What are native modules?

Learn the native module concept.

What is a native module?

A native module is a bridge that exposes platform functions (camera, sensor, file system) inaccessible from JavaScript to JS. It is written in Objective-C/Swift (iOS) or Java/Kotlin (Android); React Native automatically exposes it as an object on the JS side. It is accessed via NativeModules.

Example: the device's battery level, Bluetooth state or a custom third-party SDK come as native modules. JS calls them as if they were ordinary objects. Behind the scenes the bridge relays the call to the UI thread and returns the result to JS. This way React Native goes beyond its limits.

Access via NativeModules

React Native exports NativeModules from the react-native package. This object carries all registered native modules. You import it with import { NativeModules } from 'react-native'; then access it like NativeModules.BatteryLevel.

The module name is given during native registration; the same name is used in JS. Calls are usually asynchronous; because they run on the UI thread and JS cannot return immediately. They are awaited or used as promises.

Exercise Import NativeModules

Complete the empty file. Import NativeModules from react-native. Export it with export { NativeModules }.

Show example solution

import { NativeModules } from 'react-native';

export { NativeModules };

Test yourself

What does a native module provide?
- Only animation
- Only defining styles
- Accessing platform functions from JS
- Only network requests
Show answer

Accessing platform functions from JS — A native module provides access to platform functions from JS.

Import NativeModules

import { ____ } from 'react-native';

Show answer

import { NativeModules } from 'react-native';

Match each part to its role

NativeModules

Carries all modules
NativeModules.Battery

Accesses one module
Objective-C/Swift

iOS side
Java/Kotlin

Android side

Next lesson: NativeMethods

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