Difference between Expo and React Native CLI

In this article, we will discuss the difference between Expo and React Native CLI. Before discussing their differences, we must know about the Expo and React Native CLI with their features, advantages, and disadvantages.

What is the Expo?

Expo is a platform and framework that manages most of the underlying complexity in app development, making it easier to create new apps. Many of the complex complexities needed in configuring native code and configurations are abstracted, which makes the process simpler. Without handling the more complicated elements of the development environment, Expo enables developers to concentrate on quickly experimenting and creating React Native apps. For developers who would rather not go too deeply into native code setups or who want to start soon, this makes it an excellent choice. Expo features a managed workflow with pre-configured environments, integrated development tools, and access to many APIs. It is one of its main advantages. As a result, developers are free to concentrate more on writing code and less on configuration and setup. The Expo Go app for testing on physical devices and the Expo Snack a browser-based code editor for rapid prototyping, are two more of Expo's powerful toolsets.

Features of Expo:

Several features of the Expo are as follows:

1. Expo Go: Expo Go is a mobile application that lets developers see a preview of their projects on their mobile devices. With the help of this capability, developers may test an app's functionality and design in real time and see how it works on real hardware without having to compile and deploy the entire program.
2. Expo SDK: With a large number of pre-built libraries and APIs, the Expo SDK is a powerful Software Development Kit. With the help of these technologies, developers can add advanced capabilities to mobile applications more quickly and effectively. Common functionalities like push notifications, camera access, and geolocation are made simpler to deploy.
3. Over-the-Air Updates: One of the Expo's most notable features is its ability to provide updates over-the-air. It implies that developers will not have to wait for customers to download an update from the app store to rapidly provide bug fixes, new features, or enhancements to their apps. App updates and maintenance are made simpler with this simplified procedure, which does away with the need for traditional app store approval.
4. Build Process Simplified: Expo makes building mobile apps more simpler. Expo saves developers time and complexity by enabling them to package their apps for both iOS and Android with a few easy instructions, which eliminates the need to specify various build tools and dependencies.

Advantages of Expo:

Several advantages of the Expo are as follows:

1. Quick Start: Expo's streamlined development process, which makes it possible for developers to get started immediately, is one of its best advantages. Expo makes setup and configuration simpler with its user-friendly interface and pre-made templates, in contrast to standard mobile development environments that call for intricate setup. This makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced developers wishing to speed up their workflow because it allows us to concentrate on developing our app's essential features without getting bogged down by the first technical hurdles.
2. Pre-built Libraries: Expo gives us access to a huge library of pre-made modules and components that we can easily incorporate into our program. From user interface components to complex services like authentication and data storage, these libraries span a broad spectrum of functionality. Developers may focus on personalizing and improving their applications instead of building everything from scratch by using these pre-made components, which can save them a great deal of effort and time.
3. Simplified Build Process: Because of platform-specific dependencies and setups, developing mobile apps can frequently be a difficult undertaking. Expo provides a uniform build process, which eliminates a lot of complexity. Expo takes care of all the platform nuances, so we can easily assemble and bundle our app whether we're targeting iOS or Android. This simplification reduces the possibility of mistakes that can happen while working with multiple platforms, which speeds up development.
4. Expo Application Services (EAS): The latest update to Expo, this feature allows cloud-based construction and deployment, which further improves the development process. Since we can create and release iOS apps without requiring access to a Mac, it is especially helpful for iOS development. EAS handles cloud platform-specific needs, simplifying the process and increasing accessibility for developers using many operating systems.
5. Native Physical Device Testing: To learn how an app works in actual use, it is essential to test it on a physical device. Expo makes this easier by making it simple for us to run our app on native devices. By verifying that our app functions as intended across various hardware configurations and network conditions, this real-time testing helps us to identify any problems early in the development cycle.

Disadvantages of Expo:

Several disadvantages of the Expo are as follows:

1. Limited Access to Native Modules: Expo limits access to some native modules, which may make it more difficult to incorporate particular third-party libraries or low-level device functionalities. This limitation can be significant for developers who need to employ custom native code or advanced hardware capabilities. It might force them to use the "bare workflow" or even move to React Native CLI to have more flexibility.
2. Reduced Control over the Build Process: Expo offers less control over the build configuration than the React Native CLI provides. Because of this, altering an app's size, functionality, and performance to satisfy certain needs may become more difficult. Expo's more abstract approach could be restrictive for developers who need to fine-tune the build settings for their app, especially when optimizing for particular device types or performance benchmarks.
3. Size and Performance Concerns: Compared to apps created with other frameworks, Expo apps frequently have higher bundle sizes, which might cause longer download and loading times. Users with slower internet connections may find this concerning because it could affect how they utilize the internet in general. This larger bundle size is caused in part by the additional overhead of incorporating different pre-built modules, even those that are not utilized in the application.
4. Potential Development Problems: While working with Expo, some developers have reported running across problems, like unforeseen glitches or restrictions in the development environment. Developers may still encounter difficulties even if the Expo team actively tries to address and resolve these issues. It is especially true when delving beyond the Expo's typical handle. This may require further troubleshooting and problem-solving during development.

What is the React Native CLI?

The Command Line Interface (CLI) for React Native is an effective set of tools for building, running, and maintaining React Native apps. As a more interactive and adaptable approach than Expo, it provides another popular framework for React Native development.

Developers may explore the native layers of the iOS and Android systems in detail due to the React Native CLI. It allows developers to interact with the React Native framework directly and provides more control over project configuration compared to other development tools like Expo.

For advanced developers who are comfortable working with native code and handling the challenges of developing mobile apps, React Native CLI is more suitable. It involves setting up Android Studio for Android and Xcode for iOS manually to set up the development environment. This approach provides greater control and the ability to use any native APIs, integrate custom modules, and modify the app's architecture at a granular level.

Features of React Native CLI:

Several features of React Native CLI are as follows:

1. Project Initialization: With only one command, the React Native CLI can easily create a new React Native project. This installs dependencies builds a scaffolded project structure, and gets the environment ready for development. Using npx react-native init MyApp, it will start a new project called "MyApp" with the default configuration.
2. Running and Debugging: React Native applications may be launched and debugged on iOS and Android simulators and emulators using the tools provided by the CLI. To start an application on a particular platform and track changes in real time, developers can use commands such as npx react-native run-android or npx react-native run-ios.
3. Linking Native Dependencies: The linking of native modules into the project is handled by the React Native CLI. It is essential for integrating third-party libraries that need native code or native code itself. The integration process is made simpler by the npx react-native link, which automatically attaches the native dependencies to the project.
4. Building and Packaging: The React Native CLI automates building and packaging apps for both Android and iOS, allowing developers to generate APKs (Android) and IPAs (iOS) for production use. It optimizes builds with commands like react-native bundle for efficient resource management. Additionally, it facilitates deployment to app stores by managing native dependencies and assets.
5. Upgrading and Maintaining: To upgrade the project to a newer version of React Native and manage project dependencies, use the commands provided by the React Native CLI. React Native versions and related configuration files can be updated with the use of commands like npx react-native upgrade, which keeps the project updated with the newest features and fixes.

Advantages of React Native CLI:

Several advantages of React Native CLI are as follows:

1. Flexibility: In comparison to Expo, React Native CLI provides greater control over the native code and configuration. It is helpful if we have to perform particular adjustments or integrate complex native modules.
2. Direct Access to Native Code: Direct access to native code in React Native CLI allows developers to optimize performance and implement platform-specific features that aren't available through JavaScript alone. It enables deeper customization, such as modifying native modules or integrating third-party SDKs. This flexibility enhances the app's functionality and performance.
3. No Constraints: React Native CLI does not impose any constraints, in contrast to Expo, which has some and requires the use of managed libraries. It allows us to utilize any native module or library.

Disadvantages of React Native CLI:

Several disadvantages of React Native CLI are as follows:

• Complex Configuration: Configuring native dependencies for both iOS and Android can be particularly challenging when using the React Native CLI. For iOS and Android, this approach frequently calls for extra tools like Xcode and Android Studio.
• Manual Integration of Native Code: The CLI needs us to manually link these dependencies if we need to integrate native modules or make modifications to the native code. Comparatively speaking to managed solutions, it can be difficult and open to errors.
• Build Times: When it comes to other solutions, such as Expo, the React Native CLI may require longer build times. The time taken for builds can have a substantial effect on development efficiency as your project grows bigger.
• Debugging Complexity: Using React Native CLI for debugging might be more difficult, particularly when working with native code or encountering issues that affect both JavaScript and native environments.
• Dependency Management: It might be difficult to keep track of dependencies and make sure different libraries and modules work together. Updates or versions that don't match can cause conflicts or additional issues.
• Learning Curve: A better understanding of native mobile development concepts as well as React Native is necessary to use the React Native CLI. The learning curve for developers may rise because they must be familiar with the iOS and Android development tools.

Key differences between Expo and React Native CLI

There are several key differences between Expo and React Native CLI. Some main differences are as follows:

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Expo is a framework that is based on React Native and provides a simplified development environment with pre-configured features to make things easier for beginners. Over-the-air updates and an app store are among its features. However, React Native CLI provides more control and flexibility, which allows developers to integrate and configure native modules, making it suitable for more complex projects.