Setting Up a React Native Project in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

React Native remains one of the most powerful frameworks for building cross-platform apps using JavaScript or TypeScript. For an efficient React Native setup 2025 , whether you’re building for iOS, Android, or even web, setting up your environment properly ensures smooth development from day one.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up a React Native project in 2025 using the latest tooling, including Expo and the React Native CLI, plus a few pro tips to make your workflow faster and cleaner.

🛠️ Option 1: Set Up with Expo (Recommended for Most Devs)

Why Expo?

• Zero native code needed
• Fast setup and reload
• Web support included
• Works on both Windows and macOS

✅ Step 1: Install Node.js and Expo CLI

Make sure you have Node.js (version 18+):

node -v

Then install Expo CLI globally:

npm install -g expo-cli

For full setup instructions and platform-specific details, you can always refer to the official React Native documentation.

✅ Step 2: Create Your Project

npx create-expo-app MyAwesomeApp

Choose between JavaScript or TypeScript templates.

Then:

cd MyAwesomeApp
npm start

Expo will give you a QR code to run the app on your real device using the Expo Go app, or launch an emulator.

🛠️ Option 2: React Native CLI (Advanced Setup)

Use this if you need native modules, custom Android/iOS code, or want full control.

✅ Step 1: Install Prerequisites

• Node.js
• Android Studio (for Android SDK & emulator)
• Xcode (macOS only, for iOS)
• Watchman (macOS): brew install watchman

Step 2: Install React Native CLI

npm install -g react-native-cli

✅ Step 3: Create Your App

npx react-native init MyApp

Run it:

cd MyApp
npx react-native run-android
# or
npx react-native run-ios

🧠 Should You Use Expo or the CLI?

Feature	Expo	React Native CLI
Easy setup	✅	❌
Native modules support	Limited	✅
OTA updates	✅	❌
Web support	✅	❌
Custom native code	❌	✅

🧠 Recommendation: Use Expo unless you need full native capabilities.

📁 Suggested Folder Structure (Scalable)

MyAwesomeApp/
├── assets/
├── components/
├── screens/
├── hooks/
├── navigation/
├── context/
├── utils/
├── App.js / App.tsx

Keep logic modular and easy to test.

💻 VS Code Setup (Recommended Extensions)

• ESLint (linting)
• Prettier (formatting)
• React Native Tools (debugging)
• React Native Snippets
• Path Intellisense

🚀 Bonus: Add TypeScript Support (If You Used JS)

npm install --save-dev typescript @types/react @types/react-native

Then rename .js files to .tsx and add a tsconfig.json:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "jsx": "react-native",
    "lib": ["esnext"],
    "target": "esnext"
  }
}

🏁 Conclusion

React Native setup in 2025 is more streamlined than ever. Whether you choose Expo for its simplicity or the CLI for flexibility, both options are production-ready.

Focus on clean architecture, a good dev workflow, and take advantage of the rich ecosystem React Native provides.

Let me know in the comments if you want a follow-up on folder structure, navigation, or setting up Redux/Zustand!