js-bridge
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Storage Mechanism Considerations --
- Databases: IndexedDB (if applicable in Lynx) or SQLite are more efficient choices over WebSQL, which is deprecated.
- Files: Direct native file access is preferable to plugin-based file handling (as used in Cordova).
- Persistent Variables: React Native's
AsyncStorageor secure storage solutions would be more reliable than Cordova's LocalStorage. - Sensitive Data: The use of native secure storage APIs (Keychain for iOS and Keystore for Android) is recommended for sensitive information.
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Security Implications -- The document warns about unintended data exposure through backup mechanisms, which remains relevant. In React Native, you should ensure that sensitive data is stored in platform-protected locations (e.g.,
react-native-keychain). -
Bridging Mechanisms in Hybrid Development -- The study finds that Cordova's JavaScript bridge incurs significant latency, whereas React Native's Fabric architecture and JSI (JavaScript Interface) provide better performance. Lynx, if it adopts a similar direct native integration, may also provide improvements.
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Plugin Dependency -- Cordova relies heavily on plugins, which introduces maintenance and compatibility issues. React Native has a more active ecosystem with first-party support, reducing reliance on third-party packages.
Recommendations:
- React Native: Given its wider adoption and better performance, it may be a more stable choice than Lynx unless Lynx offers a compelling advantage in performance or ecosystem support.
- SQLite via WatermelonDB or TypeORM: If your app requires structured storage, leveraging SQLite with a modern ORM will offer better performance than Cordova's SQLite plugin.
- Secure Async Storage: Use
react-native-encrypted-storageor similar to ensure persistent data storage without security risks.
When planning the architecture of your tech stack while migrating from Cordova/Ionic to React Native or Lynx, you should consider the following key concerns:
1. Performance Considerations
- JavaScript-to-Native Bridge: Minimize the use of bridges by leveraging native modules where possible. React Native’s Fabric & JSI improve this significantly.
- UI Performance: Use FlatList instead of standard lists for large datasets, and avoid unnecessary re-renders by using
useMemoanduseCallback. - Thread Optimization: Move expensive computations off the UI thread using
react-native-reanimatedand Worker threads.
2. Data Storage & State Management
- Local Storage:
- Use AsyncStorage for small key-value pairs.
- Use react-native-mmkv for fast key-value storage (better than AsyncStorage).
- Database:
- SQLite (via WatermelonDB, TypeORM) for structured offline storage.
- Realm for high-performance mobile databases with sync capabilities.
- Firestore or Supabase if you need cloud sync.
- State Management:
- Recoil / Zustand for lightweight state management.
- Redux Toolkit if global state management is complex.
- MobX for reactive state management with less boilerplate.
3. Security & Compliance
- Sensitive Data Storage:
- Use react-native-keychain for passwords & sensitive tokens.
- Avoid storing sensitive data in AsyncStorage (it’s not encrypted).
- Network Security:
- Enforce HTTPS (SSL/TLS).
- Use Axios with automatic token refresh.
- Implement request throttling and retry mechanisms.
- Authentication & Authorization:
- Firebase Auth, Auth0, or OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
- Implement biometric authentication via
react-native-touch-idorreact-native-face-id.
4. API & Backend Connectivity
- REST vs GraphQL:
- If your API is evolving frequently, use GraphQL (Apollo Client, Relay).
- If your API is stable, REST + Axios or Fetch is sufficient.
- Offline Support:
- Use WatermelonDB, SQLite, or Apollo Client cache.
- Implement service workers for background sync.
- WebSockets & Push Notifications:
- Use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) or OneSignal for real-time notifications.
- Use Socket.io or Pusher for real-time updates.
5. UI & UX Framework
- Navigation:
- React Navigation (most popular, dynamic stack/tab navigation).
- React Native Navigation (native-driven, better for performance).
- UI Components:
- NativeBase / React Native Paper for prebuilt components.
- TailwindCSS with NativeWind for utility-first styling.
- Animations:
- React Native Reanimated (better than Animated API).
- Lottie for smooth vector animations.
6. Platform-Specific Optimizations
- iOS vs Android Differences:
- Handle different permissions (
react-native-permissions). - Optimize for different screen sizes & resolutions.
- Handle different permissions (
- Battery & Resource Management:
- Avoid background polling (use background services like react-native-background-fetch).
- Use lazy loading for assets & modules.
7. Code Maintainability & Scalability
- Monorepo Structure: If working with a web and mobile app, consider using NX or Turborepo.
- Modularization:
- Separate concerns into services (API), contexts (state), hooks, and components.
- Keep business logic separate from UI components.
- Type Safety: Use TypeScript to avoid runtime errors.
- Testing:
- Unit tests: Jest & React Native Testing Library.
- E2E: Detox for React Native.
8. Deployment & CI/CD
- Automated Build Pipelines:
- Use EAS Build (Expo) or Fastlane for automating iOS/Android builds.
- Set up GitHub Actions, Bitrise, or Codemagic for CI/CD.
- OTA (Over-The-Air) Updates:
- Use Expo Updates or CodePush to push updates without App Store re-submission.
Conclusion
Since you’re moving from Cordova/Ionic to React Native or Lynx, prioritize:
✅ Native module usage to reduce bridging overhead.
✅ Optimized storage & security (avoid AsyncStorage for sensitive data).
✅ Scalable state management with Recoil, Zustand, or Redux Toolkit.
✅ CI/CD & OTA updates for faster iteration cycles.