software

Expo Framework Essentials: My Modern Guide for Building Universal React Native Apps

Published: (December 19, 2025 at 02:47 AM EST)
9 min read
Source: Dev.to

Source: Dev.to

In 2025, I have seen the way we build cross‑platform apps change so much

I love using tools that make things easier, quicker, and better‑performing. For me, Expo is at the top when working with React Native. Whether you’re just starting out or you want to make your workflow smoother, understanding Expo truly unlocks fast, native‑feeling apps for iOS, Android, and the web—all from a single codebase. It still amazes me how simple things can be.

Disclosure: This content was produced with AI‑technology support and may feature companies I have affiliations with.

In this guide I’ll share:

  • What Expo is
  • Why I reach for it
  • How to get started
  • Patterns and tools that help me build quality universal apps at top speed

What is Expo?

Expo feels like a superpower for React Native developers. It is open‑source and lets me create native apps using only React syntax—no need to dive into Swift, Kotlin, or Objective‑C. I focus on JavaScript or TypeScript, and with Expo and React Native I ship to iOS, Android, and the web.

With Expo I can:

  • Build one codebase that runs on every major platform
  • Use React components that turn into real, native UI elements
  • Access device features (camera, sensors, etc.) via friendly libraries
  • Test changes instantly on my device with the Expo Go app

I cannot overstate how much friction Expo removes. Instead of fighting with native files or getting stuck in config weeds, my Expo projects start with sensible defaults and grow alongside my app.

Setting Up: Prerequisites and Installation

Before jumping in, make sure your computer is ready for coding. It doesn’t matter if you’re on macOS, Windows, or Linux—Node.js is the only hard requirement.

1. Install Node.js

Choose the latest LTS (Long‑Term Support) version for a smoother experience.

node -v   # verify installation
  • If Node is missing, download it from the official website or manage it with nvm. I started with the website, but later found nvm very handy.

2. Install the Expo CLI

npm install -g expo-cli

3. Get Expo Go

  • iOS: Download Expo Go from the App Store.
  • Android: Get it from Google Play.

Expo Go lets you see your project on a real device instantly—almost magical.

  • Editor: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) – my go‑to code editor.
  • Version control: GitHub, which also helps with cloud integration and automation.

Creating Your First Expo Project

Starting a new Expo project is one of my favorite steps because it’s so smooth.

# In the folder where you want the project:
npx create-expo-app@latest YourAppName

Expo offers a few starter templates; I usually stick with the default unless I have special plans.

cd YourAppName
code .   # opens the project in VS Code

Start the development server:

npx expo start

A QR code appears in the terminal. Open Expo Go on your phone, scan the code, and your app appears live. Changes you make update instantly thanks to hot reloading, making development feel alive and fast.

Project Structure and the Power of File‑Based Routing

The file‑based routing system in Expo is a gift, especially if you come from a Next.js background. Inside the project, the app/ directory becomes your navigation map—every file or folder inside it corresponds to a screen.

Examples

app/
├─ index.js               # Home screen
├─ profile.js            # “Profile” screen
└─ settings/
   └─ account.js          # “Account” screen under “Settings”

Benefits

  • Deep links match screens automatically based on folder/file structure—no extra code needed.
  • Use the <Link> component to navigate; transitions work natively.
  • Stacks, modals, and tabs become easier to reason about.
  • Platform‑specific files (e.g., layout.android.tsx, layout.web.tsx) let you tailor layouts per platform.

Styling and Building a Polished UI

Expo with React Native provides a styling API that feels a lot like CSS. Here’s a simple pattern I use:

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

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text style={styles.text}>Hello Expo!</Text>
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    backgroundColor: '#23272f',
    alignItems: 'center',
    justifyContent: 'center',
  },
  text: {
    color: 'white',
    fontSize: 22,
  },
});

Advanced UI Libraries I Reach For

  • NativeWind – brings Tailwind CSS utility classes to React Native, making styling fast and expressive.
  • Tamagui or UniStyled – for consistent cross‑platform styling with advanced theming capabilities.
  • Component libraries: react-native-elements, react-native-paper, or custom‑built components, depending on the project.

Tip: For smooth, snappy animations, I use react-native-reanimated or moti. Both work out of the box with Expo and have never let me down.

Navigation in Expo is handled by expo-router. It is very powerful and stays simple for most things I need.

Stacks

My app can move from one screen to another, just like a real phone app. The push and pop animations feel right.

Tabs

Perfect for apps with sections like Home, Profile, or Settings.

Modals

Super easy for popups, overlays, and dialogs.

Routing can be simple or advanced. When I want more control, I use the useRouter hook:

import { useRouter } from 'expo-router';
import { Button } from 'react-native';

function MyButton() {
  const router = useRouter();
  return (
    <Button onPress={() => router.replace('/')}>Go Home</Button>
  );
}
  • Enter fullscreen mode
  • Exit fullscreen mode

Advanced patterns

  • Pass parameters between screens with router hooks or query params for storing state.
  • Tweak headers, modals, and links by setting options on each screen.
  • Intercept system events for custom workflows when needed.

Using Native APIs and Expo Plugins

Whenever I want hardware access, I look for an Expo library first. Most of my needs are met this way. Examples:

  • Camera – expo-camera
  • Maps and geolocation
  • Notifications, sensors, haptics, and more

Installation is fast—a single command—and then I import the library and start using it. For databases and auth, Expo works nicely with Firebase and Supabase. Using these, I do not battle with config files or tricky integrations.

Cloud Builds, Deployment, and Continuous Integration

Deployment with Expo feels effortless to me now:

  • Web – Static rendering is included. I host my sites on Vercel, Netlify, or elsewhere with no hassle.
  • iOS / Android – I rely on Expo’s EAS Build for cloud builds. Even when I didn’t have a Mac, I could still submit my apps to the App Store and Google Play. That is a big deal.
  • Testing – For automated UI testing, I use tools like detox or maestro. Testing on real devices gives me confidence my app works everywhere.

These workflows free up my time. I focus on features, not getting bogged down in servers or deployment scripts.

Essential Tools and Packages to Supercharge Expo Projects

These are the tools and libraries I keep in my toolbox with Expo:

  • TypeScript – I cannot imagine building anything big without it. Type safety means fewer bugs.
  • State Management – zustand or @tanstack/query for handling both local and server state. Small and effective.
  • Image Handling – expo-image for fast, sharp image loading.
  • Persistent Storage – react-native-mmkv for fast local storage that scales well.
  • Authentication & Payments – Clerk for auth, RevenueCat for subscriptions or in‑app purchases.

Modern app development often means blurring the lines between design, prototyping, and code. If you want to speed up the transition from concept to working React Native screens—whether you are brainstorming with sketches, collaborating with designers in Figma, or just launching a quick MVP—I have found that RapidNative is a smart addition. It is an AI‑powered code generator that turns ideas, sketches, or uploaded images into production‑ready React Native code. The ability to chat with AI for guidance, then export clean, modular code fits perfectly with the rapid cycles of Expo projects. This is especially handy for teams and solo builders who want to automate repetitive UI boilerplate and move straight into building app logic.

For debugging, I use React Native Debugger and Sentry to keep track of real‑world bugs and app health. I also use AI‑enhanced code editors like Cursor for code completion and speed—they save me tons of time.

Best Practices and Practical Advice

  • Minimal Boilerplate – Remove unused files and code whenever I start a feature. Keeping things lean helps me focus and avoid confusion later.
  • Understand What Expo Does – I take some time to build and customize navigation and layouts on my own. That way, nothing feels like “magic” and I really know how things work.
  • Test Early on Real Devices – Expo Go lets me check my work on every platform quickly. Testing across iOS, Android, and web from the beginning saves headaches at launch.
  • Scale for Growth – Good folder organization matters over time. I group related screens, use platform‑specific files, and plan ahead for scaling.
  • Stay Connected – Joining Expo’s Discord and other dev communities has helped me resolve issues faster and stay up to date with changes.

FAQ

How is Expo different from plain React Native?

Expo wraps React Native with a bunch of tools, libraries, and workflows that make my life easier. I get access to device features, cloud build tools, and a simple project setup right out of the box. I do not need to deal with native config until I really need something custom.

Can I use custom native modules with Expo?

Absolutely. If Expo does not cover a feature I need, I can “eject” to the Bare workflow or use Development Builds to add my own native code or third‑party libraries. Most of my projects stay Managed, but it’s nice to know I have that option.

Is Expo suitable for production apps that go to the App Store?

Definitely. Expo gives me tools for building, signing, and submitting apps to both the App Store and Google Play. I know many big apps that run on Expo in production with no trouble at all.

How does Expo handle deep linking and navigation?

Expo’s file‑based routing takes care of deep links and universal links out of the box. Mapping URLs to screens and managing stack behavior just works. I can intercept and customize deep‑link behavior if I need to—and normally do not have to set anything special up.

Modern universal apps have gone from a slog into a genuinely fun process. From “Hello World” to a live app, the speed and smoothness keeps me motivated. With constant updates, a helpful community, and tools getting better every year, I believe Expo is still the best way to do React Native in 2025. Give it a shot—you’ll be surprised at how quickly your ideas reach real devices everywhere.

Back to Blog

Related posts

Read more »