Set up a complete React Native development environment and build your first working mobile app.
Creative apps like Instagram, Discord, and Shopify all use React Native because it enables:
💡 Real Example: Your Creative Studio project needs camera access, image handling, and navigation - all perfectly supported by React Native.
# Install Node.js from https://nodejs.org/
# Then install Expo CLI globally
npm install -g @expo/cli
# Verify installation
expo --version
# Create new project
expo init MyCreativeStudio --template blank
# Navigate and start
cd MyCreativeStudio
expo start
Replace the contents of App.js
with this basic structure:
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { StyleSheet, Text, View, TouchableOpacity } from 'react-native';
export default function App() {
const [isPressed, setIsPressed] = useState(false);
return (
<View style={styles.container}>
<Text style={styles.title}>My Creative Studio</Text>
<Text style={styles.subtitle}>Ready to create amazing things!</Text>
<TouchableOpacity
style={[styles.button, isPressed && styles.buttonPressed]}
onPress={() => setIsPressed(!isPressed)}
>
<Text style={styles.buttonText}>
{isPressed ? 'Creating!' : 'Start Creating'}
</Text>
</TouchableOpacity>
</View>
);
}
const styles = StyleSheet.create({
container: {
flex: 1,
backgroundColor: '#1a1a1a',
alignItems: 'center',
justifyContent: 'center',
padding: 20,
},
title: {
fontSize: 28,
fontWeight: 'bold',
color: '#fff',
marginBottom: 10,
},
subtitle: {
fontSize: 16,
color: '#888',
marginBottom: 40,
},
button: {
backgroundColor: '#6366f1',
paddingHorizontal: 30,
paddingVertical: 15,
borderRadius: 8,
},
buttonPressed: {
backgroundColor: '#4f46e5',
},
buttonText: {
color: 'white',
fontSize: 16,
fontWeight: 'bold',
},
});
This basic app demonstrates three concepts you'll use in your Creative Studio:
You've successfully:
Next: You'll learn about building reusable UI components and styling systems.