A2oz

How Do I Create a React Native Project with Expo CLI?

Published in React Native Development 3 mins read

Creating a React Native project with Expo CLI is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:

1. Install Expo CLI

First, you need to install Expo CLI globally on your system. You can do this using npm or yarn:

npm install -g expo-cli

or

yarn global add expo-cli

2. Create a New Project

Once Expo CLI is installed, you can create a new project using the expo init command. This will prompt you to choose a template for your project.

expo init my-new-project

Replace my-new-project with your desired project name.

3. Select a Template

You will be presented with several template options, including:

  • blank: A completely empty project.
  • tabs: A basic app with multiple tabs.
  • blank (TypeScript): A blank project using TypeScript.
  • tabs (TypeScript): A basic app with multiple tabs using TypeScript.

Choose the template that best suits your needs.

4. Start the Development Server

Once the project is created, you can start the development server using the expo start command:

cd my-new-project
expo start

This will open a browser window with a QR code and a link to access your app in the Expo Go app.

5. Run the App

To run the app on your device, scan the QR code using the Expo Go app. Alternatively, you can click the link to open the app directly in the Expo Go app.

6. Develop Your App

Now you can start developing your React Native app using the provided template. You can edit the code in your project directory and the changes will automatically reflect in the running app.

7. Build and Deploy

Once you are ready to deploy your app, you can use Expo CLI to build and deploy your app to the App Store or Google Play Store.

Example:

expo build:ios

This will build your app for iOS and create a .ipa file that you can then upload to the App Store.

Practical Insights:

  • Expo CLI is a powerful tool for creating and developing React Native apps.
  • It provides a streamlined workflow and simplifies the development process.
  • Expo CLI offers a wide range of features, including development server, building, and deployment.

Solutions:

  • If you encounter any errors during the process, consult the Expo documentation for troubleshooting guides.
  • You can find numerous tutorials and resources online to help you get started with Expo CLI.

Related Articles