Getting Started with React Native

🚀 Getting Started with React Native: A Beginner’s Guide

If you're looking to build mobile apps using JavaScript, React Native is one of the most powerful frameworks available today. Developed by Facebook, it allows developers to write code once and run it on both iOS and Android—saving time, cost, and complexity.

🧱 What is React Native?

React Native is an open-source framework that lets you build mobile apps using React, the popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. Instead of rendering components to the web like traditional React, React Native renders to native mobile components.

This means you get:

• A native look and feel (not a webview)
• Shared codebase for Android and iOS
• Access to device features (camera, location, sensors, etc.)
• A large and growing ecosystem of libraries

Official Docs: React Native Getting Started

⚙️ How Does It Work?

React Native apps are written in JavaScript and JSX (JavaScript + XML), and then they communicate with native modules via a bridge. This makes them incredibly performant for most use cases while giving you the flexibility to tap into native APIs when needed.

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✨ Why Beginners Should Start with Expo

While React Native is powerful, setting up your development environment can be tricky—especially for those new to mobile development. This is where Expo comes in.

✅ What is Expo?

Expo is an open-source platform built on top of React Native that simplifies mobile development. It provides a set of tools, libraries, and services that streamline the process of building and deploying React Native apps.

Official Docs: Expo Documentation
Expo GitHub: github.com/expo/expo

💡 Why Use Expo as a Beginner?

Here are a few key reasons to start your journey with Expo:

1. No Native Code Setup Needed

You don’t need Android Studio or Xcode to get started. Just install the Expo CLI and run:

npx create-expo-app myApp
cd myApp
npx expo start

2. Fast Testing with Expo Go

Install the Expo Go app on your phone, scan a QR code, and your app runs live—no compiling, no emulators.

3. Batteries Included

Expo includes powerful APIs out of the box: camera, location, push notifications, haptics, and more—no setup required.

4. Expo Router

With Expo Router, you can use a file-based routing system similar to Next.js. This makes navigation intuitive and scalable, even for large apps.

5. Easily Add Native Code Later

Once you’re comfortable, you can switch to a development build and integrate native code without starting from scratch.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

React Native is a fantastic way to build real native apps using JavaScript. But as a beginner, setting it up from scratch can be overwhelming. Expo smooths out the learning curve, lets you focus on writing your app, and removes the need to worry about build tools, device emulators, or native configurations.

So if you're just getting started:
➡️ Start with Expo.
You’ll thank yourself later.