React Native Best Practices

Overview

Performance optimization guide for React Native applications, covering JavaScript/React, Native (iOS/Android), and bundling optimizations. Based on Callstack's "Ultimate Guide to React Native Optimization".

Skill Format

Each reference file follows a hybrid format for fast lookup and deep understanding:

• Quick Pattern: Incorrect/Correct code snippets for immediate pattern matching
• Quick Command: Shell commands for process/measurement skills
• Quick Config: Configuration snippets for setup-focused skills
• Quick Reference: Summary tables for conceptual skills
• Deep Dive: Full context with When to Use, Prerequisites, Step-by-Step, Common Pitfalls

Impact ratings: CRITICAL (fix immediately), HIGH (significant improvement), MEDIUM (worthwhile optimization)

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Debugging slow/janky UI or animations
• Investigating memory leaks (JS or native)
• Optimizing app startup time (TTI)
• Reducing bundle or app size
• Writing native modules (Turbo Modules)
• Profiling React Native performance
• Reviewing React Native code for performance

Priority-Ordered Guidelines

Quick Reference

Critical: FPS & Re-renders

Profile first:

# Open React Native DevTools
# Press 'j' in Metro, or shake device → "Open DevTools"

Common fixes:

• Replace ScrollView with FlatList/FlashList for lists
• Use React Compiler for automatic memoization
• Use atomic state (Jotai/Zustand) to reduce re-renders
• Use useDeferredValue for expensive computations

Critical: Bundle Size

Analyze bundle:

npx react-native bundle \
  --entry-file index.js \
  --bundle-output output.js \
  --platform ios \
  --sourcemap-output output.js.map \
  --dev false --minify true

npx source-map-explorer output.js --no-border-checks

Common fixes:

• Avoid barrel imports (import directly from source)
• Remove unnecessary Intl polyfills (Hermes has native support)
• Enable tree shaking (Expo SDK 52+ or Re.Pack)
• Enable R8 for Android native code shrinking

High: TTI Optimization

Measure TTI:

• Use react-native-performance for markers
• Only measure cold starts (exclude warm/hot/prewarm)

Common fixes:

• Disable JS bundle compression on Android (enables Hermes mmap)
• Use native navigation (react-native-screens)
• Defer non-critical work with InteractionManager

High: Native Performance

Profile native:

• iOS: Xcode Instruments → Time Profiler
• Android: Android Studio → CPU Profiler

Common fixes:

• Use background threads for heavy native work
• Prefer async over sync Turbo Module methods
• Use C++ for cross-platform performance-critical code

References

Full documentation with code examples in references/:

JavaScript/React (js-*)

Native (native-*)

Bundling (bundle-*)

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