Hi!

I’ve been a React Native developer for only 3 and a half years, so relatively new, and I’d like to share my opinion based on my experience regarding the choice of using React Native CLI over Expo CLI, mainly to understand what people think about it.

I know this topic has already been discussed countless times, but the fact remains that a lot of new developers face this crossroad at the beginning.

Until a few years ago, due to some limitations of Expo, it was actually very reasonable to debate the actual convenience of using React Native CLI over Expo CLI (which is also the reason why I started with React Native CLI), but now everything that can be done with React Native CLI can perfectly be done with Expo CLI as well. I recently had to work on a React Native project using Expo and I was quite surprised by its simplicity. I realized how using Expo makes the developer's life easier from every point of view. At the same time, however, I believe that having an idea of how a native Android and iOS project works and is actually structured is quite important for a mobile developer, and Expo completely abstracts away that part.

So, on one hand, I am attracted to the convenience that Expo brings to the development experience, but on the other, I am a bit hesitant about completely losing touch with what is at a lower level. As a mobile application developer, speaking from a professional standpoint, I do not rule out the possibility of developing mobile applications natively with Kotlin or Swift in the future, or even switching frameworks altogether.

For this reason, I remain more inclined to use React Native CLI rather than Expo. Maybe my concerns are just unfounded... I would still like to know what you think about it

Cheers :)

Hi everyone,

I'm currently focused on React and recently started learning React Native. I'm using the React Native CLI, not Expo, because I want more control and flexibility — especially for things like native modules, which are often needed in apps with stricter requirements (like banking apps or apps needing deep system access).

However, I'm finding it difficult to get solid, production-level resources or guidance on how things are done in the real world with the CLI. Most tutorials are either Expo-based or too surface-level.

I'm especially confused about:

• How production teams manage native modules with CLI

• Best practices for integrating native code (e.g., root detection, biometric auth, security layers)

• Folder structure, tooling, and setup used in professional teams

It would mean a lot if someone with real-world experience in React Native (using CLI) could share:

• How you approach app architecture in production

• Any recommended tools/libraries

• Tips or gotchas for working with native modules

• Resources that helped you learn beyond the basics

There is only a “Start a new React Native project with Expo”