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A checklist for mastering Expo SDK 53

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Expo SDK 53 Mastery Checklist

Checklist:

  1. Upgrade to Expo SDK 53
  2. Opt in or out of the New Architecture (Bridgeless/Fabric)
  3. Understand Edge-to-Edge Display changes for Android

Expo SDK 53 Highlights

React Version

  • Previous SDKs: Usually React 18.x
  • Expo SDK 53: React 19 (with React Native 0.79)
  • Key Benefits: Access to new React features like <Suspense> for data fetching, use() Hook, Actions

Audio Handling

  • Previous SDKs: expo-av (Audio component)
  • Expo SDK 53: expo-audio (Stable Release)
  • Key Benefits: More reliable, performant, easier-to-use, and robust API for audio playback and recording

Mapping Solutions

  • Previous SDKs: Reliance on third-party libraries (react-native-maps) or limited Expo libraries
  • Expo SDK 53: expo-maps (Alpha Release)
  • Key Benefits: A modern, Expo-maintained solution for common map use cases, built with Jetpack Compose & SwiftUI

Background Tasks

  • Previous SDKs: expo-background-fetch for simple periodic tasks
  • Expo SDK 53: expo-background-task
  • Key Benefits: More robust and flexible API for managing background operations like data syncing, downloads, or routine maintenance

Android Edge-to-Edge

  • Key Benefits: Streamlined Edge-to-Edge Display — Default in new projects and Expo Go; opt-in for existing projects

Bundle Analysis

  • Expo Atlas (Stable Release)
  • Key Benefits: Integrated, stable tool for visualizing JS bundle composition, aiding in app size optimization

Dependency Resolution (Metro)

  • Previous SDKs: Less strict enforcement of package.json “exports”
  • Expo SDK 53: Stricter package.json:”exports” enforcement by default
  • Key Benefits: Aligns with modern Node.js/npm standards, and can deal with library compatibility issues much better

TestFlight Distribution (EAS)

  • Key Benefits: Simplified development build to TestFlight — New workflow using distribution: “store” and npx testflight

Local Android Builds

  • Key Benefits: Enabled by default for faster local builds; potential reduction in local Android build times by using precompiled standard modules

Phase 1: Upgrade and Initial Setup

  1. Upgrade your project codebase to Expo SDK 53
  2. Commit or stash any changes
  3. Run command: expo upgrade or expo install expo@^53.0.0
  4. Check for compatibility issues with third-party libraries

Opt in or out of the New Architecture

  • Default in Expo SDK 53
  • Opt out using: expo config set enableNewApi false

Edge-to-Edge Display Changes for Android

This checklist provides a structured guide for mastering Expo SDK 53 and leveraging its new features to enhance your app development experience.