Expo vs bare React Native

Introduction

Expo and bare React Native are two ways to build mobile apps with React Native. Knowing the difference helps you pick the best tool for your app.

You want to quickly build and test an app without installing many tools.

You need to use native device features easily without writing native code.

You want full control over native code and custom native modules.

You plan to add advanced native features not supported by Expo.

You want to publish your app with custom native configurations.

Syntax

React Native

Expo: Uses managed workflow with pre-built tools and libraries.
Bare React Native: Uses plain React Native setup with full native code access.

Expo simplifies setup and development with many built-in features.

Bare React Native requires more setup but offers full native customization.

Examples

Start a new Expo app quickly with one command.

React Native

expo init MyApp
cd MyApp
expo start

Create a bare React Native app with full native code access.

React Native

npx react-native init MyApp
cd MyApp
npx react-native run-ios

Sample App

This simple app works the same in both Expo and bare React Native. It shows text and a button that shows an alert when pressed.

React Native

import React from 'react';
import { Text, View, Button, Alert } from 'react-native';

export default function App() {
  return (
    <View style={{ flex: 1, justifyContent: 'center', alignItems: 'center' }}>
      <Text>Hello from React Native!</Text>
      <Button title="Press me" onPress={() => Alert.alert('Button pressed!')} />
    </View>
  );
}

Important Notes

Expo is great for beginners and fast prototyping.

Bare React Native is better for apps needing custom native code.

You can start with Expo and later eject to bare React Native if needed.

Summary

Expo offers easy setup and many built-in tools.

Bare React Native gives full control over native code.

Choose based on your app needs and experience level.