AppJS Conference Keynote Summary

Introduction

• Welcome by James Eeday, co-founder of Expo.
• Focus on updates in application software development at Expo.

Collaboration in React Native Community

• Strong collaborative spirit within the React Native community.
• Recent RFC defining React Native frameworks led by Nicola CTI from Meta.
• Collaboration with companies like Callstack and Mic Moft.
• Exciting projects being presented at the conference:
  • Software Mansion: React Native IDE (in beta).
  • Infinite Red: Ignite boilerplate for setting up React Native projects.

Importance of Iteration Speed

• Iteration Speed is crucial in programming:
  • Getting code to users quickly.
  • Gathering feedback and making improvements.
• Helps developers achieve product-market fit by iteratively enhancing applications based on user needs.
• Iteration speed is seen as the lifeblood of successful companies.

Expo's Mission

• Expo aims to enhance application software development and developer success.
• Focus on improving iteration speed at all stages of development:
  • Code writing and quick feedback.
  • Internal reviews and quick deployment to end users.

Comparison: Web vs. Native Development

• Web development allows fast iteration through:
  • Instant feedback via web page reloads.
  • Simple deployment via CI/CD pipelines.
• Native app development traditionally lacks the same speed:
  • Complexity in setup (e.g., needing Android Studio, Xcode).
  • Manual processes in building and deploying.

Aiming for Web-like Iteration Speed in Native Apps

• Inspiration from web practices:
  • Simplify setup and build process for native app developers.
  • Utilize tools like Expo Go for fast testing and feedback.
• Continuous integration and deployment are pivotal but not fully achieved yet in native apps.

New Features and Tools

• Expo Go vs. Development Builds:
  • Development builds recommended for long-term projects as they allow for custom code and better parity.
• Expo Application Services (EAS):
  • Handles configuration for building apps with native code.
  • Recent enhancements have significantly improved build speed (40% faster for iOS builds).
• CLI Improvements:
  • Optimizations leading to faster command execution (600 ms reduction).
  • New fast resolver environment variable for speeding up bundling.

Team Collaboration Enhancements

• EAS enables team members to register devices for internal builds.
• Orbit Desktop Application for easy browsing of team builds.
• GitHub integration for managing EAS builds with PR previews.

EAS Build and Update Features

• Customizable build jobs to streamline development processes.
• Incremental rollouts and rollbacks to ensure smooth updates.
• Expo updates protocol ensures stability and consistency in app experiences.

Server-Driven UI

• Exploring server-driven UI capabilities using React server components.
• Aims to revolutionize user experience and iteration speed.

Developer Success Stories

• Examples of successful apps built with Expo:
  • Starlink: Fast internet connection app using Expo SDK and JavaScript.
  • Phantom Wallet: Integrates Solana tokens with ease of use.
  • Warcast: Decentralized web protocol app demonstrating high user growth.
• Emphasis on collaboration and community contribution to SDK development.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for developers to explore new features being introduced at the conference.
• Continuous commitment to improving developer experience and iteration speed.
• Invitation to attend further talks and engage with the Expo community.