If you’re planning to add real-time messaging to your React Native app, react-native-gifted-chat is one of the fastest ways to get started. It’s an open-source library that provides pre-built, customizable chat components — saving you from building everything from scratch.

Why Gifted Chat?

• Quick setup: Comes with ready-to-use UI elements like message bubbles, avatars, and typing indicators.

• Customizable: You can easily >

• Cross-platform: Works seamlessly across iOS, Android, and web.

Getting Started

1. Create a React Native project
   Run npx react-native init ChatApp and install the library with npm install react-native-gifted-chat.

2. Add the Chat Screen
   Import GiftedChat and set up a simple component:

   <GiftedChat
     messages={messages}
     onSend={newMsg => handleSend(newMsg)}
     user={{ _id: 1, name: 'User' }}
   />
   

   The messages prop displays chat history, and onSend handles new messages.

3. Connect a Backend
   Gifted Chat handles the front-end UI, but you’ll need a backend like Firebase or MirrorFly SDK for real-time delivery, authentication, and data storage.

Conclusion

With React Native and Gifted Chat, you can build a sleek, real-time chat interface in hours instead of weeks. Start with the basic setup, then add advanced features like typing indicators, message status, or multimedia sharing as you grow.