How Software Mansion Builds an Integrated React Native Brownfield App Using Expo: Step-by-Step Android Guide
Original post Building an Integrated React Native Brownfield App Using Expo: Step-by-Step Android Guide
Article Summary
Dawid Matyjasik from Software Mansion proves you don't need to rebuild your entire native app to adopt React Native. His integrated brownfield approach lets you modernize production apps one feature at a time, without the risk of a full rewrite.
This technical guide demonstrates how to integrate React Native into existing Android apps using Expo's brownfield capabilities. Software Mansion, a React Native core contributor, walks through building seamless two-way navigation between native Activities and React Native screens using an integrated architecture approach.
Key Takeaways
- Integrated architecture enables shared navigation, state, and analytics across native and React Native
- Custom native modules allow bidirectional switching between Activities without performance delays
- EAS Build compiles hybrid projects locally or in cloud with single command
- Brownfield lets teams modernize incrementally while maintaining production stability for millions of users
The integrated brownfield approach creates a unified development environment where native Android and React Native coexist seamlessly, enabling gradual adoption without disrupting existing users or infrastructure.
Continue reading
What This Article Covers
Large native apps with millions of active users face a tough choice. A complete React Native rewrite means pausing development, which risks feature stagnation, doubling maintenance work, and introducing regressions when the new version launches.
Dawid Matyjasik built a brownfield approach that sidesteps a full rewrite. Custom Kotlin native modules and Intent-based navigation let the app switch seamlessly between native Activities and React Native screens without rebuilding everything.
The demo moves between native and React Native layers with no noticeable delays or reloads. This proves that hybrid apps can work in production while keeping existing user bases stable.
This page summarizes “Building an Integrated React Native Brownfield App Using Expo: Step-by-Step Android Guide” by Software Mansion, published Nov 17, 2025. All credit for the original work goes to the authors.
