My Experiment with React Native

Hey folks!
This is a small write-up about my first experience with React Native (TypeScript) — specifically the React Native CLI, not Expo.

When I started learning, the CLI wasn’t deprecated yet.
The deprecation happened later.
But that didn’t matter — I simply wanted to try something new and share how it felt.

Getting Started: Surprisingly Simple

Coming from Flutter, I thought React Native would feel messy or confusing.
But honestly? The basics were simple and clean — almost like using:

• HTML-like components

• CSS-like styling

• TypeScript for structure

Here’s the tiny example that made things “click” for me:

import { useState } from "react";
import { View, Text, Button } from "react-native";

export default function App() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);

  return (
    <View style={{ flex: 1, justifyContent: "center", alignItems: "center" }}>
      <Text style={{ fontSize: 30, marginBottom: 20 }}>{count}</Text>
      <Button title="Increase" onPress={() => setCount(count + 1)} />
    </View>
  );
}

That moment I realized: “Okay, this is actually fun.”

Learning with Hitesh Choudhary

I followed Hitesh Choudhary sir’s React Native playlist in TypeScript, and honestly — his calm style made everything feel easy.
No confusion! No overload!
Just build → understand → move to next project.

Exactly the kind of learning flow I enjoy.

What I Built (Quick Overview)

Across 11 small-to-medium projects, I got hands-on experience with:

• useState, useEffect, forms (Formik + Yup)

• Styling layouts and UI cards

• FlatList for grids & lists

• Haptic feedback, images

• Navigation (@react-navigation/native)

• Track Player, Slider, Vector Icons

• Context + Appwrite Authentication

Every project felt like leveling up — one step at a time. Repo link: React-Native-Exploration

What I Felt Throughout the Journey

1. Styling was easier than I expected — very CSS-like
2. TypeScript made things feel safe & structured
3. Navigation was a bit unusual at first, but manageable
4. Expo seems worth exploring next
5. NativeWind (Tailwind for RN) caught my attention

And yes, hot reload is not Flutter-level… but still good enough 😄

Final Thoughts

React Native CLI might be deprecated now,
but learning it gave me:

• confidence in JS/TS

• a good grip on React Native fundamentals

• understanding of how mobile apps work outside Flutter

Next steps?
Maybe Trying Expo + NativeWind + a slightly bigger project.

A fun little journey — and I’m glad I tried it.