Course Overview

What is NFC? An Introduction to NFC Tags, Cards, and Readers

Introduction

Tag Counter Game App

Set up a React Native NFC iOS and Android App

An Introduction to the React Native NFC Module Library

How to Build an iOS NFC Tag Scanner App With React Native

How to Build an Android NFC Tag Scanner App With React Native

App1 Conclusion

Tag-Counter Game App

Tap-And-Go App

How to Code an NDEF Message With the NFC Tools App

A Deep Dive Into NDEF and NdefRecord to Share Data via NFC

Tap-And-Go Project Setup With React Native and NFC Manager

How to Read NFC Tags and Write NDEF Data With NfcManager

How to Build a Website NFC Tag And Use Deep Linking With NFC

App2 Conclusion

Tap-And-Go  App

NFC Pokemon App

The User Flow of an NFC Tag Reader and Writer App

Intro to Type 2 NFC Tags: Read and Write NFC Tags With React

How to Sign and Verify NFC Data With React Native and elliptic

How to Add Memory Protection to NFC Tags For Copy Protection

App3 Conclusion

NfcPokemon  App

react

react-native

react-native-elements

react-native-nfc-manager

react-native-paper

## What we will cover in this course

First, I will provide an overview of NFC technology, so you can understand basic concepts and terms. After that, we will build three apps throughout this course.

### App 1: Tag Counter

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148626752-38646752-bb16-4db2-8324-9fc19efdef04.png)

App 1 is a game app to count how much time a user needs to scan five NFC tags. You will learn:
- how to properly set up an NFC project 
- how to trigger NFC scanning
- the difference from iOS and Android regarding NFC feature

### App 2: Tap-and-Go

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627270-2dc43df8-8d5c-479d-8dd6-041b236d7009.png)

App 2 is about NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF), which is the standard NFC data format supported by both iOS and Android. NDEF can be used for almost any NFC tag. We will build an NDEF reader-writer app, and you will learn:
- how to write specific NDEF URI into NFC tags 
- how to read NDEF URI and trigger corresponding actions, for example, opening an URL, making a phone call, or sending a message. 
- how to use deep linking with NFC tags.

### App 3: NFC Pokemon

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627203-562e742d-973e-406c-8e9e-a871ccdaf6d9.png)

App 3 dives into low-level NFC programming, which directly manipulates the NFC tag’s internal memory and uses proprietary NFC commands. 
The app we'll build is called "NFC Pokemon," which is a digital identity management platform. It can seal a specific Pokemon, for example, a Pikachu, into an NFC tag. 

When building this app, you will learn:
- how to use low-leve tag command to directly manipulate NFC tag's internal memory
- how to create digital signatures in React Native
- how to use proprietary password protection command for NXP NTAG 213 / 215

NFC technology is everywhere in our daily life, from transportation, access control, to payment system. However, understanding NFC is still a hard topic because of its wide technology landspace. 

So in this course, We will guide you from the simplest case like using common NDEF format, all the way to a complex digital identity management app which leverages some unique NFC features.

The newline Guide to NFCs with React Native

How to integrate NFC feature into your React Native app

How to handle the differences between Android and iOS regarding NFC feature

Understand NDEF and use it across iOS and Android

Understand low-level NFC programming and communicate with NFC tags directly

How to use asymmetric cryptography library with React Native

How to use password protection commands from NTAG 21x NFC tags

In this lesson, I will give you a more detailed introduction to NFC.

NFC stands for Near-Field Communication, and it's a wireless communication protocol.

A little about its history: it's rooted in RFID technology and was founded by Sony, Philips, and Nokia.

The standard organization for NFC is called NFC Forum, and almost all NFC specifications are defined by NFC Forum.

Being a wireless technology, NFC has a pretty short range, typically within 10 centimeters. It also has a relatively low bit rate, below 424 kbps.

Let's compare NFC to other well-known wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and WiFi. As you can see, NFC has a much-limited range and much slower speed. 

Typically when we perform wireless technology comparisons, we want them to have long-distance, high-speed capabilities. However, when we talk about NFC, these disadvantages actually become advantages.

Why so? Because of the short range, NFC provides more privacy and security. Attackers cannot hack you from great distances.

Because of the low bitrate, NFC is extremely effective for power consumption. As a mobile app developer, this basically means that NFC won't drain the mobile phone's battery.

This point also brings us to a unique feature regarding NFC...

The NFC tag doesn't need to carry a battery!

This is pretty mind-blowing. In our common sense, almost all consumer electronics require batteries or other power sources, like adapters plugged into a wall.

NFC technology achieves this by an asymmetric design. On the left-hand side of this diagram, an NFC reader creates a magnetic field. Magnetic fields can generate electricity, so the NFC tag on the right-hand side receives its power solely from the reader.

Let's also introduce some NFC terminologies.

First is the device role. The NFC reader in our diagram is called an "

" because it starts the entire communication process. On the other hand, the NFC tag is called a "

" mode because the target can only respond to the initiator's command passively. It cannot actively send any data to the initiator. Target devices without batteries usually use passive mode. 

." In this mode, the target actively sends data to the initiator.

" when it acts as an NFC reader. Besides reader mode, the NFC forum also defines other operation modes, which are: P2P mode, card emulation mode, as well as the latest wireless charging mode, which has not been widely adopted yet.

The NFC reader mode allows the NFC device to read or write passive NFC tags and stickers. Most of the NFC applications I mentioned earlier use this mode, such as transportation or ticketing systems. Even the key card to open a Tesla's car door operates in this mode. 

" allows the NFC device itself to act as an NFC card. The emulated NFC card can then be accessed by another NFC reader, such as a point-of-sale machine. The best example of this mode is Apple Pay. In this case, the iPhone becomes a contactless credit card, and we can then use it to buy goods in stores.

." This "peer to peer" mode allows the NFC device to exchange data with another NFC peer. One example of this mode is the Android Beam feature introduced by Google back in
2011. Besides that, this mode is not widely used in the real world.

Let's take a look at the mobile platform support for NFC.

The Android operating system has supported NFC since API level 10. It supported all three operation modes originally, but Google deprecated the NFC P2P-related API in API level 29.

iOS, on the other hand, has supported NFC from iOS 13 and iPhone 7, and it only supports reader mode. The card emulation mode is only available for their own proprietary apps, such as Apple Pay.

That's why in this course, we will focus on reader mode applications.

Next, let's see this NFC specification diagram.

As you can see, this diagram groups related NFC specifications vertically by the operation modes. 

It seems scary initially, but as React Native developers, we can focus on these two blocks.

They are NDEF and Type 2 ~ 5 Tag Specifications.

Let's talk about NDEF first. NDEF stands for NFC Data Exchange Format. It's defined by NFC Forum and aims to provide a tag-independent method of data exchange between NFC-enabled devices. It is often used to carry text-based data, such as URLs or contact info.

NDEF is supported by both iOS and Android. Since most of the NFC tags contain NDEF data, understanding it is very important for your NFC journey.

We have a dedicated module discussing NDEF. In the second app we'll build in this course, we will read and write NDEF into NFC tags and explain how to use NFC tags to trigger deep linking. 

Another important block for us is the Type 2 ~ Type 5 Specifications. Some people refer to them as the "NFC Tag Platform."

Let's use the Type 2 Tag Platform as an example.

By the way, people in the NFC domain often use "T2T" instead of the full "Type 2 Tag Platform".

Again, NFC Forum defines what a Type 2 Tag should comply with. The specification covers topics like the memory structure and the basic command set (reads and writes) that we use to directly communicate with the NFC tag.

When you're designing an NFC application, using NDEF is sometimes not enough. You will need to directly manipulate the NFC tag's internal memory in order to use some advanced features available for certain NFC tags.

Let's see some real-world NFC tags and their features to address this point. 

This table presents a feature summary for NXP NTAG families, which are the most used NFC tags all over the world. 

Some features listed in this table, such as "AES" or "32bit password," must be configured using low-level tag platform commands rather than NDEF writing. 

Being able to use these tag proprietary commands allows you to leverage the full power for your NFC tag hardware to create unique NFC applications.

We also have a dedicated module targeting Type 2 Tags. In the third app of this course, we will not only learn about the basic T2T commands but also the more advanced password protection feature.

I hope you're as excited as I am. In the next module, we will start our journey by creating our very first NFC app: Tag Counter Game. I'll see you there!

---
title: What is NFC? An Introduction to NFC Tags, Cards, and Readers
description: NFC Introduction 
privateVideoUrl: https://fullstack.wistia.com/medias/cv3tdvysr2
isPublicLesson: true
---

In this lesson, I will give you a more detailed introduction to NFC.

## What is NFC?

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627415-56f7da17-be23-4d44-9897-1fc3219fce06.png)

First thing first, what is NFC?

NFC stands for Near-Field Communication, and it's a wireless communication protocol.

A little about its history: it's rooted in RFID technology and was founded by Sony, Philips, and Nokia.

The standard organization for NFC is called NFC Forum, and almost all NFC specifications are defined by NFC Forum.

Being a wireless technology, NFC has a pretty short range, typically within 10 centimeters. It also has a relatively low bit rate, below 424 kbps.

## Compare to other technologies

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627423-f8c0f76e-0d0d-412d-b00c-235647551b05.png)

Let's compare NFC to other well-known wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and WiFi. As you can see, NFC has a much-limited range and much slower speed. 

Typically when we perform wireless technology comparisons, we want them to have long-distance, high-speed capabilities. However, when we talk about NFC, these disadvantages actually become advantages.

Why so? Because of the short range, NFC provides more privacy and security. Attackers cannot hack you from great distances.

Because of the low bitrate, NFC is extremely effective for power consumption. As a mobile app developer, this basically means that NFC won't drain the mobile phone's battery.

This point also brings us to a unique feature regarding NFC...

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627473-387d36f4-a314-4e66-9bfd-9bd5fc483f19.png)

The NFC tag doesn't need to carry a battery!

This is pretty mind-blowing. In our common sense, almost all consumer electronics require batteries or other power sources, like adapters plugged into a wall.

NFC technology achieves this by an asymmetric design. On the left-hand side of this diagram, an NFC reader creates a magnetic field. Magnetic fields can generate electricity, so the NFC tag on the right-hand side receives its power solely from the reader.

## NFC terminologies

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627514-08b9cb13-2827-43f1-830b-413b03eb6418.png)

Let's also introduce some NFC terminologies.

### Device roles

First is the device role. The NFC reader in our diagram is called an "**initiator**" because it starts the entire communication process. On the other hand, the NFC tag is called a "**target**."

### Communication modes

We also call the communication mode "**passive**" mode because the target can only respond to the initiator's command passively. It cannot actively send any data to the initiator. Target devices without batteries usually use passive mode. 

Of course, we also have the so-called "**active communication mode**." In this mode, the target actively sends data to the initiator.

### NFC operation modes

Finally, the NFC operation mode. 

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627552-3ff9766c-bee9-4dff-bcb3-2a6e97d3b0b2.png)

An NFC device is in "**reader mode**" when it acts as an NFC reader. Besides reader mode, the NFC forum also defines other operation modes, which are: P2P mode, card emulation mode, as well as the latest wireless charging mode, which has not been widely adopted yet.

The NFC reader mode allows the NFC device to read or write passive NFC tags and stickers. Most of the NFC applications I mentioned earlier use this mode, such as transportation or ticketing systems. Even the key card to open a Tesla's car door operates in this mode. 

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627570-923b8c0d-6ad0-4fd3-aa74-7ae0198cb677.png)

The NFC "**card emulation mode**" allows the NFC device itself to act as an NFC card. The emulated NFC card can then be accessed by another NFC reader, such as a point-of-sale machine. The best example of this mode is Apple Pay. In this case, the iPhone becomes a contactless credit card, and we can then use it to buy goods in stores.

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627586-eda45aad-c3d5-437a-a0a4-4e1cb5942787.png)

Finally is the NFC "**P2P mode**." This "peer to peer" mode allows the NFC device to exchange data with another NFC peer. One example of this mode is the Android Beam feature introduced by Google back in
2011\. Besides that, this mode is not widely used in the real world.

## Mobile platform support

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627597-167214c9-d7a2-4a08-82b4-ce9cba153854.png)

Let's take a look at the mobile platform support for NFC.

Let's check Android first.

The Android operating system has supported NFC since API level 10. It supported all three operation modes originally, but Google deprecated the NFC P2P-related API in API level 29.

iOS, on the other hand, has supported NFC from iOS 13 and iPhone 7, and it only supports reader mode. The card emulation mode is only available for their own proprietary apps, such as Apple Pay.

That's why in this course, we will focus on reader mode applications.

## NDEF and NFC tag platforms

Next, let's see this NFC specification diagram.

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627654-55e0e919-2c6c-46b1-8200-bef075f96999.png)

As you can see, this diagram groups related NFC specifications vertically by the operation modes. 

It seems scary initially, but as React Native developers, we can focus on these two blocks.

They are NDEF and Type 2 ~ 5 Tag Specifications.

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627702-325240b5-23b6-455b-9b75-d20caa2f636c.png)

Let's talk about NDEF first. NDEF stands for NFC Data Exchange Format. It's defined by NFC Forum and aims to provide a tag-independent method of data exchange between NFC-enabled devices. It is often used to carry text-based data, such as URLs or contact info.

NDEF is supported by both iOS and Android. Since most of the NFC tags contain NDEF data, understanding it is very important for your NFC journey.

We have a dedicated module discussing NDEF. In the second app we'll build in this course, we will read and write NDEF into NFC tags and explain how to use NFC tags to trigger deep linking. 

Another important block for us is the Type 2 ~ Type 5 Specifications. Some people refer to them as the "NFC Tag Platform."

Let's use the Type 2 Tag Platform as an example.

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627753-c87c6b11-5154-4263-b9be-5ca905945ebf.png)

By the way, people in the NFC domain often use "T2T" instead of the full "Type 2 Tag Platform".

Again, NFC Forum defines what a Type 2 Tag should comply with. The specification covers topics like the memory structure and the basic command set (reads and writes) that we use to directly communicate with the NFC tag.

When you're designing an NFC application, using NDEF is sometimes not enough. You will need to directly manipulate the NFC tag's internal memory in order to use some advanced features available for certain NFC tags.

Let's see some real-world NFC tags and their features to address this point. 

![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10307875/148627771-b7531f4a-b819-4ca7-bfb2-439bc7285179.png)

This table presents a feature summary for NXP NTAG families, which are the most used NFC tags all over the world. 

Some features listed in this table, such as "AES" or "32bit password," must be configured using low-level tag platform commands rather than NDEF writing. 

Being able to use these tag proprietary commands allows you to leverage the full power for your NFC tag hardware to create unique NFC applications.

We also have a dedicated module targeting Type 2 Tags. In the third app of this course, we will not only learn about the basic T2T commands but also the more advanced password protection feature.

## What's next?

I hope you're as excited as I am. In the next module, we will start our journey by creating our very first NFC app: Tag Counter Game. I'll see you there!


Learn

The newline Guide to Building Your First GraphQL Server with Node and TypeScript

Teach

Amelia Wattenberger

Author of Fullstack D3

Community

The newline Guide to NFCs with React Native

Module 1: Introduction

Introduction:

Start Here

Lesson 1: (5:40)

Course Overview

Lesson 2: (10:37)

What is NFC? An Introduction to NFC Tags, Cards, and Readers

Module 2: Tag-Counter Game App

Lesson 1: (1:41)

Tag Counter Game App

Lesson 2: (11:10)

Set up a React Native NFC iOS and Android App

Lesson 3: (7:42)

An Introduction to the React Native NFC Module Library

Lesson 4: (10:03)

How to Build an iOS NFC Tag Scanner App With React Native

Lesson 5: (16:36)

How to Build an Android NFC Tag Scanner App With React Native

Lesson 6: (3:14)

App1 Conclusion

Module 3: Tap-And-Go App

Lesson 1: (1:40)

Tap-And-Go App

Lesson 2: (7:10)

How to Code an NDEF Message With the NFC Tools App

Lesson 3: (9:30)

A Deep Dive Into NDEF and NdefRecord to Share Data via NFC

Lesson 4: (11:46)

Tap-And-Go Project Setup With React Native and NFC Manager

Lesson 5: (18:19)

How to Read NFC Tags and Write NDEF Data With NfcManager

Lesson 6: (12:28)

How to Build a Website NFC Tag And Use Deep Linking With NFC

Lesson 7: (3:57)

App2 Conclusion

Module 4: NfcPokemon App

Lesson 1: (2:12)

NFC Pokemon App

Lesson 2: (6:51)

The User Flow of an NFC Tag Reader and Writer App

Lesson 3: (17:20)

Intro to Type 2 NFC Tags: Read and Write NFC Tags With React

Lesson 4: (17:29)

How to Sign and Verify NFC Data With React Native and elliptic

Lesson 5: (14:48)

How to Add Memory Protection to NFC Tags For Copy Protection

Lesson 6: (4:30)

App3 Conclusion

What is NFC? An Introduction to NFC Tags, Cards, and Readers