Preparing for a React Native interview can feel overwhelming, especially because companies test both theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving skills. To help you build strong confidence, this article covers some of the most commonly asked react native interview questions along with simple, beginner-friendly explanations. Whether you are new to the framework or improving your professional skills, these answers will help you stand out.
Beginner-Level Questions
1. What Is React Native?
React Native is an open-source framework created by Meta that lets developers build mobile apps using JavaScript and React. Instead of using HTML, it renders real native components such as <View>, <Text>, and <Image>. This makes apps feel fast, smooth, and close to native Android and iOS performance. The biggest benefit is that you can reuse most of the code across both platforms.
2. How Is React Native Different from ReactJS?
ReactJS is used for building web applications and renders UI elements inside the browser using HTML, CSS, and the DOM. React Native, on the other hand, does not use HTML at all—it uses native mobile elements. Although both use JSX and the same component-based architecture, their rendering targets, APIs, and styling methods are different.
3. What Does JSX Mean in React Native?
JSX stands for JavaScript XML. It allows you to write code that looks like HTML but actually represents native UI components in React Native. The syntax makes your code easier to read, and behind the scenes, JSX converts into JavaScript function calls.
4. What Are Core Components in React Native?
Some important components include:
- View – Similar to a
<div> - Text – For displaying text
- Image – For showing images
- TextInput – For input fields
- ScrollView – For scrollable content
- FlatList – For long, optimized lists
- TouchableOpacity / Pressable – For interactive touch elements
These components form the building blocks of most apps.
5. What Is the Role of State in React Native?
State is used to store values that change during a component’s lifecycle. Whenever state updates, React Native re-renders the UI to reflect the new data. For example, counters, form values, and toggles are managed using state.
6. How Do State and Props Differ?
- State → Managed internally, can update using
useState(). - Props → Passed from parent to child, cannot be modified by the receiving component.
State controls internal behavior, while props control external configuration.
7. What Are Hooks in React Native?
Hooks allow functional components to use features like state, lifecycle events, and context. Popular hooks include:
- useState – Manage state
- useEffect – Handle side effects
- useRef – Store mutable values
- useContext – Access global data
Hooks simplify code and reduce the need for class components.
8. What Does useEffect Do?
useEffect() performs side effects—anything that happens outside the normal rendering cycle. This includes:
- Fetching data
- Subscribing to events
- Setting timers
It runs after the component renders and can clean up events automatically.
9. How Do You Navigate Between Screens?
React Native uses libraries like React Navigation. A simple navigation example:
navigation.navigate('Profile')
React Navigation provides multiple navigators:
- Stack Navigator
- Bottom Tab Navigator
- Drawer Navigator
Each serves different UI and user-flow patterns.
10. What Is the Difference Between ScrollView and FlatList?
ScrollView renders everything at once, which is okay for small lists but slows down large datasets.
FlatList renders only the visible items, making it much faster and better for performance.
Intermediate-Level Questions
11. What Is Flexbox in React Native?
Flexbox controls layout and positioning. Common properties include:
- flexDirection – row or column
- justifyContent – spacing on main axis
- alignItems – alignment on cross-axis
- flex – element size behavior
Flexbox makes React Native layouts responsive and consistent across screen sizes.
12. How Do You Handle API Calls in React Native?
You can use JavaScript’s fetch() or libraries like Axios. Most developers call APIs inside useEffect.
useEffect(() => {
fetchData();
}, []);
Once the API response arrives, you store the data in state and display it in the UI.
13. What Is AsyncStorage?
AsyncStorage is a key-value storage system used to store small pieces of data such as tokens or user preferences. It is now provided through the community package:
@react-native-async-storage/async-storage
It should not be used for highly sensitive information.
14. What Is a Controlled Component?
A controlled component receives its value from React state rather than holding it internally. For example:
<TextInput value={input} onChangeText={setInput} />
This ensures the UI and state always stay in sync.
15. How Do You Pass Data Between Screens?
Using React Navigation:
navigation.navigate('Details', { userId: 5 });
And on the next screen:
const { userId } = route.params;
This allows screen-to-screen communication.
16. What Is a Modal in React Native?
A Modal displays content above everything else, commonly used for:
- Confirmations
- Alerts
- Forms
- Pop-ups
It helps users focus on specific interactions.
17. How Does React Native Architecture Work?
React Native’s architecture consists of:
- JavaScript thread – runs app logic
- Native side – handles UI rendering
- Bridge – connects JavaScript to native code
New technologies like Fabric and TurboModules improve speed and reduce bridge usage.
Advanced-Level Questions
18. How Do You Optimize Performance in React Native?
Some techniques include:
- Use FlatList for large lists
- Use React.memo, useCallback, useMemo
- Avoid unnecessary re-renders
- Optimize images
- Use native modules for heavy computations
Performance improvement is a common topic in react native interview questions.
19. What Is VirtualizedList?
VirtualizedList is the core list system behind FlatList and SectionList. It renders only visible items and recycles components, making lists faster and more memory-efficient.
20. How Do You Debug a React Native App?
Common tools include:
- Flipper
- React Native Debugger
- Chrome DevTools
- console.log()
These help analyze network calls, performance issues, and UI rendering problems.
21. How Do You Handle Permissions in React Native?
Use the library:
react-native-permissions
It allows requesting access for:
- Camera
- Location
- Storage
- Notifications
Android permissions must also be declared in AndroidManifest.xml.
22. What Are Native Modules?
Native modules allow you to write platform-specific code using:
- Java/Kotlin for Android
- Swift/Objective-C for iOS
They are used when React Native does not offer built-in support for a feature.
Practical Knowledge Expected in Interviews
Understanding Screen Sizes
React Native apps must look good on all devices. Use:
- Flexbox
- Dimensions API
useWindowDimensions()
Or external responsive libraries for consistent UI.
Handling Secure Data
For sensitive information, use:
- react-native-keychain
- expo-secure-store
These leverage secure platform-level encryption.
Using Animations in Apps
React Native offers multiple animation tools:
- Animated API
- LayoutAnimation
- Reanimated (best for complex effects)
- Lottie for vector animations
Animations improve user experience and are often discussed in react native interview questions.
Conclusion
Mastering these concepts will prepare you for both beginner and advanced react native interview questions. The best way to improve is by building real-world apps, practicing list rendering, API integration, local storage, and debugging techniques. The more hands-on experience you gain, the more confident you’ll feel during technical interviews.
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FAQs
1. Do I need React experience to learn React Native?
React experience helps, but beginners can learn both together with practice.
2. Is TypeScript important for React Native jobs?
Yes, many companies now expect at least basic TypeScript knowledge.
3. Does React Native support both Android and iOS?
Yes, it allows cross-platform development with a single codebase.
4. Do companies ask for live coding in interviews?
Most companies include either live coding or a small take-home task.
5. What’s the best way to prepare quickly?
Practice building small apps and review the most common interview patterns.