Classic React Native vs. Expo Router: Understanding the New Project St

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When you’re just starting with React Native, it can be confusing to see different project structures and file names. In the past, many tutorials used a classic setup with a single App.js (or App.tsx) file. Today, thanks to Expo Router, new projects might look very different. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key differences between these setups and help you understand which one might be best for your project.

What Is the Classic React Native Setup?

In the classic setup, your project usually has a file called App.js (or App.tsx if you’re using TypeScript) at the root. This file is the main entry point of your app. Here’s what you typically find in this structure:

Single Entry Point:
The App.js file holds your main component and often contains your navigation logic (using libraries like React Navigation).

Navigation Setup:
Tutorials often show code like this:

  jsxCopyimport React from 'react';
  import { NavigationContainer } from '@react-navigation/native';
  import { createStackNavigator } from '@react-navigation/stack';
  import HomeScreen from './screens/HomeScreen';
  import NoteScreen from './screens/NoteScreen';

  const Stack = createStackNavigator();

  export default function App() {
    return (
      <NavigationContainer>
        <Stack.Navigator>
          <Stack.Screen name="Home" component={HomeScreen} />
          <Stack.Screen name="Note" component={NoteScreen} />
        </Stack.Navigator>
      </NavigationContainer>
    );
  }

This code sets up a simple two-screen app with a stack navigator. The App.js file is where everything starts, making it easy to follow for beginners.

What Is the Expo Router Setup?

The Expo Router introduces a new way of organizing your project by using file-based routing. Here’s what changes with Expo Router:

File-Based Navigation:
Instead of one file managing your navigation, the project uses a folder named app. Inside, you might see files like:
- app/_layout.tsx:
  This file acts as the overall layout and sets up navigation for the entire app.
- app/(tabs)/index.tsx:
  This file is like the home screen. It’s where you see the main content when the app starts.
No Single App.js File:
With Expo Router, you won’t see an App.js or App.tsx file. The routing and navigation are handled by the folder structure, making it easier to manage larger projects with many screens.

How Do These Differences Affect You?

Following a Tutorial

Classic Tutorial Code:
Many tutorials written a few years ago assume you have an App.js file where you set up navigation. If you follow that code exactly, it might not work right away with an Expo Router project.
Adapting to Expo Router:
If you create a new project with Expo Router, you’ll need to adjust the tutorial steps. For example, instead of editing App.tsx, you might need to:
- Modify app/_layout.tsx to change how the app’s navigation is set up.
- Update app/(tabs)/index.tsx if you want to change the content of the home screen.

What Should You Do?

Read the Project Structure:
When you start a new project with Expo, take a look at the folder structure. Notice where the main files are and how they are organized.
Decide on Your Approach:
- Stick with Expo Router:
  Learn how file-based routing works. This approach is modern and works well for larger projects.
- Use the Classic Setup:
  If you prefer following tutorials as they were originally written, you can create a new Expo project without Expo Router. Some templates or choices during setup will let you use the classic App.js format.

Tips for New React Native Developers

Experiment:
Try both approaches if you can. Start with a small project in the classic style and then try creating another using Expo Router to see which one you prefer.
Use Documentation:
The Expo documentation and React Navigation docs are excellent resources. They explain the latest best practices and how to get your project running smoothly.
Stay Updated:
Tools and templates evolve quickly. Always check the documentation for the latest updates, especially when following older tutorials.

Conclusion

Both the classic React Native setup and the new Expo Router setup have their advantages. The classic approach is simpler for beginners who are following older tutorials, while Expo Router offers a modern way to manage navigation as your project grows. By understanding these differences, you can choose the setup that best fits your needs and confidently adapt tutorials to work with your project.

Happy coding, and don’t be afraid to experiment as you build your first React Native app!

Understanding the Differences: Classic React Native Setup vs. Expo Router