expo-document-picker vs react-native-fs vs react-native-image-picker vs react-native-document-picker
Document and Image Picking in React Native
expo-document-pickerreact-native-fsreact-native-image-pickerreact-native-document-pickerSimilar Packages:
Document and Image Picking in React Native

These npm packages provide functionalities for selecting documents and images in React Native applications. They allow developers to integrate file picking capabilities into their apps, enabling users to upload files from their device storage or cloud services. Each package has its unique features and use cases, catering to different requirements in mobile app development.

Npm Package Weekly Downloads Trend
3 Years
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
expo-document-picker396,64144,839106 kB8012 months agoMIT
react-native-fs395,1345,038570 kB627-MIT
react-native-image-picker309,0398,616189 kB3306 months agoMIT
react-native-document-picker128,9441,472135 kB17a year agoMIT
Feature Comparison: expo-document-picker vs react-native-fs vs react-native-image-picker vs react-native-document-picker

File Type Support

  • expo-document-picker:

    expo-document-picker supports a wide range of file types including images, PDFs, and other document formats. It allows users to pick files from both local storage and cloud services, providing flexibility in file selection.

  • react-native-fs:

    react-native-fs does not directly handle file picking but provides functionalities for managing files once they are selected. It allows for operations on files of any type, including reading, writing, and deleting, making it versatile for file management tasks.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    react-native-image-picker is specifically designed for images and videos, supporting various formats such as JPEG, PNG, and MP4. It allows users to capture media directly from the camera or select from the gallery, streamlining the media selection process.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    react-native-document-picker offers extensive file type support, enabling users to select documents of various formats such as PDFs, images, and text files. It also allows for custom MIME types, giving developers control over the types of files that can be picked.

Ease of Use

  • expo-document-picker:

    expo-document-picker is designed for ease of use, especially for developers using the Expo framework. Its API is straightforward, requiring minimal setup and configuration, making it ideal for quick implementations.

  • react-native-fs:

    react-native-fs has a more complex API due to its extensive functionalities for file management. While powerful, it may require more effort to learn and implement effectively, especially for beginners.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    react-native-image-picker is relatively easy to use, with a clear API for capturing and selecting images. However, it may require additional permissions handling on both Android and iOS, which could add to the complexity.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    react-native-document-picker provides a simple API but may require additional setup for linking native modules. It is user-friendly but may involve a steeper learning curve compared to Expo packages for those unfamiliar with native configurations.

Integration with Expo

  • expo-document-picker:

    expo-document-picker is fully integrated with the Expo ecosystem, allowing for seamless use in Expo-managed projects without the need for additional configuration or native code.

  • react-native-fs:

    react-native-fs can be used in both Expo and non-Expo projects, but requires additional setup for Expo users. It is more suited for projects that do not rely heavily on Expo's managed services.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    react-native-image-picker can be used in both Expo and non-Expo projects, but similar to react-native-document-picker, it requires additional configuration for Expo users.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    react-native-document-picker is not designed for Expo projects out of the box, requiring developers to eject from Expo to use it, which can complicate the development process for those relying on Expo's managed workflow.

Platform Compatibility

  • expo-document-picker:

    expo-document-picker is compatible with both iOS and Android, providing a consistent experience across platforms. It abstracts away platform-specific details, making it easier for developers to implement file picking.

  • react-native-fs:

    react-native-fs is compatible with both platforms, allowing developers to manage files on iOS and Android devices. Its functionality is consistent across platforms, making it a reliable choice for file management tasks.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    react-native-image-picker supports both iOS and Android, providing a native experience for capturing and selecting media. It is optimized for performance on both platforms, ensuring a smooth user experience.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    react-native-document-picker also supports both iOS and Android, offering native performance and capabilities. It allows for platform-specific configurations, giving developers more control over the user experience.

Community Support and Maintenance

  • expo-document-picker:

    expo-document-picker benefits from strong community support within the Expo ecosystem, with regular updates and a wealth of documentation available to assist developers.

  • react-native-fs:

    react-native-fs has a dedicated user base and is regularly maintained, but its complexity may lead to slower updates compared to simpler packages. However, it remains a popular choice for file system operations.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    react-native-image-picker is widely used and has a robust community backing it. Regular updates and active issue resolution contribute to its reliability and performance.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    react-native-document-picker has a large community and is actively maintained, with frequent updates and contributions from developers. This ensures that it stays up-to-date with the latest React Native features and best practices.

How to Choose: expo-document-picker vs react-native-fs vs react-native-image-picker vs react-native-document-picker
  • expo-document-picker:

    Choose expo-document-picker if you are already using Expo for your React Native project and want a straightforward solution that integrates seamlessly with the Expo ecosystem. It provides a simple API for picking documents and supports multiple file types, making it ideal for Expo-managed workflows.

  • react-native-fs:

    Opt for react-native-fs if your application requires file system access beyond just picking files. This package allows for reading, writing, and managing files on the device's file system, making it ideal for applications that need to handle file storage and manipulation directly.

  • react-native-image-picker:

    Use react-native-image-picker when your primary focus is on capturing or selecting images and videos from the device's camera or gallery. It provides a robust API for handling media selection and is optimized for performance, making it suitable for applications that heavily rely on image and video content.

  • react-native-document-picker:

    Select react-native-document-picker if you need a more customizable and flexible solution that works outside of the Expo environment. This package allows for advanced configurations and supports both Android and iOS, making it suitable for projects that require native capabilities and extensive file type support.