React Native interview question · Most asked
What is Expo, and why is it recommended for new React Native apps?
Summary
Expo is a framework and set of tools on top of React Native: project setup, a large library of native modules, file-based routing (Expo Router), development builds, and cloud build/submit/update services (EAS).
Longer Answer
It removes most native setup work: you can start with create-expo-app, add native capabilities with npx expo install, configure native projects through config plugins instead of editing Xcode/Gradle files by hand, and build signed binaries in the cloud. Custom native code is still possible with development builds and Expo Modules. The React Native team recommends starting new apps with a framework such as Expo.
Key Points
- Expo libraries for camera, notifications, storage, etc.
- Config plugins instead of manual native edits.
- EAS Build, Submit and Update for shipping.
- Custom native code via development builds.
Deep dive: Mobile Apps with React Native and Expo: Your First App
Explanation
What interviewers look for
Knowing that Expo is not limited to Expo Go, and that custom native code works with development builds.
Follow-up questions
- What is the difference between Expo Go and a development build?
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