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 (
,
,
) 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).
Canonical Docs
Quick Start
Expo Integration
iOS Integration
Android Integration
Brownfield CLI
Guidelines
Troubleshooting
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
->
expo-quick-start.md
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
Shared preflight and mandatory path-selection gate
expo-create-app.md
Scaffold a new Expo app before Expo brownfield setup
expo-quick-start.md
Expo plugin setup and packaging readiness
expo-ios-integration.md
Expo iOS packaging and host startup integration
expo-android-integration.md
Expo Android packaging, publish, and host integration
bare-quick-start.md
Bare React Native baseline setup
bare-ios-xcframework-generation.md
Bare iOS XCFramework generation
bare-android-aar-generation.md
Bare Android AAR generation and publish
bare-ios-native-integration.md
Bare iOS host integration
bare-android-native-integration.md
Bare Android host integration
Problem -> Skill Mapping
Problem
Start With
Need path decision first
quick-start.md
Need to create a new Expo app for brownfield
expo-create-app.md
Need Expo brownfield setup and plugin wiring
expo-quick-start.md
Need Expo iOS brownfield integration
expo-ios-integration.md
Need Expo Android brownfield integration
expo-android-integration.md
Need bare RN baseline setup
bare-quick-start.md
Need bare RN iOS XCFramework generation
bare-ios-xcframework-generation.md
Need bare RN Android AAR generation/publish
bare-android-aar-generation.md
Need bare RN iOS host integration
bare-ios-native-integration.md
Need bare RN Android host integration
bare-android-native-integration.md