React Native installation

React Native installation has two main paths: Expo for beginners, or classic React Native CLI for advanced use. reactnative

Here’s a quick roadmap (Windows/macOS summary); tell me your OS for detailed, copy-paste steps.

Basic Requirements

• Node.js 18+ LTS (download from nodejs.org). reactnative
• npm comes with Node; optionally install Yarn (npm install -g yarn). dera.hashnode
• Use VS Code or similar editor. microsoft.github

Mobile Tools

Android (Windows & macOS)

• Install Android Studio. instamobile
• Select “Android SDK”, “Android SDK Platform”, “Android Virtual Device” during setup. reactnative
• Create an emulator (Pixel template, API 34+ image). reactnative

On Windows, also set JAVA JDK 17, JAVA_HOME, and ANDROID_HOME env vars. instamobile

iOS (macOS only)

• Requires Mac; install Xcode from App Store. microsoft.github
• Run sudo gem install cocoapods for CocoaPods. microsoft.github

Expo Quick Start (Recommended)

1. Install Expo CLI: npm install -g @expo/cli instamobile
2. Create project: npx create-expo-app myApp reactnative
3. Run:

   cd myApp
   npx expo start

   Scan QR with Expo Go app or use emulator. reactnative

React Native CLI Setup

1. New project: npx react-native init MyApp microsoft.github
2. Android:

   
   cd MyApp
   npx react-native run-android
   ``` [dera.hashnode](https://dera.hashnode.dev/how-to-set-up-react-native-on-mac-os)  

3. iOS (macOS):

   
   cd ios && pod install && cd ..
   npx react-native run-ios
   ``` [dera.hashnode](https://dera.hashnode.dev/how-to-set-up-react-native-on-mac-os)

Desktop (Optional)

Add React Native for Windows or React Native for macOS. learn.microsoft

• Windows: npx react-native-windows-init --overwrite, then npx react-native run-windows. learn.microsoft
• macOS: npx react-native-macos-init, then npx react-native run-macos. microsoft.github

Specify your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) and Expo vs. CLI preference for a tailored, command-by-command guide.