The first public announcement about NativeScript was on June 12, 2014 by Telerik here, which is close to 11 years ago!
NativeScript's first public beta appeared on March 5, 2015: https://blog.nativescript.org/nativescript-first-public-release/
On May 4th, 2015, the first 1.0 release landed, announced here: https://blog.nativescript.org/nativescript-1.0.0-is-now-available/ and as the saying goes, May the Fourth be with you
We celebrate a decade of NativeScript representing a remarkable journey defined by innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to empowering JavaScript developers everywhere. From its humble beginnings to its vibrant community-driven present, NativeScript stands as a testament to the strength of open collaboration and the versatility of JavaScript.
What truly sets NativeScript apart in a landscape shaped by tech giants is its quietly confident, developer-first philosophy. Rather than relying on corporate or venture capital alone, NativeScript grows through the passion and ingenuity of developers around the world—focused not on hype, but on real-world results. It’s a framework built with soul, where practical needs shape the roadmap and evolution comes from those who use it. NativeScript's ethos reflects a holistic embrace of the JavaScript ecosystem and a steadfast commitment to empowering developers on their own terms.
Empowerment that spans all industries.
Universal Plant Services, an industrial plant, refinery, and manufacturing operation spread across the United States.
Rather than solely emphasizing a 'quick to ship' approach—which NativeScript certainly supports—it consistently rises to meet large sophisticated technical challenges, such as those posed by Blackout, as well as practical needs of individual developers, illustrated by apps like Daily Nanny on iOS and Android. NativeScript aligns developers closely with native platform APIs, enabling them to independently create tailored experiences, integrate seamlessly with web solutions, or even explore cutting-edge platforms such as Vision Pro or Meta Quest. Ultimately, developers have the flexibility and granular control necessary to shape their own development journey.
NativeScript maintainers are easily accessible within our single Community Discord Server, quick to help answer deeper questions and help.
An interesting side effect of using NativeScript is you learn platforms because it brings you in alignment with them. I've come to enjoy Swift and Kotlin both through NativeScript; that's unique because it doesn't force me into TypeScript, Swift or Kotlin, I can use what the case needs as a manager. Because it puts the platform APIs in front of me in a comfortable language to begin with, I can fluidly move between them. It's not another API here and another there.
~ Source
NativeScript's journey demonstrates its unwavering commitment to supporting and enriching the broader JavaScript ecosystem. Rather than existing separately or serving only a narrow purpose, NativeScript actively embraces JavaScript frameworks in all their diversity—from Angular to Vue 2, Vue 3, Solid, Svelte, React, and beyond. Developers aren't locked into a single path; they're empowered to build native experiences using whichever tools and frameworks best fit their needs.
When new needs emerge, the community steps up—as illustrated by ongoing efforts to support modern bundlers like RsPack and Vite.
The flexibility and openness of NativeScript have cultivated an expansive and inclusive ecosystem.
Over the past decade, NativeScript has continually embraced risks and championed emerging technologies, notably TypeScript—becoming one of its earliest adopters. Through proactive open discussions and debates, NativeScript has contributed to shaping the modern development landscape enjoyed by JavaScript developers today.
A compelling example is the Open Native initiative. This collaborative effort unites JavaScript and native communities around shared solutions, reinforcing NativeScript's commitment to openness and interoperability across various frameworks and ecosystems. Additionally, NativeScript actively supports React Native Modules, fostering meaningful collaboration between the NativeScript and React Native communities. This compatibility enables developers to leverage and enhance React Native Modules, mutually benefiting both. See here for more.
Moreover, NativeScript's openness extends warmly to innovative newcomers like LynxJS. A recent discussion within the LynxJS community exemplifies this inclusive ethos, highlighting how NativeScript welcomes fresh ideas and contributions from across the JavaScript landscape, continually enriching the platform with new capabilities and perspectives.
Reflecting on a remarkable decade, we proudly celebrate the collective achievements of thousands of contributors worldwide who have shaped NativeScript into what it is today. The community's passion, creativity, and collaborative spirit have not only sustained NativeScript but have propelled it forward as a genuinely community oriented solution to squarely serve the JavaScript ecosystem as a whole.
Join us as we step into another exciting chapter—explore NativeScript today and say hello to a humbly awesome community.