Hot reload using EAS

Question

1. About a year ago, when I was using Expo to build react native apps, there were :-

• hot reload
• hosting to Expo build site, from where testers could download by scanning the QR code
• run time errors display on emulator or connected device

2. When I revisited the app after a break of 1 year, I see that Expo is migrating to EAS (Expo Application Services). So, I ejected from Expo, and use 'eas build' .

3. Now I build using 'preview' profile, download the '.apk' from the EAS build site, drag it onto Android Emulator to test.

4. However, I don't see the above facilities of 'hot reload' and 'uploading to an Expo site for testers to download', or 'run time errors display on connected device'.

5. What is the alternative ? Should I go back to using react-native build ?

Answer 1

It a little easier to answer your question if there is only one question

However, I don't see the above facilities of 'hot reload' ..

Shaking the device should show a fast refresh option

..and 'uploading to an Expo site for testers to download'

You can use EAS updates together with the dev-client

eas update --branch testers --message "Feature A"

1. Shake device
2. "Go home"
3. Extensions
4. sign in (to an expo user that is connected to an organisation)
5. pick the updates to try out

or 'run time errors display on connected device'.

It should display the errors (it does that for me with the dev-client)

What is the alternative ? Should I go back to using react-native build ?

There aren't many great alternative to expo - perhaps "vanilla" React Native with some firebase features or Microsoft app center?

Hope this answer your question(s).