Building React Native Applications with Expo

Overview

• Building React Native applications with Expo is easy but can be confusing.
• Tutorial led by Simon Beck covering various methods to build React Native apps with Expo.

Getting Started with Expo Go

1. Initial Setup:
   • Run command: npx Expo and follow with start or directly npx Expo.
   • Result: QR code for scanning on Android/iOS devices, or options to open Android/iOS simulator or web.
   • Example command: npx Expo start or npx Expo.
2. Using Expo Go:
   • Launch Expo Go on your device to preview the application.
   • Live reload feature available.
   • Debugging: Control + Command + Z (Mac) or different shortcuts for Android to access debugging view.
3. Limitations of Expo Go:
   • Only supports SDKs bundled with Expo Go.
   • Limited to one version of Expo SDK since 50/51.
   • May face issues with unsupported native modules.

Pre-Building Your App with Expo

1. What is Expo Pre-Build?
   • Pre-build creates a native project with specified configurations from app.json.
   • Command: npx Expo pre-build.
   • Generates native folders for Android/iOS.
2. Running Your Application:
   • Use command: npx Expo run iOS or npx Expo run Android.
   • The development build runs independently of Expo Go.
   • Application can be deployed to connected devices or simulators.
3. Development Build vs. Expo Go:
   • Development builds provide more flexibility, allowing installation of native modules.
   • Live reloading and debugging support in development builds.
   • Installing Expo dev client allows use of the default React Native debugging menu.

Using Native Development Tools

1. Accessing Xcode/Android Studio:
   • After pre-building, native folders can be opened in Xcode/Android Studio.
   • Ensure Metro server is running (npx Expo start) when building through Xcode/Android Studio.
2. Building for Release:
   • Adjust build configuration in Xcode from Debug to Release for final builds.
   • Archive builds for App Store submission.
   • Use configuration in app.json to maintain custom settings across pre-builds.
3. Android Studio Integration:
   • Change build variant to Release in Android Studio for APK/bundle generation.
   • Commands: npx Expo run Android with --variant release.

EAS (Expo Application Services)

1. Introduction to EAS:
   • EAS offers hosted services for building app binaries for Expo/React Native projects.
   • Simplifies the build process, especially for iOS on Windows.
2. Getting Started with EAS:
   • Install EAS CLI and log in with an account.
   • Run EAS build:configure to set up the project for EAS.
3. Building with EAS:
   • Use EAS commands to build for iOS/Android, specifying profiles and platforms.
   • Can build locally or in the cloud depending on the project needs.
4. Managing Devices and Certificates:
   • EAS simplifies device management and certificate handling for iOS builds.
   • Supports adding devices via QR codes for easier provisioning.

Resources

• Suggested course by KD Kreman on building and deploying React Native apps with Expo EAS.
• More resources available through Galaxy.dev for additional guidance and community support.

Conclusion

• Expo Go is great for quick setups, while pre-builds and native tool support provide full flexibility.
• EAS can significantly streamline the building and deployment process, especially for frequent updates.
• Encouragement to explore more resources and community support for deeper understanding.