their lives simpler just like everyone else. If you know how to squeeze the performance out of RN/React, developing apps in the semi-FP declarative sate-driven way is a dream compared to all the old ways of client app development. People who's views are so against React/ReactNative usually haven't experienced it for themselves. I suggest really giving it try before making these comments which usually serve just to validate decisions already made. I.e. to make one's self feel better about sticking to the old ways. However, I totally understand what it feels like for new tools to pop up that put into question old ways I've invested a lot into. That said, don't you think you'd be better off fully exploring these ways before shooting them down? Don't tell me you have--zero people that have grokked the effectiveness of declarative state-driven programming make these remarks. They usually leave some hint at their experience with React. In short, it's only you left in the dust :)

Give the tools a try, which I know will likely be hard for you because you are likely coming from the Native world. I will say this: it's a lot more than just one language to make hybrid apps (i.e. like past tools such as Titanium). And, of course perf will be a challenge. That said, the perf is amazing given what it is. But more importantly, the style of development is what it's all about. It's so different and so much more predictable/debuggable than the old mutable ways. To me, it matters not that it's in JS. What matters is the declarative state driven way of development. If you can do that in native code, you're basically doing the most important aspect--and basically there's no argument from me there. There are some libraries that allow for that, but it's nowhere near the extent of what you can do in React/JS, given its ecosystem. I lot of work is being put in here to make this the best of breed future of application development. If you can't see it, you're missing out. Do your homework on React once and for all. You can thank me later.

Last point: Walmart's tool here is specifically meant for making apps where some of it you want in "actual native" and other parts in "react native." Without a doubt coding the React style is the best DX for UI development. AND without a doubt, "actual native" performs far FAR better. So what they have here is a toolbox for those with an "engineering mindset" to pick the best tool for the job. Everything that's happening is just getting better and better for all parties involved, no matter where your experience lies.

Facebook wants facebook to feel like facebook whether you're on an iPhone or an Android or your PC. Same with Chrome - it eschews native platform UI on all devices in favor of looking the same everywhere.

Good UI - by definition - doesn't get in your way. But "good UI" may not be "good marketing" or "good branding" and these companies are placing a premium on their brand at the cost of the user experience.

Good apps should _embrace_ rather than eschew the platforms they run on and their windowing toolkits so that their users can focus on the content rather than the presentation.

Think about it - how many people (as a percentage of users of an app) will use it on multiple platforms? (Windows and Mac or iPhone and Android?) How many people use facebook _both_ in the mobile browser _and_ via the app on the same device? (Especially given the obnoxious trend to block access to the website if a native app is available cough reddit cough pinterest cough messenger cough). Not many at all.

Hubris also comes into play. Obviously the UI models used in xxx platform are not perfect, but every app designer thinks "users will prefer this over xxxx's default, no question about it" because they view their layout/navigation/ui/style to be the greatest thing since sliced bread and cannot fathom that users might actually prefer the device's native windowing/widget toolkits to their abomination.