React Native Architecture

Seth HobsonCommunityCreated by Seth Hobson

Skill
Guidelines
Software development
MIT
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From the author

Build production React Native apps with Expo, navigation, native modules, offline sync, and cross-platform patterns. Use when developing mobile apps, implementing native integrations, or architecting React Native projects.

— the description by Seth Hobson

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

This skill provides a structured approach to React Native development using the Expo ecosystem. It covers project organization, navigation patterns, authentication flows, and essential development practices to help developers build and maintain mobile applications.

What it does

Defines standard project directory structures for React Native apps
Provides patterns for implementing navigation using Expo Router
Outlines authentication flow implementation with secure storage
Offers best practices for component styling and performance
Compares Expo and bare React Native development workflows

When to use it

When starting a new React Native or Expo project
When implementing complex navigation or authentication flows
When determining the appropriate project setup between Expo and bare React Native
When seeking guidance on mobile-specific development patterns

Advantages

Promotes consistent project structure
Provides clear patterns for common mobile app requirements
Offers actionable advice on platform-specific development
Includes ready-to-use code patterns for navigation and auth

Usage examples

“How should I structure my React Native project files?”: The skill provides a recommended directory structure including folders for app screens, components, hooks, services, and stores.
“How do I implement an authentication flow in Expo?”: The skill provides a pattern using an AuthProvider and Expo Router to protect routes and manage user sessions.

Install

Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/wshobson/react-native-architecture/download

Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip react-native-architecture.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Seth Hobson

React Native Architecture

Production-ready patterns for React Native development with Expo, including navigation, state management, native modules, and offline-first architecture.

When to Use This Skill

Starting a new React Native or Expo project
Implementing complex navigation patterns
Integrating native modules and platform APIs
Building offline-first mobile applications
Optimizing React Native performance
Setting up CI/CD for mobile releases

Core Concepts

1. Project Structure

src/
├── app/                    # Expo Router screens
│   ├── (auth)/            # Auth group
│   ├── (tabs)/            # Tab navigation
│   └── _layout.tsx        # Root layout
├── components/
│   ├── ui/                # Reusable UI components
│   └── features/          # Feature-specific components
├── hooks/                 # Custom hooks
├── services/              # API and native services
├── stores/                # State management
├── utils/                 # Utilities
└── types/                 # TypeScript types

2. Expo vs Bare React Native

Feature	Expo	Bare RN
Setup complexity	Low	High
Native modules	EAS Build	Manual linking
OTA updates	Built-in	Manual setup
Build service	EAS	Custom CI
Custom native code	Config plugins	Direct access

Quick Start

# Create new Expo project
npx create-expo-app@latest my-app -t expo-template-blank-typescript

# Install essential dependencies
npx expo install expo-router expo-status-bar react-native-safe-area-context
npx expo install @react-native-async-storage/async-storage
npx expo install expo-secure-store expo-haptics

// app/_layout.tsx
import { Stack } from 'expo-router'
import { ThemeProvider } from '@/providers/ThemeProvider'
import { QueryProvider } from '@/providers/QueryProvider'

export default function RootLayout() {
  return (
    <QueryProvider>
      <ThemeProvider>
        <Stack screenOptions={{ headerShown: false }}>
          <Stack.Screen name="(tabs)" />
          <Stack.Screen name="(auth)" />
          <Stack.Screen name="modal" options={{ presentation: 'modal' }} />
        </Stack>
      </ThemeProvider>
    </QueryProvider>
  )
}

Detailed patterns and worked examples

Detailed pattern documentation lives in references/details.md. Read that file when the navigation tier above is insufficient.

Best Practices

Do's

Use Expo - Faster development, OTA updates, managed native code
FlashList over FlatList - Better performance for long lists
Memoize components - Prevent unnecessary re-renders
Use Reanimated - 60fps animations on native thread
Test on real devices - Simulators miss real-world issues

Don'ts

Don't inline styles - Use StyleSheet.create for performance
Don't fetch in render - Use useEffect or React Query
Don't ignore platform differences - Test on both iOS and Android
Don't store secrets in code - Use environment variables
Don't skip error boundaries - Mobile crashes are unforgiving

Files

ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer1.0 KiB
LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.0 KiB
SKILL.md3.5 KiB
references/details.md13.4 KiB

references/details.md

react-native-architecture — detailed patterns and worked examples

Patterns

// app/(tabs)/_layout.tsx
import { Tabs } from 'expo-router'
import { Home, Search, User, Settings } from 'lucide-react-native'
import { useTheme } from '@/hooks/useTheme'

export default function TabLayout() {
  const { colors } = useTheme()

  return (
    <Tabs
      screenOptions={{
        tabBarActiveTintColor: colors.primary,
        tabBarInactiveTintColor: colors.textMuted,
        tabBarStyle: { backgroundColor: colors.background },
        headerShown: false,
      }}
    >
      <Tabs.Screen
        name="index"
        options={{
          title: 'Home',
          tabBarIcon: ({ color, size }) => <Home size={size} color={color} />,
        }}
      />
      <Tabs.Screen
        name="search"
        options={{
          title: 'Search',
          tabBarIcon: ({ color, size }) => <Search size={size} color={color} />,
        }}
      />
      <Tabs.Screen
        name="profile"
        options={{
          title: 'Profile',
          tabBarIcon: ({ color, size }) => <User size={size} color={color} />,
        }}
      />
      <Tabs.Screen
        name="settings"
        options={{
          title: 'Settings',
          tabBarIcon: ({ color, size }) => <Settings size={size} color={color} />,
        }}
      />
    </Tabs>
  )
}

// app/(tabs)/profile/[id].tsx - Dynamic route
import { useLocalSearchParams } from 'expo-router'

export default function ProfileScreen() {
  const { id } = useLocalSearchParams<{ id: string }>()

  return <UserProfile userId={id} />
}

// Navigation from anywhere
import { router } from 'expo-router'

// Programmatic navigation
router.push('/profile/123')
router.replace('/login')
router.back()

// With params
router.push({
  pathname: '/product/[id]',
  params: { id: '123', referrer: 'home' },
})

Pattern 2: Authentication Flow

// providers/AuthProvider.tsx
import { createContext, useContext, useEffect, useState } from 'react'
import { useRouter, useSegments } from 'expo-router'
import * as SecureStore from 'expo-secure-store'

interface AuthContextType {
  user: User | null
  isLoading: boolean
  signIn: (credentials: Credentials) => Promise<void>
  signOut: () => Promise<void>
}

const AuthContext = createContext<AuthContextType | null>(null)

export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
  const [user, setUser] = useState<User | null>(null)
  const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(true)
  const segments = useSegments()
  const router = useRouter()

  // Check authentication on mount
  useEffect(() => {
    checkAuth()
  }, [])

  // Protect routes
  useEffect(() => {
    if (isLoading) return

    const inAuthGroup = segments[0] === '(auth)'

    if (!user && !inAuthGroup) {
      router.replace('/login')
    } else if (user && inAuthGroup) {
      router.replace('/(tabs)')
    }
  }, [user, segments, isLoading])

  async function checkAuth() {
    try {
      const token = await SecureStore.getItemAsync('authToken')
      if (token) {
        const userData = await api.getUser(token)
        setUser(userData)
      }
    } catch (error) {
      await SecureStore.deleteItemAsync('authToken')
    } finally {
      setIsLoading(false)
    }
  }

  async function signIn(credentials: Credentials) {
    const { token, user } = await api.login(credentials)
    await SecureStore.setItemAsync('authToken', token)
    setUser(user)
  }

  async function signOut() {
    await SecureStore.deleteItemAsync('authToken')
    setUser(null)
  }

  if (isLoading) {
    return <SplashScreen />
  }

  return (
    <AuthContext.Provider value={{ user, isLoading, signIn, signOut }}>
      {children}
    </AuthContext.Provider>
  )
}

export const useAuth = () => {
  const context = useContext(AuthContext)
  if (!context) throw new Error('useAuth must be used within AuthProvider')
  return context
}

Pattern 3: Offline-First with React Query

// providers/QueryProvider.tsx
import { QueryClient, QueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query'
import { createAsyncStoragePersister } from '@tanstack/query-async-storage-persister'
import { PersistQueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query-persist-client'
import AsyncStorage from '@react-native-async-storage/async-storage'
import NetInfo from '@react-native-community/netinfo'
import { onlineManager } from '@tanstack/react-query'

// Sync online status
onlineManager.setEventListener((setOnline) => {
  return NetInfo.addEventListener((state) => {
    setOnline(!!state.isConnected)
  })
})

const queryClient = new QueryClient({
  defaultOptions: {
    queries: {
      gcTime: 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24, // 24 hours
      staleTime: 1000 * 60 * 5, // 5 minutes
      retry: 2,
      networkMode: 'offlineFirst',
    },
    mutations: {
      networkMode: 'offlineFirst',
    },
  },
})

const asyncStoragePersister = createAsyncStoragePersister({
  storage: AsyncStorage,
  key: 'REACT_QUERY_OFFLINE_CACHE',
})

export function QueryProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
  return (
    <PersistQueryClientProvider
      client={queryClient}
      persistOptions={{ persister: asyncStoragePersister }}
    >
      {children}
    </PersistQueryClientProvider>
  )
}

// hooks/useProducts.ts
import { useQuery, useMutation, useQueryClient } from '@tanstack/react-query'

export function useProducts() {
  return useQuery({
    queryKey: ['products'],
    queryFn: api.getProducts,
    // Use stale data while revalidating
    placeholderData: (previousData) => previousData,
  })
}

export function useCreateProduct() {
  const queryClient = useQueryClient()

  return useMutation({
    mutationFn: api.createProduct,
    // Optimistic update
    onMutate: async (newProduct) => {
      await queryClient.cancelQueries({ queryKey: ['products'] })
      const previous = queryClient.getQueryData(['products'])

      queryClient.setQueryData(['products'], (old: Product[]) => [
        ...old,
        { ...newProduct, id: 'temp-' + Date.now() },
      ])

      return { previous }
    },
    onError: (err, newProduct, context) => {
      queryClient.setQueryData(['products'], context?.previous)
    },
    onSettled: () => {
      queryClient.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ['products'] })
    },
  })
}

Pattern 4: Native Module Integration

// services/haptics.ts
import * as Haptics from "expo-haptics";
import { Platform } from "react-native";

export const haptics = {
  light: () => {
    if (Platform.OS !== "web") {
      Haptics.impactAsync(Haptics.ImpactFeedbackStyle.Light);
    }
  },
  medium: () => {
    if (Platform.OS !== "web") {
      Haptics.impactAsync(Haptics.ImpactFeedbackStyle.Medium);
    }
  },
  heavy: () => {
    if (Platform.OS !== "web") {
      Haptics.impactAsync(Haptics.ImpactFeedbackStyle.Heavy);
    }
  },
  success: () => {
    if (Platform.OS !== "web") {
      Haptics.notificationAsync(Haptics.NotificationFeedbackType.Success);
    }
  },
  error: () => {
    if (Platform.OS !== "web") {
      Haptics.notificationAsync(Haptics.NotificationFeedbackType.Error);
    }
  },
};

// services/biometrics.ts
import * as LocalAuthentication from "expo-local-authentication";

export async function authenticateWithBiometrics(): Promise<boolean> {
  const hasHardware = await LocalAuthentication.hasHardwareAsync();
  if (!hasHardware) return false;

  const isEnrolled = await LocalAuthentication.isEnrolledAsync();
  if (!isEnrolled) return false;

  const result = await LocalAuthentication.authenticateAsync({
    promptMessage: "Authenticate to continue",
    fallbackLabel: "Use passcode",
    disableDeviceFallback: false,
  });

  return result.success;
}

// services/notifications.ts
import * as Notifications from "expo-notifications";
import { Platform } from "react-native";
import Constants from "expo-constants";

Notifications.setNotificationHandler({
  handleNotification: async () => ({
    shouldShowAlert: true,
    shouldPlaySound: true,
    shouldSetBadge: true,
  }),
});

export async function registerForPushNotifications() {
  let token: string | undefined;

  if (Platform.OS === "android") {
    await Notifications.setNotificationChannelAsync("default", {
      name: "default",
      importance: Notifications.AndroidImportance.MAX,
      vibrationPattern: [0, 250, 250, 250],
    });
  }

  const { status: existingStatus } = await Notifications.getPermissionsAsync();
  let finalStatus = existingStatus;

  if (existingStatus !== "granted") {
    const { status } = await Notifications.requestPermissionsAsync();
    finalStatus = status;
  }

  if (finalStatus !== "granted") {
    return null;
  }

  const projectId = Constants.expoConfig?.extra?.eas?.projectId;
  token = (await Notifications.getExpoPushTokenAsync({ projectId })).data;

  return token;
}

Pattern 5: Platform-Specific Code

// components/ui/Button.tsx
import { Platform, Pressable, StyleSheet, Text, ViewStyle } from 'react-native'
import * as Haptics from 'expo-haptics'
import Animated, {
  useAnimatedStyle,
  useSharedValue,
  withSpring,
} from 'react-native-reanimated'

const AnimatedPressable = Animated.createAnimatedComponent(Pressable)

interface ButtonProps {
  title: string
  onPress: () => void
  variant?: 'primary' | 'secondary' | 'outline'
  disabled?: boolean
}

export function Button({
  title,
  onPress,
  variant = 'primary',
  disabled = false,
}: ButtonProps) {
  const scale = useSharedValue(1)

  const animatedStyle = useAnimatedStyle(() => ({
    transform: [{ scale: scale.value }],
  }))

  const handlePressIn = () => {
    scale.value = withSpring(0.95)
    if (Platform.OS !== 'web') {
      Haptics.impactAsync(Haptics.ImpactFeedbackStyle.Light)
    }
  }

  const handlePressOut = () => {
    scale.value = withSpring(1)
  }

  return (
    <AnimatedPressable
      onPress={onPress}
      onPressIn={handlePressIn}
      onPressOut={handlePressOut}
      disabled={disabled}
      style={[
        styles.button,
        styles[variant],
        disabled && styles.disabled,
        animatedStyle,
      ]}
    >
      <Text style={[styles.text, styles[`${variant}Text`]]}>{title}</Text>
    </AnimatedPressable>
  )
}

// Platform-specific files
// Button.ios.tsx - iOS-specific implementation
// Button.android.tsx - Android-specific implementation
// Button.web.tsx - Web-specific implementation

// Or use Platform.select
const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  button: {
    paddingVertical: 12,
    paddingHorizontal: 24,
    borderRadius: 8,
    alignItems: 'center',
    ...Platform.select({
      ios: {
        shadowColor: '#000',
        shadowOffset: { width: 0, height: 2 },
        shadowOpacity: 0.1,
        shadowRadius: 4,
      },
      android: {
        elevation: 4,
      },
    }),
  },
  primary: {
    backgroundColor: '#007AFF',
  },
  secondary: {
    backgroundColor: '#5856D6',
  },
  outline: {
    backgroundColor: 'transparent',
    borderWidth: 1,
    borderColor: '#007AFF',
  },
  disabled: {
    opacity: 0.5,
  },
  text: {
    fontSize: 16,
    fontWeight: '600',
  },
  primaryText: {
    color: '#FFFFFF',
  },
  secondaryText: {
    color: '#FFFFFF',
  },
  outlineText: {
    color: '#007AFF',
  },
})

Pattern 6: Performance Optimization

// components/ProductList.tsx
import { FlashList } from '@shopify/flash-list'
import { memo, useCallback } from 'react'

interface ProductListProps {
  products: Product[]
  onProductPress: (id: string) => void
}

// Memoize list item
const ProductItem = memo(function ProductItem({
  item,
  onPress,
}: {
  item: Product
  onPress: (id: string) => void
}) {
  const handlePress = useCallback(() => onPress(item.id), [item.id, onPress])

  return (
    <Pressable onPress={handlePress} style={styles.item}>
      <FastImage
        source={{ uri: item.image }}
        style={styles.image}
        resizeMode="cover"
      />
      <Text style={styles.title}>{item.name}</Text>
      <Text style={styles.price}>${item.price}</Text>
    </Pressable>
  )
})

export function ProductList({ products, onProductPress }: ProductListProps) {
  const renderItem = useCallback(
    ({ item }: { item: Product }) => (
      <ProductItem item={item} onPress={onProductPress} />
    ),
    [onProductPress]
  )

  const keyExtractor = useCallback((item: Product) => item.id, [])

  return (
    <FlashList
      data={products}
      renderItem={renderItem}
      keyExtractor={keyExtractor}
      estimatedItemSize={100}
      // Performance optimizations
      removeClippedSubviews={true}
      maxToRenderPerBatch={10}
      windowSize={5}
      // Pull to refresh
      onRefresh={onRefresh}
      refreshing={isRefreshing}
    />
  )
}

EAS Build & Submit

// eas.json
{
  "cli": { "version": ">= 5.0.0" },
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal",
      "ios": { "simulator": true }
    },
    "preview": {
      "distribution": "internal",
      "android": { "buildType": "apk" }
    },
    "production": {
      "autoIncrement": true
    }
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {
      "ios": { "appleId": "[email protected]", "ascAppId": "123456789" },
      "android": { "serviceAccountKeyPath": "./google-services.json" }
    }
  }
}

# Build commands
eas build --platform ios --profile development
eas build --platform android --profile preview
eas build --platform all --profile production

# Submit to stores
eas submit --platform ios
eas submit --platform android

# OTA updates
eas update --branch production --message "Bug fixes"

Requirements and compatibility

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs Node.js

Security

No issues found by our static scan· No issues found

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Created by

Seth Hobson

Publisher

Seth Hobson (Community)

Source

wshobson/agents · plugins/frontend-mobile-development/skills/react-native-architecture · commit 4bde316

Licence

MIT License (redistribution allowed)

LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)

Synced

2026-11-09

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Seth Hobson or Seth Hobson.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download react-native-architecture.zip

From the author

AutoGineer summary

What it does

When to use it

Advantages

Usage examples

Install

Documentation by Seth Hobson

React Native Architecture

When to Use This Skill

Core Concepts

1. Project Structure

2. Expo vs Bare React Native

Quick Start

Detailed patterns and worked examples

Best Practices

Do's

Don'ts

Files

references/details.md

react-native-architecture — detailed patterns and worked examples

Patterns

Pattern 1: Expo Router Navigation

Pattern 2: Authentication Flow

Pattern 3: Offline-First with React Query

Pattern 4: Native Module Integration

Pattern 5: Platform-Specific Code

Pattern 6: Performance Optimization

EAS Build & Submit

Requirements and compatibility

Security

Attribution and licence

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Download ZIP