React Native has completely changed how I approach mobile app development. With a single codebase, I am able to deliver high-quality apps for iOS, Android, and web. By 2025, the platform is more exciting than ever. Tools are incredibly advanced, the community is welcoming, and everything just flows better for me. When inspiration strikes, I feel confident that I can prototype and release quickly. This guide will outline my personal process from a rough concept to a tangible app prototype. I will explain what helps me succeed, share practical tips learned firsthand, and break each stage down into real steps. Whether you work solo or with collaborators, these are the strategies that have made my ideas a reality.
Notice: This piece was developed with AI-powered writing tools.
Why React Native for Prototyping?
React Native has become my first choice for prototyping new apps. Let me share what I find sets it apart:
- Single codebase: I only create one set of JavaScript and React files. My app immediately supports iOS, Android, and web.
- Native performance: Rather than previous frameworks I have tried, React Native generates genuine native interfaces. The result is apps that run smoothly and fit each device naturally.
- Vast ecosystem: Whenever I need extra abilities, like camera access or advanced navigation, I always discover reliable libraries ready to use.
- Fast refresh: When I write code, I instantly view updates on my screen. This really accelerates and energizes my workflow.
For these reasons, I view React Native as the ideal choice when testing new concepts. My prototypes look and act exactly like the real thing from the very beginning.
From Design to Code: New Prototyping Tools
Converting my designs into functional code used to be tedious. But now in 2025, smoother tools have made this transition much quicker and easier for me.
Modular Code from Figma with Locoy Lightning
My workflow evolved once I started using these tools. I rely on Figma for designing every app screen. When it is time to begin coding, I reach for Locoy Lightning. This solution allows me to instantly turn Figma screens into organized React Native components.
- Start with Figma: I design all the screens in Figma, following established modular patterns so everything stays reusable.
- Export with Locoy Lightning: I can click the plugin once and receive ready-to-use React Native components. This eliminates the need to spend additional time recreating UIs line by line.
- Sync and Iterate: Using Localify Builder, I move the code forward, tweak, and quickly share my prototype with colleagues. Only after that do I open my editor to do further coding.
Thanks to this, my workload has shrunk dramatically. What used to occupy days can now be completed in just a few hours.
Accelerate the Entire Workflow with AI-Powered Code Generation
Sometimes I want to skip manual conversion and turn an idea or even a rough image straight into working code. That is the advantage of RapidNative. This AI-based platform can take anything from written ideas and sketches to Figma files and images, generating React Native apps that are production-ready. I chat with the AI, upload concept art or designs, and in return I get clean, well-structured code prepared for immediate use. If you want to reduce tedious setup or speed up prototyping in early project stages, RapidNative integrates beautifully. I have noticed it helps especially when working with non-developers and makes mobile-first experimentation very effective.
Setting Up Your React Native Project (With Expo)
These days, I nearly always kick off new projects with Expo. In 2025, the majority of the community does the same. Expo handles all the native details for me, allowing me to dedicate time to the features that matter most.
How to Kick Off Your Project
- I initialize a new project using the Expo CLI.
- The starter app runs instantly on iOS, Android, and web. There is no reason to maintain distinct codebases now.
- I typically go with the blank template, but if speed matters, Expo provides helpful starter templates as well.
Why Use Expo?
- No native code required up front: I can avoid all the challenges of Xcode and Android Studio at the beginning.
- Instant device testing: By scanning a QR with the Expo Go app, I immediately preview on my phone.
- Automatic native updates: As I integrate more complex features, Expo keeps my project’s native side up to date automatically.
Let me give an example. Suppose I am prototyping a home cleaning service booking app. I initialize my Expo project, add basic components like View, Text, Button, and Image. My prototype begins to function almost at once, and I can spend time on features unique to my vision.
Essential Project Structure and Tools
Getting the foundation right from the start makes everything smoother later. Here’s my collection of preferred tools and habits:
Use TypeScript
In 2025, I always choose TypeScript. It catches a lot of errors early and helps with auto-complete in my code editor. Refactoring or adding new features later always feels easier because of it.
Navigation
Modern navigation makes a significant impact in my prototypes.
- Expo Router: My favorite solution now. It’s file-based, so if you have used Next.js on the web it will feel familiar and straightforward. It also does deep linking very well.
- React Navigation: This staple is still a solid choice if I need more established patterns or advanced navigation flexibility.
Styling
With styles written in JavaScript, I keep things straightforward for quicker iteration.
- NativeWind: This mimics Tailwind CSS and lets me quickly style my UI consistently.
- Unistyles: Allows the use of standard stylesheets with some extra conveniences.
- Tamagi: If I need more complex or advanced cross-platform UI, Tamagi delivers.
For my prototypes, NativeWind is usually the fastest and easiest way to work.
Must-Have Libraries
If I am putting together more significant prototypes, these are always in my lineup:
- State management: TanStack Query manages my server state, while Zustand or Legend State are my favorites for app state because they keep things uncomplicated yet powerful.
- UI components and icons: Expo is full of useful component libraries and icons by default.
- Animations and gestures: I trust React Native Reanimated and Gesture Handler for smooth, interactive features.
- Storage: MMKV is always my go-to for local storage since it is quick and dependable.
Building, Testing, and Sharing Your Prototype
Once I have main screens assembled, I move on to trying things out and getting input from others.
Previewing on Devices
For quick previews, I always use Expo Go. By scanning my project’s QR code, my phone reflects changes nearly instantly as I code. The speed feels incredible.
Automated Testing
Adding basic tests early prevents unexpected issues down the line. I typically work with Maestro or React Native Testing Library. A small investment in tests early saves major headaches later.
Collaborate, Share, and Gather Feedback
- When I am ready to show my work, I create Expo share links or use the Locoy and Localify process. This makes it possible for teammates or clients to load my app on their own phones right away.
- If anyone asks for the code, I can share it as a GitHub repo, EAS build, or simply a ZIP file. Collaboration is straightforward.
Deploying and Publishing
When it is time for user testing or app store release, here’s what I do:
Android and Play Store
- I create production APK or AAB builds using the Expo EAS CLI.
- Once I sign in and set needed variables, Expo takes care of cloud builds for me.
- I simply download the final builds and install on my devices or upload directly to the Play Store.
- The Play Console expects things like privacy policy, app details, icons, screenshots, and similar store requirements.
iOS and Apple App Store
- Expo makes App Store deployments possible, even if I work from Windows or Linux. Their cloud build solution streamlines the process.
- After I upload the app bundle and enter required metadata, I submit it for review.
- App stores typically need screenshots, app icons, full descriptions, privacy policies, and sometimes even demo videos. I prepare these in advance for convenience.
Real-World Prototype Example: Booking App
A year ago, I created a prototype for a home cleaning booking app. Here’s the process I followed:
- User authentication: I implemented a testing login, sometimes leveraging Firebase for easy authentication.
- Calendar view: Users viewed their bookings and could tap to add more appointments.
- Form flow: Service and room selection was laid out as tappable lists for quick user input.
- Dynamic pricing: The price adjusted live when users chose or removed services.
- Confirmation: Gathered appointment data, user information, and displayed a summary before confirming.
- Profile screen: Let users update their details or log out.
All elements were built with React Native components. I used Expo libraries for UI, navigation, analytics, and basic payments. Each change updated quickly with fast refresh.
Next-Level Prototyping: From Prototype to Production
React Native enables rapid prototyping for me, but I have also advanced many prototypes straight to production. With Expo and EAS cloud builds, this transition has become much more straightforward.
When I want to move forward, I add:
- Real-world authentication with Clerk, Firebase, or Auth0.
- Complex forms managed by React Hook Form.
- Optimized image performance utilizing Expo Image.
- Refactor business logic into dedicated services or hooks for better maintainability.
- Set up automated CI and CD pipelines for faster and safer releases.
A big benefit of React Native in my experience is that my prototype can evolve into a production app without any complete overhaul. I refine and enhance features gradually.
FAQ
#### What is the fastest way to go from a Figma design to a functional React Native prototype?
My solution is Locoy Lightning. I export Figma components right into workable React Native code, insert these into my Expo project, adjust logic as needed, and have a live test on my phone in a matter of minutes.
#### Should you always use Expo for prototyping in 2025?
I would recommend it. Expo eliminates the usual struggle with native setup. It gives me immediate builds across mobile and web plus a host of built-in tools for deploying and keeping your project updated. Unless you need specific native integrations, Expo has been the fastest route in my projects.
#### How do you test a React Native prototype on a physical device?
Running the project locally and loading the Expo Go app on my device is how I begin. I scan the console QR code and my application launches instantly. No uploads or complicated installations are needed to get first impressions.
#### What are essential libraries to include in a React Native prototype today?
My standard stack always includes Expo packages, NativeWind for rapid and consistent styling, Expo Router for navigation, TanStack Query for effective server data, React Native Reanimated for seamless animations, MMKV for robust storage, and React Hook Form for form logic. These cover all my core requirements.
In 2025, I find React Native prototyping easier and more enjoyable than ever. Using cutting-edge tools and the robust Expo ecosystem, I can deliver polished prototypes from any idea in record time. The libraries I described scale with my needs. Each time I unveil a new prototype, I am reminded how exciting and creative bringing mobile ideas to life can be. Happy coding!
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