React Native Full Course 2026 | Build a Beginner Mobile App Using Expo

Key Concepts

• React Native & Expo: Building native iOS and Android apps using JavaScript with the simplified Expo toolchain.
• Full-Stack Development: Creating a complete mobile application, including authentication, image uploading, and data storage with Superbase.
• Expo UI: Utilizing native UI components for a more platform-authentic look and feel.
• Backend Integration: Connecting the frontend application to a backend service (Superbase) for data persistence and user management.
• Automated Deployment: Using Expo Application Services (EAS) to build and submit apps to app stores.

Project Setup & Core Technologies

The course focuses on building a "BeReal" clone using React Native and Expo. The development environment is VS Code, and the project is initialized with npx create-expo-app berealclone using Expo SDK version 55 (beta). TypeScript is utilized, and Expo Router enables file-based routing. The project structure includes key folders like app, assets, components, constants, hooks, and package.json, with app.json being crucial for app configuration.

Transitioning to Native UI & Development Builds

The course transitions from using Expo Go (a pre-built native app) to creating custom native builds to leverage Expo UI, which allows access to native iOS (SwiftUI) and Android (Jetpack Compose) components. This requires modifying app.json, installing expo devclient, and running npx expo run iOS (or Android), generating native project folders and utilizing CocoaPods (iOS). Conditional rendering using Platform.OS is employed to ensure compatibility across platforms.

Authentication & UI Development

The initial UI is set up for a login/signup flow, including text inputs and buttons. State variables manage user input and loading states. The project prepares for backend integration with Superbase by installing necessary packages and configuring environment variables. A Context API (AuthContext) is implemented to manage authentication state globally. Image selection is integrated using expo-image-picker, requesting necessary permissions.

Backend Integration with Superbase

Superbase is used as a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) for authentication and data storage. A profiles table is created in Superbase with columns for user information and a profile_image_url. Row Level Security (RLS) policies are implemented to control data access. A Supabase Storage bucket named profiles is created for storing images. The uploadProfileImage function handles image uploads, and the updateUser function updates the user profile in the database.

Post Creation & Data Management

The core functionality of post creation is implemented, including image uploading, data validation, and database insertion. A posts table is created in Superbase with relevant columns, and RLS policies are applied. A custom hook (usePosts) encapsulates post-related logic, including a createPost function. Interfaces for Post and Profile are defined for type safety.

Automated Testing with Seed Files

A seed file (seed.ts) is created to automatically populate the database with mock data for testing. This script utilizes the Superbase Admin API, requiring a service key (handled securely). The seed file generates random user data and images using an external API (Pixum). An npm script (npm run seed) is defined to execute the seed file.

Deployment with EAS

The course concludes with an overview of deploying the application to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store using Expo Application Services (EAS) CLI. An Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year) is required for iOS deployment, while a Google Play Developer account costs $25 (one-time fee). Defining a bundle identifier (iOS) or package (Android) in app.json is crucial. The speaker recommends utilizing the EAS plan for simplified deployment.

Conclusion:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to React Native development with Expo, guiding users through the creation of a full-stack mobile application. By emphasizing practical application and leveraging the power of Expo and Superbase, the course aims to demystify mobile development and empower developers to build and deploy real-world applications efficiently. The focus on automation, security, and modern UI components positions the course as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers looking to expand their skillset.