How Coinbase Rewrote the App in React Native - Siriwong Ching, React Advanced 2021

Coinbase's app rewrite in React Native improved performance and development speed, with a focus on design, architecture, and scalability.

Key takeaways
  • The Coinbase app was rewritten in React Native to improve performance and development speed.
  • The CDS (Corporate Design System) was used as a foundation for the app’s design and architecture.
  • The project started in March 2020 and took approximately a year to complete.
  • The team created a codebase design system composed of primitives like color, theme, scaling, elevation, layout, and spacing.
  • The app’s architecture was re-designed to reduce complexity and make it easier to maintain.
  • The team used TypeScript and React Native to improve code quality and reduce bugs.
  • The app was re-designed to be more consistent and polished, with a focus on performance and user experience.
  • The team used a data layer to improve performance and reduce re-rendering.
  • The app was tested on both Android and iOS platforms, with the majority of the project focused on the Android app.
  • The team used a metrics-driven approach to measure the app’s performance and success.
  • The app’s launch was successful, with an increase in rating from 3.8 to 4.4 and improved performance metrics.
  • The project team consisted of 20 native engineers at the beginning, which grew to over 100 engineers by the end of the project.
  • The team used a combination of React Native and native modules to improve performance and reduce bugs.
  • The app’s architecture was re-designed to be more scalable and maintainable.
  • The team used a training program to help native engineers transition to React Native.
  • The project’s success was due to the team’s focus on performance, user experience, and communication.