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Learn React Native

Use React and JavaScript to build real native mobile apps.

Free to start. Built from a single prompt. No credit card.

React Native is a framework from Meta for building iOS and Android apps with React and JavaScript or TypeScript. Your components render to real native views rather than a web page inside an app, so lists, text and gestures behave like the platform expects. Instead of div and span you use View, Text, Image and FlatList, and you style with JavaScript objects using Flexbox. Expo is the recommended way to start, handling builds and device APIs like the camera. Learnr builds a personalized React Native course from one prompt and teaches it through short, interactive lessons.

How to learn React Native, step by step

Get solid with React fundamentals. Components, props, useState and useEffect work the same as on the web. If those feel shaky, spend a couple of weeks on React first, since mobile adds new constraints on top.
Start an Expo project and run it on your phone. Create an app with npx create-expo-app, open it in the Expo Go app by scanning the QR code, and edit a Text component to see Fast Refresh update your phone instantly.
Learn mobile layout with Flexbox. Flexbox is the only layout system, and flexDirection defaults to column, unlike the web. Rebuild a chat screen or a settings page with StyleSheet and handle safe areas around notches.
Render lists and handle input. Use FlatList with keyExtractor for long lists instead of mapping inside a ScrollView. Add a TextInput form and Pressable buttons, and test with the keyboard open on a small screen.
Add navigation and real data. Set up tabs and stack screens with Expo Router or React Navigation, then fetch from a public API with loading and error states. Store small settings with AsyncStorage or SecureStore.
Build and share a complete app. Use EAS Build to produce installable builds and test on both platforms. Keep hooks and navigation concepts sharp with a short Learnr session each day while you polish.

What you'll learn

Build screens from View, Text, Image, Pressable and FlatList
Style layouts with StyleSheet and Flexbox
Manage state and side effects with React hooks
Navigate between screens with Expo Router or React Navigation
Use device features and ship builds with Expo

What's inside your React Native course

A sample path Learnr builds for React Native. Your real course adapts to your goal and level.

1. Expo setup and the core components
2. Styling and Flexbox layout
3. State, hooks and user input
4. Lists, navigation and screens
5. Data fetching and device APIs
6. Debugging, performance and app store builds

How long does it take to learn React Native?

If you know React, expect 3 to 6 weeks at 5 to 8 hours a week to build multi-screen apps. Starting from zero JavaScript adds 2 to 4 months. Publishing to the stores brings extra setup and review time.

What you need before you start

JavaScript fundamentals and basic React, including components, props, state and hooks. A phone or emulator for testing; building iOS locally requires a Mac, though Expo's cloud builds can help.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using web habits like div, CSS files or hover states, which do not exist in React Native. Learn the core components and touch-first interactions.
Rendering long lists with map inside ScrollView, which mounts every row at once. Use FlatList or SectionList for anything that can grow.
Testing only on one platform. Check iOS and Android regularly, because fonts, shadows and keyboard behavior differ between them.

How Learnr builds your course

Type your topic

Tell Learnr you want to learn React Native, or get as specific as you like.

Get a personalized course

Learnr instantly builds a full React Native course tailored to your goal and skill level.

Learn and level up

Move through bite-sized lessons and interactive practice, earning XP and keeping your streak.

React Native questions, answered

Do I need to know React before React Native?

It helps a lot. React Native uses the same component model, hooks and state ideas. Learning both at once is possible, but you will move faster with React basics in place.

What is Expo?

Expo is a framework and set of tools around React Native that handles project setup, device APIs, over-the-air updates and cloud builds. The React Native docs recommend it for new apps.