Ultimate React Native Crash Course

Jun 28, 2024

Ultimate Crash Course on React Native

Introduction

  • React Native is a valuable skill as it bridges web and mobile app development (~75% knowledge transfer from React).
  • In 2023, React Native allows functionalities from frameworks like Next.js in mobile apps.
  • Key features in React Native include file-based routing, API routes, and React Server Components.

Course Outline

  1. Benefits of React Native
  2. Expo Setup
  3. Fundamentals of React Native
  4. Hands-on Project: Aura App
  5. Deployment Guide

Benefits of React Native

  • Cross-platform: Single codebase for iOS and Android.
  • Native Components: Better performance and user experience.
  • Hot Reloading: See changes in real-time.
  • Community Support: Continually evolving framework.
  • Easy Transition for React Developers.

Using Expo

  • Expo: Simplifies the development environment.
  • Expo Router: Introduces file-based routing similar to Next.js.
  • Pre-built Components & APIs: Navigation, gestures, camera, maps.
  • Over-the-air Updates: Automate app updates without app store reviews.

Setting Up React Native Project

  1. Create React Native Project with Expo:
    • Command: npx create-expo-app.
    • Install Dependencies: expo install expo-router react-native-safe-area-context etc.
  2. Project Configuration:
    • Main entry: ExpoRouterEntry.
    • Config files: app.json, tailwind.config.js, babel.config.js.

Core Components

  • View: Similar to <div> in HTML.
  • Text: Replaces <p>, <h1>, etc.
  • Image: Displays images.
  • FlatList: Efficiently renders a list of items.
  • TouchableOpacity: Customizable buttons.
  • SafeAreaView: Ensures content is within safe display areas.

Building Aura App

Introduction Screen (Onboarding)

  • Expo Accounts: Create with GitHub.
  • Expo Go App: For testing on real devices.

HomeScreen

  • Hooks: useState, useEffect, custom hooks.
  • Components: FlatList, Text, Image.
  • Animations: Using react-native-animatable.
  • Design & Alignment: Flexbox and Tailwind CSS.
  • Networking: Fetching data from a RESTful API.

Profile Screen

  • User Context: Using React Context for global state.
  • User Data: Fetch and display user information.
  • Logout Functionality.

Creating Videos

  • File Uploads: Integrating with Expo’s FileSystem and Storage API.
  • Upload Process: Asynchronous operations, managing loading states.
  • Form Handling: Validation and submission.

Deployment and Project Ideas

  • Complete Roadmap: Provided guide (available for download).
  • Deployment: Simplified with Expo.
  • Project Ideas: Suggested in the guide to enhance skills and portfolio.

Conclusion

  • Comprehensive Learning: Foundation of React Native, modern features, practical deployment.
  • Community Support: Huge community, high demand for React Native skills.

Download the guide for more detailed instructions and references.

Key Resources and Tools

  • Expo: Powerful toolset for React Native.
  • Animatable: Smooth animations in React Native.
  • React Navigation: Robust navigation solutions.

Final Note

This course aims to make you proficient in React Native by building real-world applications, leveraging the powerful tooling and modern features available in the ecosystem. Good luck!