What is the difference between ScrollView and FlatList in React Native?

Updated May 6, 2026

Short answer

ScrollView renders all items at once, while FlatList renders only visible items for better performance.

Deep explanation

ScrollView is suitable for small content because it renders everything immediately, which can cause memory and performance issues for large datasets. FlatList uses virtualization, meaning it only renders items currently visible on screen plus a small buffer. This makes it ideal for long lists like feeds or chats.

Real-world example

Instagram feed uses FlatList for rendering posts efficiently.

Common mistakes

  • Using ScrollView for large datasets leading to memory crashes.

Follow-up questions

  • What is virtualization in FlatList?
  • When should ScrollView still be used?

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