In this episode, Simon Grimm welcomes Evan Bacon, the manager of DevTools at Expo, to discuss the latest developments in Expo, including the Expo Router, Expo Web, and the new React Server Components. Evan shares insights on the adoption of Expo Router, the future of Expo Web, and the exciting potential of DOM components. The conversation highlights the challenges and innovations in building universal apps and the importance of making app development accessible to all. In this conversation, Simon and Evan Bacon delve into the evolving landscape of app development with a focus on Expo, React Native, and the introduction of new technologies like RSC and EAS hosting. They discuss the challenges developers face with App Store reviews, the skepticism surrounding new features, and the future of server components. The conversation also highlights the potential of Expo targets for Apple and the exciting possibilities of building widgets and live activities. As they look ahead, they express optimism about the advancements in Expo and the broader React Native ecosystem.

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Evan Bacon

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Baconbrix
• Github: https://github.com/evanbacon
• Blog: https://evanbacon.dev/

Links

• RSC Code Example App: https://github.com/EvanBacon/expo-rsc-movies
• Expo RSC: https://docs.expo.dev/guides/server-components/
• EAS Hosting: https://expo.dev/eas

Takeaways

• Expo Router has been well received in the React Native community.
• The goal of Expo Router is to enable server-driven UI for developers.
• Expo Web has improved significantly with features like tree shaking and API routes..
• Expo Router version 4 is set to finalize the core features of the router.
• Expo Web is being actively used in new projects at Expo.
• DOM components allow for easier migration from web to native apps.
• React Server Components are currently in developer preview, with exciting potential.
• Skepticism towards new technologies is common but can change over time.
• RSC allows for running JavaScript not currently on the client.
• OTA updates are useful for caching and background fetching.
• EAS hosting provides a flexible solution for deploying apps.
• Expo targets for Apple enable the creation of various extensions.
• Widgets can communicate with apps via NSUser defaults.
• Real-time updates in widgets require clever workarounds.
• Expo's future includes more components and improved UI design.
• The integration of AI tools will enhance the development experience.