Welcome aboard the Rocket Ship, the ultimate podcast voyage into the heart of React Native development with Simon Grimm! Whether you're a seasoned mobile app de...
#059 - Expo Router, RSC & DOM Components with Evan Bacon
In this episode, Simon Grimm welcomes Evan Bacon, the manager of DevTools at Expo, to discuss the latest developments in Expo, including the Expo Router, Expo Web, and the new React Server Components. Evan shares insights on the adoption of Expo Router, the future of Expo Web, and the exciting potential of DOM components. The conversation highlights the challenges and innovations in building universal apps and the importance of making app development accessible to all. In this conversation, Simon and Evan Bacon delve into the evolving landscape of app development with a focus on Expo, React Native, and the introduction of new technologies like RSC and EAS hosting. They discuss the challenges developers face with App Store reviews, the skepticism surrounding new features, and the future of server components. The conversation also highlights the potential of Expo targets for Apple and the exciting possibilities of building widgets and live activities. As they look ahead, they express optimism about the advancements in Expo and the broader React Native ecosystem.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devEvan BaconTwitter: https://twitter.com/BaconbrixGithub: https://github.com/evanbaconBlog: https://evanbacon.dev/LinksRSC Code Example App: https://github.com/EvanBacon/expo-rsc-moviesExpo RSC: https://docs.expo.dev/guides/server-components/EAS Hosting: https://expo.dev/easTakeawaysExpo Router has been well received in the React Native community.The goal of Expo Router is to enable server-driven UI for developers.Expo Web has improved significantly with features like tree shaking and API routes..Expo Router version 4 is set to finalize the core features of the router.Expo Web is being actively used in new projects at Expo.DOM components allow for easier migration from web to native apps.React Server Components are currently in developer preview, with exciting potential.Skepticism towards new technologies is common but can change over time.RSC allows for running JavaScript not currently on the client.OTA updates are useful for caching and background fetching.EAS hosting provides a flexible solution for deploying apps.Expo targets for Apple enable the creation of various extensions.Widgets can communicate with apps via NSUser defaults.Real-time updates in widgets require clever workarounds.Expo's future includes more components and improved UI design.The integration of AI tools will enhance the development experience.
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#058 - React Native Games & Animations with Ben Awad
In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Ben Awad, a successful YouTuber and co-founder of the app Voidpet. They discuss Ben's journey from content creation to app development, the challenges and successes he faced, and the technical aspects of building his applications. The conversation also touches on the importance of user experience, monetization strategies, and the evolution of Ben's career in the tech industry. In this conversation, Ben Awad discusses his experiences and insights into React Native, game development, and the integration of AI tools in programming. He shares his journey from Android development to embracing React Native, the challenges of real-time gaming, and the evolution of the developer experience. Ben also touches on animation techniques in game development, his literary interests, and the future of his projects, including Voidpet and the Voidlog series.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devBen AwadBen X: https://x.com/benawadBen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bawadBen Github: https://github.com/benawadLinksVoidpet: https://voidpet.comVoidpet garden: https://voidpet.com/o/gardenHands of Greed book: https://handsofgreed.comTakeawaysBen Awad transitioned from YouTube content creation to app development.Voidpet gained popularity on TikTok before any code was written.He has learned from both successful and failed projects.The Voidpet app focuses on mental health themes.Ben's cooking app, Saffron, is still active and successful.He emphasizes the importance of user experience in app development.Ben uses a simple tech stack for his apps to avoid over-engineering.He believes that offline capabilities in apps are not always necessary.Ben prefers native styling in React Native over other styles.A time API is essential for validating timestamps in games.Ben's early experiences with Android development were frustrating.React Native's developer experience has significantly improved over the years.Real-time gaming in React Native presents unique challenges.Animation techniques are crucial for enhancing game visuals.Choosing React Native for game development was a strategic decision.AI tools have become integral to Ben's coding workflow.
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#057 - The Time for React Native is Now
In this solo episode, Simon shares the new Galaxies.dev Zero to Hero Mission and why now is the best time to learn React Native. From New Architecture to Debugging, Expo, and companies in the ecosystem, this podcast will reinforce your drive to build and ship awesome React Native apps in 2025!Join React Native Zero to Hero - https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero
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#056 - Bluesky's React Native App & AT Protocol with Samuel Newman
In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Samuel Newman, a developer at Bluesky, discussing his journey from university to app development, the intricacies of the Bluesky app and its underlying AT protocol, and the challenges and solutions encountered in enhancing user experience with React Native. They explore the role of Expo in app development, the importance of open-source contributions, and the future of Bluesky as it aims for significant user growth.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devSamuel NewmanSamuel Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/samuel.bsky.teamSamuel X: https://x.com/mozziusSamuel personal: https://samuel.felixnewman.com/Samuel Github: https://github.com/mozziusLinksBluesky: https://bsky.app/AT Protocol: https://atproto.com/AT Proto Browser: https://atproto-browser.vercel.app/TakeawaysSamuel built a client for Bluesky before joining the team.Bluesky is a microblogging app built on the AT protocol.The AT protocol allows users to control their own data.The Bluesky app reached number one on the app store.Samuel's team faced numerous bugs in the app's development.They switched to a native bottom sheet for better performance.React Native requires a different mindset for developers.The AT protocol enables developers to build their own backends.Users genuinely own their data with the AD protocol.
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#055 - Why Companies use React Native, Job Interviews & Open Source Trends with Jamon Holmgren
In this conversation, Simon Grimm interviews Jamon Holmgren, co-founder of Infinite Red, discussing the evolution and advantages of React Native in mobile app development. They explore the early adoption of React Native, its comparison with Flutter, the job market for developers, and the importance of open source contributions in the tech industry. Jamon shares insights from his extensive coding experience and the strategic decisions that led Infinite Red to focus on React Native. They delve into the Ignite boilerplate for React Native development, the importance of choosing the right tech stack, and the utility of Reactotron as a developer tool.The discussion also touches on hiring trends in the React Native space, emphasizing the need for cultural fit and the unique hiring process at Infinite Red. In this conversation, Jamon and Simon discuss the importance of building a lasting company culture, essential skills for React Native developers, the significance of self-evaluation and continuous learning, effective networking and job searching strategies in tech, the future of React Native in the context of AI, and the trend towards universal applications while maintaining user experience.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devJamon HolmgrenJamon X: https://x.com/jamonholmgrenJamon personal: https://jamon.dev/Jamon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamonholmgren/Jamon Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamon.devLinksInfinite Red: https://infinite.red/React Native Radio: https://reactnativeradio.com/Ignite: https://github.com/infinitered/igniteReactotron: https://github.com/infinitered/reactotronTakeawaysInfinite Red was founded through collaboration in open source.React Native was chosen for its cross-platform capabilities.React Native allows for significant code reuse, often exceeding expectations.The community around React Native is a major strength.Open source contributions can accelerate product development.Companies are increasingly investing in open source for strategic benefits.The job market favors React Native developers due to its widespread use.Ignite serves as a valuable resource for React Native developers.Ignite serves as a reliable boilerplate for React Native projects.Choosing the right tech stack can simplify development processes.Reactotron offers unique features that enhance the debugging experience.The UI of Reactotron needs improvement to appeal to developers.Hiring at Infinite Red focuses on cultural fit and seniority.Self-evaluation during the hiring process is crucial for accurate assessment.The job market for React Native developers is becoming more competitive. Building a company culture that encourages long-term relationships is crucial.Investing in employees and understanding their needs fosters loyalty.React Native developers should focus on performance and state management skills.Self-evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and training needs.Networking is essential for job searching in tech.Active engagement on social media can enhance job prospects.AI will significantly impact the future of software development.Universal applications should prioritize user experience over uniformity.Convergence of tools is beneficial, but UI patterns must remain platform-specific.Continuous learning and adaptation are key to thriving in tech.
Welcome aboard the Rocket Ship, the ultimate podcast voyage into the heart of React Native development with Simon Grimm! Whether you're a seasoned mobile app developer or just starting your journey, this is your go-to destination for all things React Native and Expo.