Most developers don’t realize how much performance they’re leaving on the table until they make the switch. Hybrid frameworks like Cordova have served their purpose, but they come with baggage—slow performance, clunky UI, and reliance on WebViews that never quite match native speed. Migrating from Cordova to NativeScript means cutting out the extra layers and giving users a truly native experience.
Making the move takes careful planning, but it’s worth it. Instead of patching over Cordova’s limitations, you’ll be working with a framework that taps directly into native APIs. The migration process isn’t just about changing tools; it’s about setting your app up for better performance, smoother animations, and a more scalable future.
Why Move to NativeScript?
Before breaking down the migration steps, it’s important to understand why this switch makes sense. NativeScript offers a different approach from Cordova, removing WebViews entirely and instead rendering UI with native elements. This leads to:
- Faster load times
- Smoother animations and gestures
- Direct access to native APIs without third-party plugins
- A unified codebase for both iOS and Android
- A more modern developer experience with TypeScript and Angular or Vue
With Cordova, everything runs inside a WebView, meaning your app behaves more like a website than a true mobile application. NativeScript changes that by allowing developers to use JavaScript, TypeScript, or frameworks like Angular and Vue while still achieving fully native performance.
Preparing for Migration
Switching frameworks isn’t just about rewriting code. It involves assessing dependencies, restructuring the project, and ensuring everything works smoothly in the new environment.
Audit Existing Plugins and Dependencies
Cordova apps rely heavily on third-party plugins to access native device features. Before migrating, create a list of:
- Core plugins your app depends on
- Any custom-built plugins
- Features that rely on WebView-specific functionality
For each plugin, check if NativeScript has a direct equivalent. Many Cordova plugins have NativeScript versions, but some may need alternative solutions.
Assess App Architecture
A well-structured app makes migration easier. If your Cordova app is a tangled mess of JavaScript and inline scripts, this is a chance to clean things up. NativeScript follows a more modular approach with Angular, Vue, or vanilla JavaScript.
Look at how your app handles:
- State management
- Navigation
- UI components
- API calls
If your app is built with a framework like Angular, the transition will be easier, as NativeScript supports Angular out of the box.
Setting Up the NativeScript Environment
To get started with NativeScript, install the CLI and set up your project.
npm install -g @nativescript/cli
ns create MyNewApp --template @nativescript/template-blank
cd MyNewApp
NativeScript uses a project structure similar to modern front-end frameworks, with clear separation between views, styles, and logic.
Configure Dependencies
Once the base project is set up, install any required dependencies, such as UI components and plugins.
ns plugin add @nativescript/core
ns plugin add nativescript-camera
ns plugin add nativescript-geolocation
Each plugin provides direct access to native device features, eliminating the need for extra wrappers like Cordova’s WebView-based solutions.
Migrating App Components
Porting UI and Layouts
Cordova relies on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but NativeScript uses XML-based layouts that translate to native UI components.
Cordova (HTML):
<button id="myButton">Click Me</button>
NativeScript (XML):
<Button text="Click Me" />
Converting JavaScript Logic
Most JavaScript logic will work with minimal changes, but you’ll need to adjust how elements are referenced.
Cordova (DOM-based):
document.getElementById("myButton").addEventListener("click", () => {
alert("Clicked!");
});
NativeScript (ViewModel-based):
exports.onTap = function () {
alert("Clicked!");
};
Handling Navigation
Cordova typically manages navigation with single-page app frameworks or full-page reloads. NativeScript has built-in navigation controllers.
Cordova (SPA-style navigation with JavaScript):
window.location.href = "page2.html";
NativeScript (Navigation Framework):
this.$navigateTo(SecondPage);
Replacing Cordova Plugins
Cordova apps often rely on plugins for native features. Here’s how some common ones translate to NativeScript.
- Camera
Cordova:cordova-plugin-camera
NativeScript:nativescript-camera - Geolocation
Cordova:cordova-plugin-geolocation
NativeScript:nativescript-geolocation - Push Notifications
Cordova:cordova-plugin-firebase
NativeScript:@nativescript/firebase
The NativeScript versions typically provide better integration with native APIs, reducing dependency issues.
Testing and Debugging
Before launching the migrated app, thorough testing ensures everything runs smoothly.
Run the App on a Simulator
Start the app in an emulator or connected device.
ns run ios
ns run android
Debugging with NativeScript Inspector
NativeScript has a built-in debugging tool to inspect UI elements and logs.
ns debug ios
ns debug android
Performance Optimization
With the switch to NativeScript, some extra optimizations can make the app even better:
- Use lazy loading for navigation to reduce initial load time
- Optimize images and assets to match screen resolutions
- Reduce unnecessary background tasks for better battery efficiency
Final Thoughts
Switching from Cordova to NativeScript is a game-changer for app performance and user experience. Instead of fighting with WebView limitations, developers get direct access to native APIs, smoother animations, and a future-proof development process.
The effort pays off with an app that feels faster, more responsive, and truly native. The migration might take time, but the results speak for themselves—better performance, happier users, and a codebase built to last.