--- title: "Building in React and React Native: 5 Years Ago & Now" description: "In this episode, we talk the current state of React & React Native, compare it to how things were 5 years ago and give advice to newcomers in the industry." url: https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/building-in-react-and-react-native-5-years-ago-now updated: 2026-10-24T08:39:41.969Z --- # Building in React and React Native: 5 Years Ago & Now In this episode, we talk the current state of React & React Native, compare it to how things were 5 years ago and give advice to newcomers in the industry. _Guests: Anisha Malde, Developer Advocate @ Amazon; Aleksandra Desmurs-Linczewska, Software Engineer @ Callstack · Host: Jakub Urban, Software Engineer @ Callstack · Published 2024-03-14 · Duration 57:58 · Category: React_ Listen: [YouTube](https://youtu.be/Pdwxy2fcYAM) · [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/21QzvZ6M2gZT1pbq95Gz0m?si=kgJlEMe1SXi20Kz3rlBZjg) · [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com/user-985069846/journey-through-react-react-native-5-years-ago-now-react-native-show-podcast-coffee-talk-16/s-1yq3ttPCQkt?si=3f329d60b84542bc867044c53a4790f3&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) In this episode, we dive into the current state of React and React Native, comparing it to the landscape five years ago. We explore the significant changes, such as the shift to functional components and hooks, the introduction of the Context API, and the evolution of state management. Our guests also share their unique career journeys and offer valuable advice for newcomers in the tech industry, particularly women looking to start or grow in this field. ## React and React Native evolutions over the years - Shift from class components to functional components and hooks - Introduction of the Context API - Changes in how state is handled Our guests' journeys to being professional developer - Career beginnings - Current work Changes in React and React Native over the past 5 years - Shift from class components to functional components and hooks - Introduction of the Context API - Changes in how state is handled Comparison of learning React/React Native now vs. 5 years ago - Improved documentation and resources - Importance of learning JavaScript basics first State management options and trends - Redux, MobX, Zustand, Jotai, Recoil, XState - Rise of minimalistic state management libraries - Categorizing state management libraries Future of state management in React Native - Potential impact of React Server Components - Possibility of state management solutions that handle performance optimization Advice for women looking to start or grow in the tech industry - You can start from any background and find your place - Don't be intimidated by the vast options; choose a path and learn - Look for role models and examples of women in senior tech positions - Don't get discouraged if a certain technology doesn't spark joy, keep exploring - Put value on yourself and your work when job-seeking ## React resources related to this episode - Anisha's [talk on Storybook](https://youtu.be/eaZ9MdRIbRQ) from React Native EU 2023 - [Interview with Anisha](https://youtu.be/3GgF2DTKbiQ) explaining the roles of a developer advocate - [Szymon Rybczak’s talk](https://portal.gitnation.org/contents/brining-react-server-components-to-react-native) on using server components for over-the-air updates in React Native[‍](https://www.amazon.com/Simplifying-State-Management-React-Native-ebook/dp/B0BHJ9R3S6?ref_=ast_author_mpb) - [Ola's book](https://www.amazon.com/Simplifying-State-Management-React-Native-ebook/dp/B0BHJ9R3S6?ref_=ast_author_mpb) on state management Insights ## Learn more about React Here's everything we published recently on this topic. [View all](https://www.callstack.com/insights) - [Writing Custom Renderers for React](https://www.callstack.com/blog/writing-custom-renderers-for-react) (Jun 24 · Article): Learn how React renderers work, why RNTL needed a new test renderer, and what it takes to connect React Reconciler to a host environment. - [Building iOS Live Activities With React: Inside Voltra](https://www.callstack.com/events/building-ios-live-activities-with-react) (Dec 18 · Live Stream): Learn how to build iOS Live Activities and Dynamic Island experiences using pure JSX, no Swift or native code required. - [From React Native Web to React Strict DOM](https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/from-react-native-web-to-react-strict-dom) (Nov 27 · Podcast): Nicolas Gallagher (Meta) explains how React Strict DOM evolved from React Native Web, providing a shared syntax that compiles to native or web with zero overhead. - [React Foundation: New Governance Model for React and React Native](https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/react-foundation-new-governance-model-for-react-and-react-native) (Nov 21 · Podcast): Seth Webster, Executive Director of the React Foundation, details its new governance model, Meta's role, and how partners like Callstack and Microsoft will ensure stability and scale. - [Exploring TanStack Ecosystem: From React Query to TanStack Start](https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/exploring-tanstack-ecosystem-with-tanner-linsley) (Apr 9 · Podcast): Tanner Linsley breaks down TanStack’s evolution-from React Query to Start, and why client-first React apps still matter in today’s full-stack landscape. - [Create React App is Out: Exploring Alternatives & Community Proposals](https://www.callstack.com/events/create-react-app-is-out-exploring-alternatives-community-proposals) (Feb 20 · Live Stream): CRA is now deprecated, so we explore other options for starting web React projects, going through Vite, TanStack Router, Parcel, and Rsbuild to check the developer experience. - [State of React 2024 Breakdown](https://www.callstack.com/events/state-of-react-2024-breakdown) (Feb 13 · Live Stream): Let's take a deep dive into the long-awaited State of React survey from 2024; brace yourselves for a two-hour ride. - [How to Get Started With 3D in React](https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/how-to-get-started-with-3d-in-react) (Sep 24 · Podcast): Learn how to implement 3D in React apps, learn more about top libraries like React Three Fiber, and dive into WebGPU's future. - [The Complete Developer Guide to React 19, Part 3: Upgraded Support](https://www.callstack.com/blog/the-complete-developer-guide-to-react-19-part-3-upgraded-support) (Sep 9 · Article): Learn how React 19's new features enhance SEO, page performance, and custom elements support for better, faster web applications.