What are the differences between React Native's animation APIs?

What are the differences between React Native's animation APIs?

React Native offers several animation APIs, including Animated, LayoutAnimation, and Reanimated. Animated is the most commonly used, providing a simple way to create animations using a declarative approach. LayoutAnimation allows for automatic animations when layout changes occur, while Reanimated offers more advanced features and better performance for complex animations.

Can you give examples of when to use each API?

Sure! Use Animated for simple transitions like fading or sliding elements. LayoutAnimation is great for list updates where you want smooth transitions. Reanimated is ideal for complex gestures and animations that require high performance, like interactive animations.

Which one is the best for performance?

Reanimated is generally considered the best for performance, especially for complex animations and gestures, as it runs animations on the UI thread.

Are there any limitations with these APIs?

Yes, each API has its limitations. Animated can be less performant for complex animations, LayoutAnimation is limited to layout changes, and Reanimated has a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features.