Creating Custom Tabs in React Native Without External Libraries

In mobile app development, using third-party libraries can sometimes lead to unnecessary bloat and dependency issues. To mitigate this, I decided to create my own custom tab navigation system in React Native. This approach not only simplifies the code but also gives complete control over the UI and behavior. Here's a step-by-step guide on how I achieved this.

Why Create Custom Tabs?

While libraries like react-navigation offer robust solutions, they might be overkill for simple use cases. By creating custom tabs:

- We avoid additional dependencies.

- We gain full control over the customization and functionality.

- We ensure consistency across different platforms (iOS and Android).

Implementation

Step 1: Tabs Component

The Tabs component handles the state and rendering of the tab buttons and their associated content.

Step 2: Tab Component

The Tab component is a simple wrapper for the content to be displayed within each tab.

Step 3: Styles

Dynamic styles ensure that the tabs look good in both light and dark modes.

Example Use Case

Here’s how you can use the Tabs and Tab components in your application:

Key Benefits

1. Platform Consistency: This solution works seamlessly on both iOS and Android.

2. Customization: Full control over the styles and behavior of the tabs.

3. No External Dependencies: Keeps your project lightweight and free from unnecessary third-party code.

Conclusion

Creating custom tabs in React Native is straightforward and offers significant advantages in terms of control and simplicity. While libraries provide convenience, building your own components can lead to better performance and maintainability. Feel free to customize and extend this basic implementation to fit your specific needs.

I hope you find this approach helpful! If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment. Happy coding!