For any developer who is new to mobile application development using React Native, **Expo** is a great way to ease your transition. Let's have a look at how Expo can be used to setup React Native on Ubuntu:

# Pre-requisites

- Node.js and npm must be installed *prior* to setup.

- A smartphone to download the Expo mobile application.

# Installation
<br>

## Step 1 - Expo CLI

Run the following command in your Ubuntu terminal to install the command line interface (CLI) of Expo:

```
npm install expo-cli --global
```
The `--global` flag installs the package globally on the system, ​not just in your current project directory.



## Step 2 - Create project

After the successful installation of Expo CLU, it's time to use the CLI to create an `expo` project. Run the following command:

```k
expo init PROJECTNAME
```

Upon running this command, the CLI will ask you to chose a type of template for your project. Choose *blank (minimal dependencies)*.

![](/api/edpresso/shot/6147144445591552/image/5897001859284992) 

Next, the CLI will ask you to set a name for your project:

![](/api/edpresso/shot/6147144445591552/image/4900665378734080)

After this, the required dependencies will be installed and your project will finish building.

## Step 3 - Run project

In a terminal in your project directory, type the following command to run your project:

```
expo start
```

If your project runs successfully, a QR code will appear on your terminal as shown:

![](/api/edpresso/shot/6147144445591552/image/6450220859654144)

## Step 4 - Download Expo App

Download the Expo mobile application to your Android or iOS smartphone. 

On the mobile app, go to *Scan QR Code* and a camera screen will appear. Focus the QR code from *Step 3* on the camera, and your project will load on your screen. Since it is a basic project, only a blank white screen will be shown.​

How to setup React Native with Expo on Ubuntu

Install Node.js, npm, Expo CLI globally. Create a project, run it, and use the Expo app to scan the QR code.