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Expo is an open-source platform for making universal native apps that run on Android, iOS, and the web. It includes a universal runtime and libraries that let you build native apps by writing React and JavaScript.

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What is Expo?

Expo provides a complete development environment that lets you build, deploy, and iterate on native apps without needing deep knowledge of native development tools like Xcode or Android Studio. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a team, Expo streamlines the entire mobile development workflow.

Write Once, Run Everywhere

Build apps that work seamlessly across iOS, Android, and web from a single codebase using React Native.

Native Module System

Access native platform features through a modular architecture powered by expo-modules-core.

File-Based Routing

Use Expo Router for automatic navigation setup based on your file structure.

Development Tools

Fast Refresh, instant previews, and a powerful CLI make development seamless.

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Key Features

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Universal Runtime

Expo provides a consistent runtime environment across all platforms. Your app’s JavaScript code runs the same way on iOS, Android, and web, with platform-specific optimizations handled automatically.

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Expo SDK

The Expo SDK includes 50+ modules that provide access to device capabilities:
  • Camera & Media: Camera, Image Picker, Audio, Video
  • Device Features: Location, Sensors, Haptics, Battery
  • UI Components: Blur, Glass Effect, Symbols, System UI
  • Storage & Network: FileSystem, SQLite, Network, SecureStore
  • Authentication: Apple, Google, Auth Session

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Expo CLI

The Expo CLI (@expo/cli) is your command center for development: 
npx expo start      # Start development server
npx expo run:ios    # Build and run on iOS
npx expo run:android # Build and run on Android
npx expo prebuild   # Generate native projects
npx expo install    # Install compatible packages

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Expo Router

File-based routing for React Native apps with deep linking, type safety, and cross-platform navigation: 
app/
  _layout.tsx       # Root layout
  index.tsx         # Home screen → /
  profile/
    [id].tsx        # Dynamic route → /profile/:id
  (tabs)/
    _layout.tsx     # Tab navigation
    home.tsx        # Tab screen → /home
    settings.tsx    # Tab screen → /settings

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Use Cases

Rapidly prototype and launch apps across all platforms without maintaining separate codebases. Get to market faster with hot reload and over-the-air updates.
Build internal tools, customer-facing apps, and business solutions with enterprise-grade security, offline support, and native performance.
Maintain a single codebase for iOS, Android, and web while delivering platform-specific experiences where needed.
Perfect for developers learning React Native. Start building immediately without iOS or Android development setup.

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How Expo Works

Expo sits on top of React Native, providing three main layers:
  1. Expo Modules Core: A native module API that makes it easy to write native code that works on iOS and Android
  2. Expo SDK: Pre-built modules for common features like camera, location, notifications
  3. Development Tools: CLI, Dev Server, Metro bundler integration, and native build orchestration

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Expo Go vs Development Builds

Expo offers two ways to develop your app:

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Expo Go

A pre-built app with common Expo SDK modules built-in. Perfect for learning and prototyping. Pros:
  • No native build required
  • Instant preview via QR code
  • Fastest way to get started
Limitations:
  • Limited to included SDK modules
  • Cannot add custom native code
  • No third-party native libraries

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Development Builds

Custom builds of your app with your exact dependencies. Pros:
  • Include any native library
  • Custom native code
  • Full control over capabilities
Use when:
  • Adding custom native modules
  • Using libraries not in Expo Go
  • Building for production

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Getting Started

Quick Start

Create your first Expo app in 5 minutes

Installation

Complete installation and setup guide

Core Concepts

Understand how Expo works under the hood

Tutorial

Build your first app step-by-step

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Community & Support

Join thousands of developers building with Expo:
  • Discord: Chat with the community at chat.expo.dev
  • GitHub: Contribute to the expo/expo repository
  • Forums: Ask questions and share knowledge
  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides in this documentation site
Expo is MIT licensed and maintained by Expo (the company) with contributions from developers worldwide.

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Next Steps

Ready to start building? Here’s what to do next:
1

Try the Quickstart

Follow our 5-minute quickstart to create and run your first app
2

Learn Core Concepts

Understand Expo’s architecture and how everything fits together
3

Build a Real App

Follow the step-by-step tutorial to build a complete application
4

Explore the SDK

Browse the API Reference to discover what’s possible