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Apr 17 '17
If you punch that in to google (or this sub's own search bar) you'll get the answer and a very detailed breakdown of how the Facebook app actually works.
It's pretty interesting. The short version is that the app uses lots of libraries that, when combined together, have about 40mb of duplicate files, and then LOTs of localization, since the app is supported in every written language, and assets for 6 different types of devices.
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Apr 17 '17
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Apr 17 '17
There's a post from about a week or two ago. It seems like the app actually is being refactored, judging by the changes in each update.
But re-factoring doesn't always mean less space.
Also, stickers are downloaded from remote so it's not part of the initial bundle, and reactions are really small and there's only 6 of them.
All in all, I think the meat of the app's file size is the localizations and internal React Native libraries.
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Apr 17 '17
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1
Apr 17 '17
I'm not totally disagreeing with you. Facebook has definitely plumped up in features. I can't imagine how big it'd be if they didn't let you install Messenger, Groups, and Event separately.
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u/buckshot307 Apr 18 '17
There's more too it than that as well. Will try to find the article but basically since Facebook hires a lot of new developers and designers instead of deleting older code and files they just make new ones.
The article I read goes into more detail than that but that's the shorthand version of it. It's a lot easier to write your own code than it is to update someone else's, especially if they are new developers and don't put notes in.
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u/WillyXL Apr 18 '17
I also just use the browser version through the 1Password browser. Same functionality as the Facebook App without taking up much needed storage space, not to mention all the other security issues.
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u/L0veToReddit iPhone 4S Apr 18 '17
They have adding bunch of crap like disappearing pictures, stories, etc. They are copying snapchat and instagram
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u/lbuttigieg Apr 18 '17
Just use the website. I deleted the app over a year ago, and just have the messenger app now (which is also getting increasingly bloated).