As far as i understand. It uses a javascript runtime on its own thread to parse "instructions" to native components dynamically. To answer your questions. yes, yes, yesno.
Reacts philosophy is to learn once write everywhere. If you know reactjs then it is just as easy to write react native as it is exactly the same (clear and concise) but with different api's available. The instructions are written in javascript the rendering can be done in dom, obejective-c, java.. etc.etc.
Would it be intellectually honest to place a 30% snark if you don't know the language?
Reacts philosophy is to learn once write everywhere. If you know reactjs then it is just as easy to write react native as it is exactly the same (clear and concise) but with different api's available. The instructions are written in javascript the rendering can be done in dom, obejective-c, java.. etc.etc.
Would it be intellectually honest to place a 30% snark if you don't know the language?