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

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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. If you are just starting out or if you want to make your workflow smoother, understanding Expo is what truly unlocks fast, native-feeling apps for iOS, Android, and the web. And all this comes 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 am sharing what Expo is, why I reach for it, how I get going, and the 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. I never had to dive into Swift or 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 goes to every major platform
  • Use React components that turn into real, native UI elements
  • Access device features, like the camera or sensors, with friendly libraries
  • Test changes immediately, live 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 best guesses and then grow along with my app.

Setting Up: Prerequisites and Installation

Before jumping in, I make sure my computer is ready for coding. It does not matter if I am on macOS, Windows, or Linux. I just need Node.js. I always choose the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version for a smoother experience.

Quick setup steps:

  • I check Node.js by running: 
  node -v
  • If Node is missing, I grab it from the website or manage it with nvm. I started with the website, but later found nvm very handy.

Install Expo CLI: 

npm install -g expo-cli

Get Expo Go:

  • I download Expo Go on my iPhone from the App Store or from Google Play on Android.
  • I love how this app lets me see my project right away on my phone. It feels almost magical.

Recommended tools:

  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is my code editor. Honestly, I do not use anything else.
  • I use GitHub for my code, and it helps with cloud integration and automation.

Creating Your First Expo Project

Starting a new Expo project is one of my favorite steps. It is just so smooth. In my terminal, I jump into the folder where I want the project and run: 

npx create-expo-app@latest YourAppName

Expo gives me a few templates to choose from. I stick with the default, unless I have special plans. After creating the app, I jump into my new folder and open it in VS Code: 

cd YourAppName
code .

I spin up the development server with: 

npx expo start

A QR code pops up. I just open Expo Go on my phone, scan that code on my screen, and boom-my app appears live. Changes I make update instantly. Hot reloading makes development feel alive and fast. Every time, it makes me grin.

Project Structure and The Power of File-based Routing

The file-based routing system in Expo is a gift, especially coming from a Next.js background. Inside my project, the app/ directory becomes my navigation map. Every file or folder in there is a screen in my app. For example, I make an app/index.js file, and that is my home screen.

When I want navigation to go deeper, I make subfolders. Like this:

  • app/profile.js – My “Profile” screen
  • app/settings/account.js – My “Account” screen lives under “Settings”

This structure does more than tidy up files:

  • Deep links from URLs match screens based on the folders and file structure, no extra coding needed
  • I use the <Link /> component to move between screens. Transitions just work natively
  • Navigation, stacks, modals, and tabs all become easier to reason about

I also use device-specific files, like layout.android.tsx or layout.web.tsx, when I want layouts to fit perfectly on each platform.

Styling and Building a Polished UI

Expo with React Native gives me a styling API that looks a lot like CSS. I never felt out of place here. Here is 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,
  },
});

When it comes to more advanced UI, I have a few go-to libraries:

  • NativeWind: This brings TailwindCSS utility classes into React Native. Makes styling fast and easy.
  • Tamagi or UniStyled: These are for when I want styles to stay consistent across platforms and need advanced features.
  • Component libraries: Sometimes, I use something like react-native-elements or react-native-paper. Other times, I build my own unique components. It depends on the project.

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

Navigation: Stacks, Tabs, and Imperative Routing

Navigation in Expo is handled by expo-router. It is very powerful and yet 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';

function MyButton() {
  const router = useRouter();
  return (
    <Button title="Go Home" onPress={() => router.replace('/')} />
  );
}

Advanced patterns:

  • I often pass parameters between screens with router hooks or use query params for storing state.
  • I tweak headers, modals, and links by setting options on each screen. Sometimes I even intercept things from the system for custom workflows.

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. For example:

  • 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 did not 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: I use zustand or tanstack-query for handling both local and server state. These libraries are small and effective.
  • Image Handling: With expo-image, images load quickly and look sharp.
  • Persistent Storage: react-native-mmkv is my choice for fast local storage that scales well.
  • Authentication & Payments: I plug in Clerk for all my authentication needs, and RevenueCat when I need 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 designed to take your ideas, sketches, or uploaded images and instantly turn them into production-ready React Native code. The ability to chat with AI for guidance and conversion, 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. Also, I have started using AI code editors like Cursor for code completion and speed-they can save me tons of time.

Best Practices and Practical Advice

  • Minimal Boilerplate: I 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. I learned that testing across iOS, Android, and web from the beginning saves me 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 in my own native code or third-party libraries. Most of my projects stay Managed, but it is 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.

For me, Expo turns building modern universal apps 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. I think you will be surprised at how quickly your ideas reach real devices everywhere.

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