Expo is the fastest way to start building React Native apps without installing Xcode or Android Studio. It's perfect for rapid prototyping, testing, and even launching full-scale production apps.
Why Expo?
- Instant setup: No native build tools required
- Cross-platform: iOS, Android, and Web support out of the box
- Built-in APIs: Camera, push notifications, geolocation, and more
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure you have Node.js installed.
Setting Up
Install Expo CLI globally:
npm install -g expo-cli
Create a new project:
expo init my-app
Choose from blank, tabs (with navigation), or other templates.
Run the app locally:
cd my-app
npm start
Use the QR code in Expo Go (iOS/Android) to test instantly.
Folder Structure
A clean folder layout helps scalability:
my-app/
├── App.js
├── assets/
├── components/
├── screens/
└── navigation/
Using Components
Create reusable UI:
export default function Button({ label, onPress }) {
return <Pressable onPress={onPress}><Text>{label}</Text></Pressable>;
}
Deployment
Use EAS (Expo Application Services):
eas build --platform all
Submit using EAS Submit:
eas submit --platform ios
Wrap-Up
Expo accelerates mobile development by handling complexity under the hood. Focus on UX and features while Expo manages builds, testing, and deployment.