Fabric
ELI5 - The Vibe Check
Fabric is React Native's new rendering system, the one that finally lets JavaScript and the native UI tree talk to each other synchronously instead of shouting across a queue. Old React Native had to guess and batch updates across an async bridge. Fabric skips the guesswork, so your UI updates land exactly when they should.
Real Talk
Fabric is the new renderer in React Native's New Architecture, replacing the legacy UIManager. It uses JSI to synchronously construct and commit the shadow tree between JavaScript and native platform views, enabling synchronous layout measurement and consistent behavior with React's concurrent rendering features.
When You'll Hear This
"We upgraded to Fabric and our list scrolling finally stopped jank-jumping mid-scroll." / "Some older third-party components aren't Fabric-compatible yet, check before you migrate."
Related Terms
Bridge (React Native)
The Bridge is React Native's translator between JavaScript and native code.
JSI
JSI is the direct phone line React Native's new architecture uses instead of passing paper notes back and forth like the old bridge did.
React Native
React Native lets you build iPhone and Android apps using React and JavaScript. It's like React put on a disguise and snuck into the App Store.
TurboModules
TurboModules are React Native's rewrite of native modules so they load lazily and talk to JavaScript directly through JSI instead of shipping across the ol...