Using a Framework to Build React Native Apps
Article Summary
React Native just made its biggest architectural recommendation in years. The core team now officially recommends using frameworks (specifically Expo) for all new apps.
At React Conf 2024, the React Native team updated their official guidance on building production apps. Instead of starting from scratch with bare React Native, they're now steering developers toward framework-based development to solve common production problems out of the box.
Key Takeaways
- Expo is now the only officially recommended framework for new React Native projects
- Frameworks handle routing, navigation, upgrades, and native builds automatically
- Legacy approach still supported: react-native init moved to Community CLI
- Core team's insight: you're either using a framework or building your own
React Native's official stance has shifted from bare metal to framework-first, with Expo leading as the recommended production toolbox for new apps.
About This Article
React Native developers building production apps keep running into the same problems. They need to handle navigation, fetch data, manage state, upgrade native code between versions, and figure out which dependencies work together. There's no standard tooling to help with any of this.
The React Native team worked with Expo to build a recommended framework that handles routing, navigation, deployment, and native builds all in one place. Instead of solving each problem separately, developers now have an integrated toolbox.
RFC0759 clarified what React Native Core and Frameworks each own. It set out guidelines for frameworks to earn a recommendation status. The result is a healthier ecosystem with clearer paths for innovation and less fragmentation.