Exploring TurboModules in React Native: The Future of Performance and Scalability

React Native’s TurboModules are transforming how developers interact with native modules, offering improved performance, scalability, and seamless integration. In 2025, TurboModules will become a cornerstone of React Native’s architecture, alongside the Fabric renderer.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What TurboModules are.
• How they improve React Native apps.
• Steps to implement TurboModules in your project.

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What Are TurboModules?

TurboModules are the next generation of native modules in React Native. Unlike traditional native modules, TurboModules leverage the JavaScript Interface (JSI) for faster, more efficient communication between JavaScript and native code.

Key Benefits of TurboModules:

1. Improved Performance: Bypasses the React Native bridge for direct interaction with native code.
2. Lazy Loading: Loads modules only when needed, reducing memory usage.
3. Better Scalability: Ideal for large-scale applications with multiple native dependencies.

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How TurboModules Work

In the traditional architecture, communication between JavaScript and native code relied on the React Native bridge. This bridge introduced latency and overhead. TurboModules eliminate this bottleneck by:

• Using C++ bindings for faster execution.
• Exposing native code directly to JavaScript via JSI.

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Setting Up TurboModules

1. Install the Required Dependencies

Ensure your project is running on a version of React Native that supports TurboModules (React Native 0.68 or later).

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2. Create a Native Module

Define your TurboModule in native code (e.g., Objective-C/Java) and expose it to JavaScript.

Example (Android):

package com.example;

import com.facebook.react.turbomodule.core.interfaces.TurboModule;
import com.facebook.react.bridge.ReactApplicationContext;
import com.facebook.react.bridge.ReactContextBaseJavaModule;

public class MyTurboModule extends ReactContextBaseJavaModule implements TurboModule {

    public MyTurboModule(ReactApplicationContext context) {
        super(context);
    }

    @Override
    public String getName() {
        return "MyTurboModule";
    }

    public String getGreeting() {
        return "Hello from TurboModule!";
    }
}

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3. Create a JavaScript Binding

Use the TurboModuleRegistry to access your native module in JavaScript.

Example:

import { TurboModuleRegistry } from 'react-native';

const MyTurboModule = TurboModuleRegistry.get('MyTurboModule');

console.log(MyTurboModule.getGreeting());

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4. Enable TurboModules in Your Project

Update your React Native project settings to enable TurboModules.

Android:

Modify MainApplication.java to support TurboModules:

@Override
protected boolean getUseTurboModules() {
    return true;
}

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5. Lazy Loading TurboModules

Lazy loading ensures native modules are initialized only when required, improving app startup times.

const MyModule = TurboModuleRegistry.get('MyTurboModule');
if (MyModule) {
  MyModule.doSomething();
}

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When to Use TurboModules

• Performance-Critical Apps: Apps that require real-time updates or low latency.
• Apps with Multiple Native Modules: To manage resources efficiently.
• Large-Scale Applications: For better modularity and scalability.

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TurboModules vs Traditional Native Modules

Feature	TurboModules	Traditional Native Modules
Performance	High (Direct JSI binding)	Moderate (Bridge overhead)
Loading	Lazy loading supported	Loaded at app start
Scalability	Better for large-scale apps	Limited in complex projects
React Native Version	Requires 0.68 or later	Works on older versions

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Future of TurboModules

TurboModules, along with the Fabric renderer, are the foundation of React Native’s new architecture. They pave the way for better performance, modularity, and seamless integration with native platforms.

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Conclusion

TurboModules are a game-changer for React Native development, offering significant performance improvements and scalability for modern apps. By adopting TurboModules, you can future-proof your app and deliver a better user experience.

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FAQs

1. Are TurboModules backward-compatible?
Yes, you can use TurboModules alongside traditional native modules.

2. Do TurboModules improve startup time?
Yes, their lazy-loading mechanism significantly reduces startup time.

3. Is it mandatory to use TurboModules in React Native?
No, but they are recommended for performance-critical apps.

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