We can build React Native apps on a Windows, macOS or Linux computer.

Expo is making it even easier to get started. Using expo, you can postpone some environment setup to later - when you actually need it. This way, you can get started in minutes, instead of days.

Minimal setup

The minimal setup to build a React Native app using Expo is:

• NodeJS (LTS)
• Expo Go app on your physical device
  • Download from Google Play
  • Download from App Store

That’s it.

Read more on Expo Docs.

With this setup, you can:

• create a new project npx create-expo-app@latest
• start it with npm start (from the root folder of your project)
• scan scan the QR code from the terminal with your physical device
• see the app running on your phone
• edit the code, and see the change being applied instantly

<aside> 💡

I recommend you starting with this setup first. I don’t want you to be stuck with setting up a more complex environment. You can do that a bit later, when you feel more comfortable.

</aside>

Android Studio

Installing Android Studio, will give you the following possibilities:

• Use an Android Emulator
• Build your native Android app
• Advance debugging