The blog post explains that earlier work on Android implementation of new features was usually delayed before its desktop and iOS rollout was completed. This resulted in some features to release first on one platform before eventually arriving on another one. However, this new update is expected to stop showing users “coming soon to Android” messages for future Discord features, the report claims.
New Discord Android app availability
Discord has started rolling out the latest Android app update. Users will be able to see the changes in the underlying codebase over the coming weeks. Discord has decided to switch to React Native for its Android app.
What is React Native and how will it help users
React Native is an open-source UI software framework created by Meta which can be used to develop apps for multiple platforms. As per the report, React Native is widely used across multiple popular mobile apps, including — Instagram, Microsoft Outlook, Shopify, Tesla and Pinterest among others. Discord started using this framework for its iOS app since Meta open-sourced it in 2015, the report mentions. The report also claims that
This switch will allow the company to release new features across every platform, simultaneously. Moreover, the design of Discord on Android will look more like the one found in the desktop or the iOS versions, the report suggests. The Discord Android app will retain some specific customizations, however, designs and font size will be aligned with the iOS app.
Discord has explained that React Native has allowed the company to “streamline and consolidate” its processes, which has helped its engineers to “work more efficiently and push out updates more frequently.” Now, the team won’t need to spend much time maintaining “different codebases for different devices” the report states.