Should I Choose Expo or React Native CLI for My New Project?

When deciding between Expo and React Native CLI for your new project, the answer comes down to your specific development needs. Expo simplifies development and speeds up the setup process, but React Native CLI offers greater flexibility and customization.

What are the main benefits of Expo?

Expo comes with a set of tools and services that help developers build, deploy, and iterate applications easily. Some of the benefits include:

• Streamlined Setup: With Expo, you can create a new project with just a command:

  npx create-expo-app my-app

  This command sets up everything you need without dealing with native code right away.
• Access to a Rich Library: Expo provides a comprehensive set of APIs, including camera, location, notifications, and sensors, which are ready to use without additional configuration.
• Over-the-Air Updates: You can push updates to your app instantly without needing to go through app store reviews.
• Managed Workflow: Expo handles all the configuration and setup for you, so you can focus on your app's code.

What are the drawbacks of using Expo?

While Expo provides many conveniences, there are drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Native Modules: You might run into restrictions if you need custom native modules. If the functionality you require is not included in Expo's SDK, you can eject to a bare workflow, but that can introduce complexity.
• Bundle Size: Expo apps may be larger due to pre-packaged libraries even if you don’t use all features.
• Slower Performance on Low-End Devices: Applications can lag on mid-range Android due to extra overhead introduced by the additional libraries and abstraction in Expo.

When should I use React Native CLI instead?

If your project requires more control or customization, then React Native CLI is a better option. It provides:

• Full Control Over Native Code: You can write and customize native modules without restriction, giving you more ability to implement complex features.
• Optimized Performance: An app built with React Native CLI can perform better on mid-range devices, as it only includes the necessary packages.
• Flexibility to Choose Libraries: You can use any third-party libraries or custom code, enabling a tailored approach based on project requirements.

How easy is it to integrate libraries with Expo?

Expo supports many libraries out of the box, so you can often add them with a simple command. However, if you want to add a library that requires custom native code, you'd have to eject your app from the Expo managed workflow:

expo eject

When libraries like react-native-reanimated are concerned, using them with Expo may lead to limitations that can complicate your development process.

What performance issues should I be aware of?

Both Expo and React Native can experience performance issues if not managed properly. Here are specific things to keep in mind:

• Expo Apps on Mid-Range Android: You'll see slower animations and lag in response times because of the managed overhead in Expo. Use the react-native-reanimated library (v2) for smooth animations, but test performance across devices.
• React Native CLI Performance: Apps developed with React Native CLI can achieve better performance by bundling only necessary libraries. Profile and optimize rendering processes using tools like Flipper.

Do I need to manage native code with Expo?

If you are using Expo's managed workflow, you won’t be required to manage native code—it's taken care of for you. However, once you eject to a bare workflow or if you start a project with React Native CLI, you must manage everything from dependencies to configurations:

• Setting up Android Studio or Xcode for native development.
• Compiling and linking native libraries.
• Handling platform-specific code and edge cases.

How do Expo and React Native CLI handle app deployment?

Deploying an app built with Expo can be streamlined. With:

• Expo Go: You can quickly test your app on a physical device during development.
• EAS Build: This new service allows you to build your app for app stores without needing to manage native builds yourself. In contrast, with React Native CLI, you will need to set up your build configurations manually using Gradle for Android and Xcode for iOS.

npx react-native run-android

This builds the project and runs it directly on a connected Android device or emulator.

Which one should I choose for my new project?

Choosing between Expo and React Native CLI ultimately depends on your project’s complexity and specific requirements. For rapid prototyping and simpler applications, go with Expo. If your project demands heavy customization or native functionality, then React Native CLI is the way to go.

Evaluate your long-term goals, the libraries you will use, and whether you need fine-tuned performance or customization. Consider starting with Expo to get something live quickly, then switch to React Native CLI if you need more control down the line.

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