Using External JavaScript Libraries in React Native
Article Summary
Callstack explores a critical question for React Native teams: when can you safely use JavaScript libraries built for the web, and when do you need native alternatives?
This practical guide from Callstack breaks down the compatibility landscape between web JavaScript libraries and React Native. It helps developers understand which libraries work out of the box and which require native implementations.
Key Takeaways
- Pure JavaScript libraries (like Lodash) work seamlessly in React Native
- DOM-dependent libraries require React Native alternatives or polyfills
- Node.js-specific packages need careful evaluation before integration
- Community packages often provide native equivalents for web libraries
Critical Insight
Most pure JavaScript libraries work in React Native, but DOM or Node.js dependencies require native alternatives or custom bridging solutions.
