In this episode of Rocket Ship, Simon Grimm interviews Jack Herrington, a prominent figure in the React Native and Next.js communities. They discuss the challenges and changes in the React Native ecosystem, and the exciting developments around Module Federation and React Server Components (RSCs). Jack shares his experiences with React Native, the benefits of using Expo, and the performance gains associated with RSCs. The conversation also touches on the skepticism surrounding new technologies and the gradual adoption within the industry. In this conversation, Simon and Jack discuss the evolving landscape of React Server Components (RSCs), the impact of AI on app customization, and the rise of AI-driven development tools. They explore the integration of ShadCN, the future of universal apps, and compare RSCs with other frameworks like Svelte and Solid. The discussion highlights the challenges and innovations in the development community, particularly in relation to state management and the potential for AI to transform user experiences. They also delve into the ongoing debate between React Native and Flutter, highlight new features in React 19, and explore the potential of building custom Chrome extensions.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Jack Herrington

• X: https://x.com/jherr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jherr
• Github: https://github.com/jherr

Links

• Frontend Fire Podcast: https://front-end-fire.com/
• Pro Next.js Course: https://www.pronextjs.dev/
• Zephyr: https://www.zephyr-cloud.io/

Takeaways

• Module Federation allows for remote module updates without app store submissions.
• RSCs can improve performance by reducing client-side rendering time.
• The adoption of RSCs in the industry is slow due to existing codebases and frameworks.
• Jack's journey with React Native has been cyclical, returning to it multiple times.
• Performance gains with RSCs can be significant, especially on slower devices.
• Skepticism exists around new technologies like RSCs, impacting their adoption.
• Incremental adoption paths for frameworks can ease transitions for large companies. RSCs are still in development and face challenges.
• AI can significantly enhance app customization for users.
• Cursor is a popular AI-driven development tool that many developers prefer.
• ShadCN offers exciting possibilities for UI infrastructure.
• The concept of universal apps is becoming more feasible.
• The development landscape is shifting towards AI integration.
• Frameworks like Quick handle hydration differently than React.
• Solid and Svelte have similar functionalities to RSCs.
• AI models require extensive code examples for effective training.
• Zustand is gaining popularity in state management. Zustand has gained popularity as a state management library.
• Atomic state management allows for automatic updates based on dependencies.
• Choosing the right state management tool depends on the application's needs.
• React 19 introduces significant changes, especially with RSCs.
• Building custom Chrome extensions can enhance productivity and provide unique solutions.
• The debate between React Native and Flutter continues with no clear winner.
• Using the simplest state management solution is often the best approach.
• Understanding the context of your application is crucial for state management decisions.

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.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

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.

In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Ben Awad, a successful YouTuber and co-founder of the app Voidpet. They discuss Ben's journey from content creation to app development, the challenges and successes he faced, and the technical aspects of building his applications. The conversation also touches on the importance of user experience, monetization strategies, and the evolution of Ben's career in the tech industry. In this conversation, Ben Awad discusses his experiences and insights into React Native, game development, and the integration of AI tools in programming. He shares his journey from Android development to embracing React Native, the challenges of real-time gaming, and the evolution of the developer experience. Ben also touches on animation techniques in game development, his literary interests, and the future of his projects, including Voidpet and the Voidlog series.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Ben Awad

• Ben X: https://x.com/benawad
• Ben YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bawad
• Ben Github: https://github.com/benawad

Links

• Voidpet: https://voidpet.com
• Voidpet garden: https://voidpet.com/o/garden
• Hands of Greed book: https://handsofgreed.com
• 
  

Takeaways

• Ben Awad transitioned from YouTube content creation to app development.
• Voidpet gained popularity on TikTok before any code was written.
• He has learned from both successful and failed projects.
• The Voidpet app focuses on mental health themes.
• Ben's cooking app, Saffron, is still active and successful.
• He emphasizes the importance of user experience in app development.
• Ben uses a simple tech stack for his apps to avoid over-engineering.
• He believes that offline capabilities in apps are not always necessary.
• Ben prefers native styling in React Native over other styles.
• A time API is essential for validating timestamps in games.
• Ben's early experiences with Android development were frustrating.
• React Native's developer experience has significantly improved over the years.
• Real-time gaming in React Native presents unique challenges.
• Animation techniques are crucial for enhancing game visuals.
• Choosing React Native for game development was a strategic decision.
• AI tools have become integral to Ben's coding workflow.

In this solo episode, Simon shares the new Galaxies.dev Zero to Hero Mission and why now is the best time to learn React Native. From New Architecture to Debugging, Expo, and companies in the ecosystem, this podcast will reinforce your drive to build and ship awesome React Native apps in 2025!

Join React Native Zero to Hero - https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero

In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Samuel Newman, a developer at Bluesky, discussing his journey from university to app development, the intricacies of the Bluesky app and its underlying AT protocol, and the challenges and solutions encountered in enhancing user experience with React Native. They explore the role of Expo in app development, the importance of open-source contributions, and the future of Bluesky as it aims for significant user growth.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Samuel Newman

• Samuel Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samuel.bsky.team
• Samuel X: https://x.com/mozzius
• Samuel personal: https://samuel.felixnewman.com/
• Samuel Github: https://github.com/mozzius

Links

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/
• AT Protocol: https://atproto.com/
• AT Proto Browser: https://atproto-browser.vercel.app/

Takeaways

• Samuel built a client for Bluesky before joining the team.
• Bluesky is a microblogging app built on the AT protocol.
• The AT protocol allows users to control their own data.
• The Bluesky app reached number one on the app store.
• Samuel's team faced numerous bugs in the app's development.
• They switched to a native bottom sheet for better performance.
• React Native requires a different mindset for developers.
• The AT protocol enables developers to build their own backends.
• Users genuinely own their data with the AD protocol.

In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Jamon Holmgren, co-founder of Infinite Red, discussing the evolution and advantages of React Native in mobile app development. They explore the early adoption of React Native, its comparison with Flutter, the job market for developers, and the importance of open source contributions in the tech industry. Jamon shares insights from his extensive coding experience and the strategic decisions that led Infinite Red to focus on React Native. They delve into the Ignite boilerplate for React Native development, the importance of choosing the right tech stack, and the utility of Reactotron as a developer tool.

The discussion also touches on hiring trends in the React Native space, emphasizing the need for cultural fit and the unique hiring process at Infinite Red. In this conversation, Jamon and Simon discuss the importance of building a lasting company culture, essential skills for React Native developers, the significance of self-evaluation and continuous learning, effective networking and job searching strategies in tech, the future of React Native in the context of AI, and the trend towards universal applications while maintaining user experience.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Jamon Holmgren

• Jamon X: https://x.com/jamonholmgren
• Jamon personal: https://jamon.dev/
• Jamon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamonholmgren/
• Jamon Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamon.dev

Links

• Infinite Red: https://infinite.red/
• React Native Radio: https://reactnativeradio.com/
• Ignite: https://github.com/infinitered/ignite
• Reactotron: https://github.com/infinitered/reactotron

Takeaways

• Infinite Red was founded through collaboration in open source.
• React Native was chosen for its cross-platform capabilities.
• React Native allows for significant code reuse, often exceeding expectations.
• The community around React Native is a major strength.
• Open source contributions can accelerate product development.
• Companies are increasingly investing in open source for strategic benefits.
• The job market favors React Native developers due to its widespread use.
• Ignite serves as a valuable resource for React Native developers.
• Ignite serves as a reliable boilerplate for React Native projects.
• Choosing the right tech stack can simplify development processes.
• Reactotron offers unique features that enhance the debugging experience.
• The UI of Reactotron needs improvement to appeal to developers.
• Hiring at Infinite Red focuses on cultural fit and seniority.
• Self-evaluation during the hiring process is crucial for accurate assessment.
• The job market for React Native developers is becoming more competitive.  Building a company culture that encourages long-term relationships is crucial.
• Investing in employees and understanding their needs fosters loyalty.
• React Native developers should focus on performance and state management skills.
• Self-evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and training needs.
• Networking is essential for job searching in tech.
• Active engagement on social media can enhance job prospects.
• AI will significantly impact the future of software development.
• Universal applications should prioritize user experience over uniformity.
• Convergence of tools is beneficial, but UI patterns must remain platform-specific.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to thriving in tech.

In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Kim Chouard, a developer and educator, about his journey in coding, the challenges of building a multiplatform music game using React Native, and the innovative app Odisei Play that aims to help users learn to play wind instruments. Kim shares insights on the creative aspects of coding, the evolution of React Native, and the technology stack behind Odisei Play, including audio handling and pitch recognition. The discussion highlights the importance of education, creativity, and community in the tech space. In this conversation, Kim Chouard discusses the evolving landscape of development tools, particularly focusing on AI tools and their implications for new developers. He shares insights on the Expo audio package and the challenges faced in audio synchronization within applications. The discussion also delves into the use of Skia for performance optimization in React Native applications, highlighting its capabilities and the need for better documentation. Finally, Kim emphasizes the importance of a web-first approach in React Native development, advocating for a unified community that leverages the strengths of both web and mobile development.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Kim Chouard

• Kim X: https://x.com/KimChouard
• Kim personal: https://chouard.kim/
• Kim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimchouard/

Links

• Odisei Music's website (creator of Odisei Play): https://odiseimusic.com/
• Kim AppJS Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGvhniTxpu4&ab_channel=SoftwareMansion
• Expo AV: https://docs.expo.dev/versions/latest/sdk/av/
• Chromatic: https://www.chromatic.com/
• Storybook: https://storybook.js.org/

Takeaways

• Kim's mission is to leverage games for alternative education.
• Coding can be a creative process, not just technical.
• Building a music game requires precise timing and performance.
• React Native's rapid evolution presents both opportunities and challenges.
• Odisei Play aims to make learning wind instruments accessible and fun.
• The app combines elements of gamification and music education.
• Skia is crucial for the performance of the Odisei Play app.
• Bluetooth technology can be optimized for real-time music applications.
• AI tools like Cursor can enhance coding efficiency.
• Community support is vital for navigating the fast-paced tech landscape. AI tools can accelerate development but may lead to inconsistencies.
• Expo AV is the only production-ready audio library available now, although it has some limitation
• New opportunities of more robust alternatives for audio handling are on the horizon (expo-audio, react-native audio, etc.)
• Audio synchronization remains a significant challenge in app development.
• Skia provides a powerful canvas for creating high-performance applications.
• The integration of web technologies can enhance React Native development.
• Community collaboration is essential for overcoming development hurdles.
• Real-time audio recognition is complex and requires advanced algorithms.
• A web-first approach can simplify the development process for React Native.
• The React Native community is passionate and supportive.
• Future advancements in 3D and game development are on the horizon.

In this conversation, Simon Grimm and Britta Evans-Fenton discuss the importance of accessibility in React Native and mobile development. Britta shares her personal journey into accessibility, motivated by her grandmother's experience with macular degeneration. They explore the definition of accessibility, the consequences of neglecting it, and the various tools and features available to enhance accessibility in mobile applications. The discussion emphasizes the need for inclusivity in technology and the potential legal implications of failing to comply with accessibility standards. In this conversation, Simon and Britta Evans-Fenton delve into the complexities of accessibility in React Native applications. They discuss the current state of accessibility resources, practical steps developers can take to improve accessibility in their apps, and the importance of community awareness. Britta emphasizes the need for a mindset shift among developers to prioritize accessibility, considering the growing number of users who will require these features in the future. The conversation also touches on potential improvements for accessibility tools and APIs in React Native.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Britta Evans-Fenton

• Britta X: https://x.com/13ritta
• Britta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britta-evans-fenton/

Links

• Accessibility Cheat Sheet: https://scanqr.to/5e270983
• Crafting an Inclusive Shopify Point of Sale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoFnQQj4g1A
• AccessibilityInfo API: https://reactnative.dev/docs/accessibilityinfo

Takeaways

• Accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive technology.
• Personal experiences can drive a passion for accessibility.
• Understanding accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• The European Accessibility Act will impose fines for non-compliance.
• Companies can gain customers by prioritizing accessibility.
• Accessibility features include screen readers and voice control.
• There are various layers to accessibility beyond visual impairments.
• Developers should be aware of both iOS and Android accessibility nuances.
• Using accessibility tools can enhance user experience for all.
• Accessibility is about removing barriers for all users. There is a lack of resources on accessibility in React Native compared to web development.
• Many developers do not consider accessibility because they do not have disabilities themselves.
• Grouping components can significantly improve accessibility for users with screen readers.
• Accessibility labels and roles are crucial for making interactive elements understandable.
• Overloading elements with unnecessary labels can confuse users, especially those with partial vision.
• Testing apps manually can help identify accessibility issues.
• Keeping labels concise is essential for effective communication with screen readers.
• Building a community around accessibility awareness is vital for improvement.
• The aging population will increasingly require accessible technology.
• Developers should engage with local organizations to better understand accessibility needs.

What are my top 3 libraries? Which styling solution is the best? How can we build better universal apps for web, iOS and Android? In this special Q&A episode I answered tons of your questions about the current state of React Native, Expo and the future improvements like RSC or Expo DOM components and react-strict-dom.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Links

• https://docs.swmansion.com/react-native-reanimated/
• https://gorhom.dev/react-native-bottom-sheet/blog/bottom-sheet-v5
• https://zeego.dev/
• https://docs.expo.dev/build-reference/variables/
• https://podcast.galaxies.dev/episodes/051-react-native-brownfield-integration-with-mariusz-stanisz
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT5hQbvGRW8&ab_channel=SimonGrimm
• https://docs.expo.dev/guides/analyzing-bundles/
• https://docs.expo.dev/review/overview/#internal-distribution-with-eas-build
• https://docs.expo.dev/eas-update/getting-started/#configure-the-update-channel
• https://tamagui.dev/
• https://onestack.dev/
• https://www.nativewind.dev/

Takeaways

• Reanimated is a core library for React Native projects.
• TypeScript is recommended for better reliability in mobile development.
• Secret keys should not be stored in the app's code or .env files.
• Using a server to store sensitive keys is a safer approach.
• Integrating React Native into existing apps can be challenging but rewarding.
• Unistyles is a powerful styling solution for React Native.
• Expo is widely adopted and offers many advantages for new projects.
• Ejecting from Expo is no longer necessary with pre-builds.
• Reducing app size often involves optimizing images and assets.
• EAS updates can streamline workflows for larger teams.

In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Mariusz Stanisz, a React Native developer, about the complexities and challenges of Brownfield integration in mobile applications. Mariusz shares his experiences, insights, and the potential benefits of integrating React Native into existing native applications. The discussion covers the technical aspects of integration, communication between native and React Native apps, and the future of Brownfield integration in the React Native ecosystem.

Learn React Native - https://galaxies.dev

Mariusz Stanisz

• Mariusz X: https://x.com/staszekscp_
• Mariusz GitHub: https://github.com/staszekscp

Links

• Mariusz AppJS Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOg29UnIMMA&ab_channel=SoftwareMansion
• React Native Brownfield Docs: https://reactnative.dev/docs/integration-with-existing-apps
• React Native Brownfield Tools: https://github.com/callstack/react-native-brownfield

Takeaways

• Brownfield integration allows for gradual migration to React Native.
• Challenges arise from integrating into existing large native applications.
• Communication between native and React Native can be achieved through various methods.
• Brownfield integration is not widely used, making resources scarce.
• The integration process can speed up development significantly.
• Hot Reload works well in simple applications during integration.
• React Native's new architecture presents both opportunities and challenges.
• Documentation and community support for Brownfield integration need improvement.
• Testing and debugging can be more complex in Brownfield scenarios.