Publishing Apps with Expo

Introduction to Publishing Apps with Expo

Expo is a great framework that makes development of React Native applications r

ather easy. It provides a set of tools and services well designed to speed up the process, from coding to publishing. So, we will go into the depths in this post – all the steps: from the initial setup to deployment on app stores.

What is Expo?

Expo is an open source framework and platform that simply lets you get on with development of your React Native applications. It’s a set of libraries, tools, and services that abstract away many of the complexities of building and deploying mobile applications. What this means for developers is more time spent building and less time worrying about native build environments.

Getting Started Publishing Apps with Expo

Before diving into the publishing process, let’s briefly cover how to get started with Expo:

Setting Up Your Development Environment

• Install Node.js and npm: Ensure that you have Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed. You can download them from nodejs.org.
• Install Expo CLI: The Expo CLI (Command Line Interface) is a tool used to interact with Expo projects. Install it globally using npm:

npm install -g expo-cli

• Create a New Expo Project: Start a new project with:

expo init my-new-project

Follow the prompts to set up your project.

• Navigate to Your Project Directory:

cd my-new-project

• Start the Development Server:

expo start

1. This command starts the Expo development server and opens the Expo DevTools in your browser.

Preparing Your Apps for Publishing with Expo

Before publishing, it’s crucial to prepare your app by ensuring it meets all the necessary requirements and guidelines.

Configure Your App

• Update app.json: This file contains configuration options for your app. You need to set up various properties, including the app name, version, and icons. Here’s an example configuration:

{
  "expo": {
    "name": "My Awesome App",
    "slug": "my-awesome-app",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "icon": "./assets/icon.png",
    "splash": {
      "image": "./assets/splash.png",
      "resizeMode": "contain",
      "backgroundColor": "#ffffff"
    },
    "ios": {
      "bundleIdentifier": "com.mycompany.myapp",
      "buildNumber": "1.0.0"
    },
    "android": {
      "package": "com.mycompany.myapp",
      "versionCode": 1
    }
  }
}

• Set Up App Icons and Splash Screens: Ensure you have high-quality icons and splash screens for your app. Place these in the appropriate directories as specified in your app.json.
• Test Your App Thoroughly: Before publishing, test your app on both iOS and Android devices to ensure that it functions correctly. Expo provides an emulator for quick testing, but real-device testing is essential.

Building Your App with Expo

Expo simplifies the build process through its managed and bare workflows. Here’s how you can build your app for publishing:

Managed Workflow

In the managed workflow, Expo handles the build process for you. This is the recommended approach for most developers:

• Login to Expo: Ensure you are logged into your Expo account:

expo login

• Build Your App: Use the following commands to initiate the build process:

expo build:android
expo build:ios

1. Expo will prompt you to provide necessary credentials and details.
2. Download Your Build: Once the build process is complete, Expo will provide you with a link to download the APK (for Android) or the IPA (for iOS).

Bare Workflow

If you’re using the bare workflow, you have more control over the build process, but it requires more setup. Follow the Expo documentation for detailed instructions on how to build apps using the bare workflow.

Publishing Your App

After building your app, it’s time to publish it to the respective app stores.

Publishing to the Google Play Store

1. Prepare Your Google Play Console: Create a Google Play Developer account if you don’t have one.
2. Create a New App: In the Google Play Console, create a new application listing and fill in the required details.
3. Upload Your APK: Navigate to the “Release” section and upload the APK file you downloaded from Expo.
4. Complete the App Listing: Provide information such as app description, screenshots, and privacy policy.
5. Submit for Review: Once everything is in place, submit your app for review. Google will review your submission and, if approved, your app will be published on the Google Play Store.

Publishing to the Apple App Store

1. Prepare Your Apple Developer Account: Ensure you have an Apple Developer account.
2. Create an App Listing in App Store Connect: Log in to App Store Connect and create a new app listing.
3. Upload Your IPA: Use the Application Loader tool or Xcode to upload the IPA file you downloaded from Expo.
4. Complete the App Metadata: Fill in details such as app description, keywords, and screenshots.
5. Submit for Review: Submit your app for review by Apple. After review, if your app meets Apple’s guidelines, it will be published on the App Store.

Best Practices for Publishing

1. Follow Store Guidelines: Ensure that your app complies with the guidelines set by both Google and Apple. Each platform has specific requirements regarding content, functionality, and user privacy.
2. Monitor App Performance: After publishing, use analytics tools to monitor your app’s performance and user engagement. This data can help you identify areas for improvement.
3. Regular Updates: Keep your app updated with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Regular updates help maintain user interest and satisfaction.
4. Engage with Users: Pay attention to user feedback and reviews. Address any issues promptly and use feedback to enhance your app’s quality.