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React Native & Expo

Mahesh Kumar•
React NativeExpoMobile Development

Introduction

React Native enables developers to build cross-platform mobile applications for Android and iOS using JavaScript and React.
With Expo, the development workflow becomes faster, simpler, and more productive by removing complex native setup.

Why React Native?

  • Single codebase for Android & iOS
  • Near-native performance
  • Faster iteration with Hot Reload
  • Reusable UI components
  • Strong community & ecosystem

Build once — ship everywhere.

What is Expo?

Expo is a framework that enhances React Native development by simplifying:

  • Project setup
  • Testing & debugging
  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates
  • Access to native device APIs

It helps developers focus on features instead of tooling.

Key Expo Features

  • Expo Go — run apps instantly on your device
  • OTA Updates — publish updates without resubmitting to stores
  • Managed & Bare workflows
  • Built-in modules for:
    • Camera
    • Sensors
    • Media
    • Location
    • Secure Storage

Getting Started

Create a New Expo Project

npx create-expo-app myapp
cd myapp
npm start

Run the app on:

  • Android device / emulator
  • iOS simulator
  • Web preview

Example Component

import { View, Text } from 'react-native'

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View>
      <Text>Welcome to React Native + Expo!</Text>
    </View>
  )
}

Expo vs Bare React Native

Use Expo when:

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Small / mid-scale apps
  • Minimal native modules
  • Frequent feature updates

Use Bare Workflow when:

  • Heavy native integrations
  • Performance-critical apps
  • Custom native modules

Benefits of JavaScript for Mobile Development

  • Familiar to web developers
  • Huge package ecosystem
  • Shared logic across platforms
  • Faster team onboarding

Best Practices

  • Write modular reusable components
  • Maintain consistent UI patterns
  • Optimize images & fonts
  • Prevent unnecessary re-renders
  • Follow Android & iOS design guidelines

Useful Resources

Conclusion

React Native and Expo provide a powerful, efficient stack for building scalable cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript — suitable for both beginners and production-ready apps.

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