What’s the Best Path for Starting in App Development?

Honestly, I'd recommend starting with native app development first. It helps you learn the core concepts of mobile programming without the added complexity of frameworks like React Native. Once you're comfortable with either Swift or Kotlin, you can think about cross-platform options later. Plus, you'll be better equipped to deal with the quirks of mobile development.

If you're new to programming, I would suggest focusing on just learning to code first, whether it's with Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android. The frameworks can come after you've got the basics down. They can get really messy and are not always beginner-friendly.

Kotlin is a great choice, especially if you're just starting out with Android. You might also want to check out Kotlin Multiplatform, which lets you share code across platforms. That way, you won't be limiting yourself just to mobile!

Native development really sets you up well for the long haul. While cross-platform tools like React Native seem appealing, they can complicate things when you're just getting started. Focusing on the basics with native apps can make learning much smoother.