Glossary · Web & App Development
Expo
Overview
What Expo is
Expo is an open-source framework and platform built on top of React Native that makes building, shipping, and updating mobile apps much simpler. It bundles a rich set of prebuilt native modules (camera, notifications, location, and more), a file-based router, and cloud services, so developers can build production iOS and Android apps without wrestling with native toolchains from day one.
How it works
You start a project with the Expo CLI and use its SDK for common device features. Expo Application Services (EAS) builds and submits your apps in the cloud, so you don't need to configure Xcode and Android Studio yourself. When you need custom native code, development builds and config plugins let you add it, and EAS Update pushes JavaScript fixes over the air.
Why it matters for your business
Expo shortens time-to-launch and simplifies upkeep: over-the-air updates let you fix bugs or tweak features without waiting for an app-store review. In React Native and mobile app development, plus ongoing app maintenance and support, a full-service team uses Expo to ship faster and keep apps current with less overhead.
Where we use it
Related Zen in Tech services
How our team puts Expo to work in real projects.
FAQ
Expo — common questions
Expo vs React Native CLI, what's the difference?
Expo is a framework and platform on top of React Native that handles native tooling, cloud builds, and over-the-air updates for you; the bare React Native CLI gives full native control but requires more setup. Expo is now the recommended way to start most projects.
Can Expo apps use custom native code?
Yes. With development builds and config plugins you can add virtually any native library, so the old limitation that Expo couldn't use custom native modules is largely gone.
Is Expo free?
The Expo framework and SDK are free and open source. EAS build, update, and submit services include a free tier, with paid plans for higher usage.
Need Expo done right?
Book a free consultation and we’ll map the fastest, most cost-effective path for your project.
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