Expo and React Native CLI are the two primary choices
available to developers when it comes to using React Native to develop mobile
applications. Each strategy has a unique mix of benefits and drawbacks. We'll
go over expo vs react native cli which is better, their benefits
and drawbacks, and when to use each strategy in this blog.
What is Expo React Native?
Expo is a platform and framework that speeds the development process of React Native applications. It tries to quicken the development process by handling the complicated details of setting up and managing a React Native project.
Advantages of Expo
Unified
Codebase of all Platforms
Expo react native typescript eliminates the need to interact with native code in Java-Kotlin or Swift while developing JavaScript or TypeScript applications for iOS and Android. It gives users a collection of packages, in opposition to React Native, that simplify the usage of hardware-specific features like cameras and sensors without requiring the development of native code.
import { Camera } from 'expo-camera';
import * as Contacts from 'expo-contacts';
import { Gyroscope } from 'expo-sensors';
Expo applications consequently are really hybrid in nature.
Easily Share Applications
It's now easy to share mobile apps with others. Expo makes
it easier to share your apps with others for internal testing by removing the
requirement for them to set up and install the same development environment.
Users can quickly and simply start the program by scanning a QR code, which
makes it easy to share the apps with others.
Cloud Build
React Native CLI requires a macOS environment to be used for
developing iOS apps, hence Windows users cannot use it without necessitating
complicated workarounds. Conversely, Expo gets around this problem by launching
a hosted service called EAS Build. With the help of this service, developers
working with Windows and Linux can build app binaries for Expo and React Native
applications.
By providing preset configurations specifically designed for
Expo and React Native applications, Expo streamlines and automates the building
process. Additionally, it accelerates the submission process to app stores by
managing app signing credentials. You can submit your apps using EAS Submit
straight from the command line interface (CLI), which makes for a practical and
effective process.
Smoothly Bugs Fixation
Installing your software on customers' devices improves
retention, but there are drawbacks. Users must actively update the program once
it has been installed in order to get the most recent version, which includes
crucial functionality and bug fixes.
By enabling you to push updates and bug fixes to your apps
without forcing users to reinstall them, EAS Update offers a solution. This
guarantees that all of your apps always have the most recent bug fixes and
security updates. When an unintentional defect gets passed on to end customers,
this functionality comes in quite handy as it provides a quick and easy
approach to fix the problem.
Disadvantages of Expo
Restricted Native Modules: Expo places restrictions
on which native modules can be accessed, which may cause problems when
integrating third-party libraries or using low-level device functionality.
Reduced Build Control: Compared to the React Native
CLI, Expo provides less flexibility and control over build setups and
customization choices.
Size and Performance Issues: Expo apps often have
bigger bundle sizes than React Native CLI apps, which affects how quickly they
download and load.
What is React Native CLI?
The standard approach to building React Native applications
is using the React Native CLI, which provides unmatched control and flexibility
over the development and structuring of your project.
Advantages of React Native CLI
Full Native Module Compatibility: React Native CLI
gives you the ability to connect to and integrate any native module that is
available inside the React Native ecosystem. This gives you the flexibility to
make use of a range of third-party libraries and device features.
Customized settings Options: You have complete
control over the build settings, which allows you to fine-tune the
functionality, size, and performance of your application.
Ecosystem Harmony: The whole React Native ecosystem,
including all community libraries and tools, is smoothly integrated with the
React Native CLI.
Disadvantages of React Native CLI
Steep Initial Learning Curve: For developers who are
unfamiliar with React Native or mobile app development, the CLI for React
Native requires a more thorough initial setup and configuration.
More Setup Time: Compared to Expo's faster start,
starting a React Native CLI project requires installing and configuring native
dependencies, which might take longer.
Manual Build setup: The manual setup of build tools
required by the React Native CLI increases the complexity and time commitment,
particularly for developers who are not experienced in native app development.
Physical Device Requirement: React Native CLI
requires access to physical devices for both iOS and Android in order for you
to test your app on real platform-specific devices.
What to choose between expo vs cli React Native?
Choose Expo if
Expo is a great option if you want to focus on quick
prototyping or if you are new to app development. Expo is a good choice if your
application doesn't require deep access to low-level device functions and you
value ease of use and uncomplicated development above a lot of customisation.
Additionally, a lot of the development issues that Expo had previously
encountered have been fixed, and the addition of the prebuild capability has
made the process of ejecting from Expo simpler.
Choose React Native CLI
React Native CLI would be a better fit for your needs if you
want to learn more about React Native or have more experience developing native
apps. It would also be more appropriate if you require extensive control over
the build process, performance improvements, or customization options. Finally,
if you want to integrate sophisticated third-party libraries or have access to
specific native modules, or if you want to explore the more complex features of
React Native.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is React Native cli better than Expo?
Expo simplifies development by handling complexities for you, while React Native CLI offers greater control and flexibility in project management.
Can I use Expo in React Native cli?
It is possible to take advantage of Expo in a React Native CLI project by making use of its "bare workflow." With this process, you may use Expo's services, development tools, and APIs within a React Native CLI project, benefiting from both the simplicity of Expo's features and the flexibility of the CLI configuration.
What is cli and Expo?
- CLI stands for Command Line Interface, a tool for developers to interact via command line.
- Expo is a framework and platform for React Native development that simplifies the process with tools and services.
Should I learn Expo or React Native?
Learn React Native for a overall understanding of mobile app development. Expo is great for quick prototyping and simplicity, but React Native CLI offers more control and depth in the long run. Choose based on your project needs.
What are the limitations of Expo?
Expo's limitations include restricted access to certain native modules, limited customizability, and dependency on Expo's ecosystem for certain features.
Should I learn Flutter or React Native in 2024?
Either Flutter or React Native would be good choices, depending on your preferences and project requirements. Flutter offers a single codebase for both iOS and Android with excellent performance, while React Native has a larger community and ecosystem.
Is Expo cli deprecated?
No, Expo CLI is not deprecated.
Should I use Expo 2024?
Yes, Expo can still be a great choice for quick development in 2024, particularly for projects where you don't need many customization.
Is Flutter faster or React Native?
Flutter is good to go for better performance and faster rendering compared to React Native.
Can I convert React Native CLI to Expo?
It is possible to convert a React Native CLI project to Expo by setting up the project to take advantage of Expo's toolchain and transferring your code and dependencies.
react vs react native vs react js - what is the difference?
For short, I can say, React is a JavaScript library for developing UI. React Native is a framework for developing mobile applications, allowing developers to use React's principles for mobile app development.
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