Migrating to React Native

Overview

Prescriptive workflow for incremental adoption of React Native in existing native apps using @callstack/react-native-brownfield, from initial setup through phased host integration.

Expo track
Bare React Native track

Use one track per task unless the user explicitly asks for migration or comparison.

Migration Strategy

Use this strategy for brownfield migration planning and execution:

Assess app state and select Expo or bare path.
Perform initial setup with @callstack/react-native-brownfield.
Package RN artifacts (XCFramework/AAR) from the RN source app.
Integrate one RN surface into the host app and validate startup/runtime.
Repeat integration by feature/screen for incremental rollout.

Agent Guardrails (Global)

Apply these rules across all reference files:

Select one path first (Expo or bare) and do not mix steps.
Use placeholders from the docs (<framework_target_name>, <android_module_name>, <registered_module_name>) and resolve from project files.
Validate each packaging command before moving to host integration.
Prefer official docs for long platform snippets and CLI option details.
Keep host apps isolated from direct React Native APIs when possible (facade approach).
For startup/runtime verification, use agent-device to open the host app, navigate to the RN surface, capture snapshots/screenshots, and collect device evidence. If it is missing and verification needs it, install it through the environment's approved/trusted path or ask the user to install or enable it.

Canonical Docs

Path Selection Gate (Must Run First)

Before selecting any reference file, classify the project:

If no React Native app exists yet, use Expo creation path:
- expo-create-app.md [blocked] -> expo-quick-start.md [blocked]
If React Native app exists, inspect package.json and app.json:
- Expo if expo is present or Expo plugin workflow is requested.
- Bare RN if native folders and direct RN CLI workflow are used without Expo path requirements.
If still unclear, ask one disambiguation question.
Continue with exactly one path.

When to Apply

Reference this package when:

Planning incremental migration from native-only apps to React Native or Expo
Creating brownfield integration flows for Expo or bare React Native projects
Performing initial setup with @callstack/react-native-brownfield
Generating iOS XCFramework artifacts from a React Native app
Generating and publishing Android AAR artifacts from a React Native app
Integrating generated artifacts into host iOS/Android apps

Quick Reference

File	Description
quick-start.md [blocked]	Shared preflight and mandatory path-selection gate
expo-create-app.md [blocked]	Scaffold a new Expo app before Expo brownfield setup
expo-quick-start.md [blocked]	Expo plugin setup and packaging readiness
expo-ios-integration.md [blocked]	Expo iOS packaging and host startup integration
expo-android-integration.md [blocked]	Expo Android packaging, publish, and host integration
bare-quick-start.md [blocked]	Bare React Native baseline setup
bare-ios-xcframework-generation.md [blocked]	Bare iOS XCFramework generation
bare-android-aar-generation.md [blocked]	Bare Android AAR generation and publish
bare-ios-native-integration.md [blocked]	Bare iOS host integration
bare-android-native-integration.md [blocked]	Bare Android host integration

Problem -> Skill Mapping

Problem	Start With
Need path decision first	quick-start.md [blocked]
Need to create a new Expo app for brownfield	expo-create-app.md [blocked]
Need Expo brownfield setup and plugin wiring	expo-quick-start.md [blocked]
Need Expo iOS brownfield integration	expo-ios-integration.md [blocked]
Need Expo Android brownfield integration	expo-android-integration.md [blocked]
Need bare RN baseline setup	bare-quick-start.md [blocked]
Need bare RN iOS XCFramework generation	bare-ios-xcframework-generation.md [blocked]
Need bare RN Android AAR generation/publish	bare-android-aar-generation.md [blocked]
Need bare RN iOS host integration	bare-ios-native-integration.md [blocked]
Need bare RN Android host integration	bare-android-native-integration.md [blocked]