Expo: The Modern Platform for Universal Application Development

The unstoppable world of app development constantly demands the latest ways to simplify and speed up the process of creating quality cross-platform apps. One of the key innovations in this area is the Expo platform which offers developers the means to create apps without dealing with complex native programming. Let's look at what Expo brings to the table, and how it can completely revolutionize established ways of approaching mobile app development.

What is Expo?

Expo is an open-source platform built on React Native that allows developers to easily create iOS, Android and web apps using a single codebase. This approach not only saves time but also simplifies the entire development process. 

Expo offers a range of integrated tools to make it easier to work with applications at different stages of their lifecycle.

Handy tools include:

• Expo CLI: Command line for managing and generating projects.
• Expo Go: Applications for fast development cycles and testing on different devices.
• Expo Snack: Web environment for snappy prototyping and code sharing.

Multiplatform time saver

As mentioned, Expo's strongest point is its absolute versatility. Developers can write a single codebase that runs on both iOS and Android. This option is a significant time saver as it eliminates the need to maintain and sync different code versions for each platform. 

Although Expo greatly simplifies the development process, it is important to note that some configuration and building is required. While this process is less demanding than the complete setup of a native development environment, it still pays off to add a level of personal touch and attention. Nonetheless, Expo saves time compared to the pure React Native version too.

Expo and performance

Expo may be slower than native development in some cases. But no worries. These days devices have high performance so that most users won't even notice the difference.

A few years ago, it could have been a problem. Mobiles were not as powerful back then and there was more emphasis on application performance. Today, however, device performance is so high that even apps developed with Expo run smoothly and reliably.

In addition, the majority of apps are not performance-intensive, so Expo is, in all respects, an ideal choice for most used applications. You may not know how many popular apps you work with daily are developed using React Native. This includes Facebook, Microsoft Office, Skype, Amazon, Shopify and many more!

Main benefits of the Expo platform

One of the key features that Expo offers is hot reloading support. This allows developers to instantly track code changes on their test devices, making iterative development easier and more productive.

Expo also opens access to a rich set of native APIs for easy integration of device features such as camera, location, notifications and more, without the need for native coding.

Despite all the advantages, this handy platform has its limitations. A slight difference between Expo development and pure native development is the level of access to native features and control over the development process.

Why use Expo instead of pure React Native?

• Easy to configure: Expo includes pre-configured features that eliminate the need for manual setup.
• Faster development: with Expo you can prototype and iterate quickly, speeding up the entire development cycle.
• Easy dependency management: Expo takes care of managing and updating dependencies. In React Native, this is quite problematic.
• Access to native APIs: Expo provides access to many native APIs without the need to write native code.
• Excellent documentation and community: extensive documentation and an active community offers support and resources always at hand.

On the other hand, pure React Native may be more suitable for advanced projects that require custom native modules or deeper customization. Expo may not support them in some cases.

Managed vs. Bare Workflow

Expo offers two main workflows.

• Managed Workflow: allows developers to focus on writing JavaScript without worrying about native code. It is ideal for those who want to quickly build and deploy applications. Managed Workflow is simple to use and provides many predefined features.
• Bare Workflow: provides more flexibility and control for developers who need direct access to native code for advanced functionality and optimizations. Bare workflow allows a combination of native code and Expo for more complex projects.

Expo is in full progress at Dactyl Group

Since last year, we have focused our new projects on React Native development compared to several other projects already being developed using native technologies. This trend clearly reflects the growing popularity and preference for cross-platform solutions that offer faster development cycles and easier maintenance.

Our experience confirms that Expo is a powerful tool that can cover a wide range of needs from simple applications to complex projects requiring detailed customization and optimization.

If you're looking for an efficient way to develop cross-platform apps, Expo is worth it. And if you're looking for a team of skilled IT professionals who will do a perfect job, definitely contact us.