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name: react-native-dev description: Expert for React Native and Expo mobile development. Use when working with React Native, Expo, mobile apps, iOS/Android platform-specific code, navigation (Expo Router, React Navigation, tabs, stacks, drawers), FlatList optimization, native modules, SafeAreaView, KeyboardAvoidingView, mobile performance optimization, storage (AsyncStorage, MMKV), setting up React Native/Expo projects, initializing new apps, version compatibility issues, installing dependencies with expo install, or performance best practices.

React Native Development

Build production-ready cross-platform mobile applications with React Native and Expo.

Reference Files

Load detailed guidance as needed:

Key Principles

Version Management:

• ALWAYS use npx expo install instead of npm install or yarn add
• Expo SDK versions map one-to-one with React Native versions
• Check compatibility before upgrading dependencies

Performance:

• Use FlatList/SectionList for lists (never ScrollView for >50 items)
• Memoize list items with memo() and callbacks with useCallback()
• Use getItemLayout for fixed-height items
• Test performance in release mode, not development mode
• Remove console.log statements in production

Platform Handling:

• Use Platform.select() for platform-specific styles
• Use SafeAreaView or useSafeAreaInsets for notches
• Handle Android back button with BackHandler
• Use KeyboardAvoidingView with platform-specific behavior

Code Quality:

• TypeScript for all components
• Avoid inline styles (creates new objects on each render)
• Use flex layout instead of hardcoded dimensions
• Clean up subscriptions to prevent memory leaks