Good Habits for Great React Native Code
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If you’re starting your journey with React Native — welcome! It’s a great framework that lets you build cross-platform mobile apps with a single codebase. But as you go beyond simple screens, things can get messy fast.
This guide walks through some friendly, practical tips to help you build clean, maintainable, and scalable React Native projects. I’m still learning too, but I really wish more of this had been part of the online courses I took.
Think in Components and Keep Them Modular
React Native projects shine when your UI is built out of small, reusable components.
Let’s say you’ve used the same styled button in five places. Instead of rewriting that code, extract it into a Button.tsx and reuse it everywhere.
It’s also a good habit to comment the file path at the top — makes things easier to trace later.
// components/common/Button.tsx
const Button = ({ title, onPress }) => (
<TouchableOpacity onPress={onPress} style={styles.btn}>
<Text style={styles.text}>{title}</Text>
</TouchableOpacity>
);
Then use it like this:
<Button title="Log in" onPress={handleLogin} /> It keeps your codebase tidy and your app consistent.
TypeScript Will Save You Later
You might be tempted to skip it at first, but TypeScript is your safety net. It catches bugs before your app even runs and helps other devs (and future you) understand what your code expects.
type PostCardProps = {
title: string;
author: string;
};
const PostCard: React.FC<PostCardProps> = ({ title, author }) => (
<View><Text>{title} by {author}</Text></View>
); Once you’re used to it, it’s hard to go back.
Stay Updated — Really
React Native and its libraries move fast. Keeping your node modules and React Native version updated means you get bug fixes, security patches, and better performance.
Run:
npm outdated
npx npm-check-updates -u
npm install
Try tools like Dependabot to check for updates automatically. It’ll save you a lot of upgrade pain down the line.
Choose the Right Libraries
It’s tempting to install the first library you see on GitHub or npm. But take a few minutes to check:
- Last update date
- Open issues and PRs
- GitHub stars (rough estimate of adoption)
- Does it work well with Expo or bare React Native?
This helps you avoid abandoned packages that break with every React Native update.
GitHub Issues and Stack Overflow Are Gold
Don’t struggle in silence. If something’s not working, chances are someone’s had the same problem.
- Use GitHub issues to find bugs or usage examples.
- Check Stack Overflow for common pitfalls.
- Try searching with exact error messages in quotes — it really helps.
And once you figure something out, consider leaving a comment or answer. Future you (and others) will thank you.
Name and Spell Things Right
Readable code starts with names that make sense — and are spelled correctly. Misspelled words or abbreviations might save a few keystrokes, but they’ll confuse you (and your team) later.
// ❌ Vague or misspelled
const CntctScrn = () => { ... };
const uesAuth = () => { ... };
const fetcUsr = () => { ... }; // ✅ Clear and correct
const ContactScreen = () => { ... };
const useAuth = () => { ... };
const fetchUser = () => { ... }; Wrapping Up
React Native is beginner-friendly — but that doesn’t mean you should build carelessly. These habits will help your app stay stable and easy to work on as it grows:
- Build small, reusable components
- Use TypeScript from day one
- Keep your dependencies updated
- Be thoughtful about your libraries
- Use GitHub and Stack Overflow when stuck
- Name your files and variables well
It’s totally fine to learn as you go — just aim to make things better each time. You’ve got this 🚀
If you keep these principles in mind, you’ll build apps that not only work well today — but stay strong tomorrow.