Files
antigravity-skills-reference/skills/expo-dev-client/SKILL.md
Al-Garadi ef285b5c97 fix: sync upstream main with Windows validation and skill guidance cleanup (#457)
* fix: stabilize validation and tests on Windows

* test: add Windows smoke coverage for skill activation

* refactor: make setup_web script CommonJS

* fix: repair aegisops-ai frontmatter

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to core skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to Apify skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to Google and Expo skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to Makepad skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to git workflow skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to fp-ts skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to Three.js skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to n8n skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to health analysis skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to writing and review skills

* meta: sync generated catalog metadata

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to Robius skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to review and workflow skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to science and data skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to tooling and automation skills

* docs: add when-to-use guidance to remaining skills

* fix: gate bundle helper execution in Windows activation

* chore: drop generated artifacts from contributor PR

* docs(maintenance): Record PR 457 sweep

Document the open issue triage, PR supersedence decision, local verification, and source-only cleanup that prepared PR #457 for re-running CI.

---------

Co-authored-by: sickn33 <sickn33@users.noreply.github.com>
2026-04-05 21:04:39 +02:00

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3.8 KiB
Markdown

---
name: expo-dev-client
description: Build and distribute Expo development clients locally or via TestFlight
risk: unknown
source: community
version: 1.0.0
license: MIT
---
Use EAS Build to create development clients for testing native code changes on physical devices. Use this for creating custom Expo Go clients for testing branches of your app.
## When to Use
- You need an Expo development client because the app depends on custom native code or targets not supported by Expo Go.
- The task involves building, distributing, or testing EAS development builds on physical devices.
- You need guidance on when to choose a dev client versus staying on plain Expo Go.
## Important: When Development Clients Are Needed
**Only create development clients when your app requires custom native code.** Most apps work fine in Expo Go.
You need a dev client ONLY when using:
- Local Expo modules (custom native code)
- Apple targets (widgets, app clips, extensions)
- Third-party native modules not in Expo Go
**Try Expo Go first** with `npx expo start`. If everything works, you don't need a dev client.
## EAS Configuration
Ensure `eas.json` has a development profile:
```json
{
"cli": {
"version": ">= 16.0.1",
"appVersionSource": "remote"
},
"build": {
"production": {
"autoIncrement": true
},
"development": {
"autoIncrement": true,
"developmentClient": true
}
},
"submit": {
"production": {},
"development": {}
}
}
```
Key settings:
- `developmentClient: true` - Bundles expo-dev-client for development builds
- `autoIncrement: true` - Automatically increments build numbers
- `appVersionSource: "remote"` - Uses EAS as the source of truth for version numbers
## Building for TestFlight
Build iOS dev client and submit to TestFlight in one command:
```bash
eas build -p ios --profile development --submit
```
This will:
1. Build the development client in the cloud
2. Automatically submit to App Store Connect
3. Send you an email when the build is ready in TestFlight
After receiving the TestFlight email:
1. Download the build from TestFlight on your device
2. Launch the app to see the expo-dev-client UI
3. Connect to your local Metro bundler or scan a QR code
## Building Locally
Build a development client on your machine:
```bash
# iOS (requires Xcode)
eas build -p ios --profile development --local
# Android
eas build -p android --profile development --local
```
Local builds output:
- iOS: `.ipa` file
- Android: `.apk` or `.aab` file
## Installing Local Builds
Install iOS build on simulator:
```bash
# Find the .app in the .tar.gz output
tar -xzf build-*.tar.gz
xcrun simctl install booted ./path/to/App.app
```
Install iOS build on device (requires signing):
```bash
# Use Xcode Devices window or ideviceinstaller
ideviceinstaller -i build.ipa
```
Install Android build:
```bash
adb install build.apk
```
## Building for Specific Platform
```bash
# iOS only
eas build -p ios --profile development
# Android only
eas build -p android --profile development
# Both platforms
eas build --profile development
```
## Checking Build Status
```bash
# List recent builds
eas build:list
# View build details
eas build:view
```
## Using the Dev Client
Once installed, the dev client provides:
- **Development server connection** - Enter your Metro bundler URL or scan QR
- **Build information** - View native build details
- **Launcher UI** - Switch between development servers
Connect to local development:
```bash
# Start Metro bundler
npx expo start --dev-client
# Scan QR code with dev client or enter URL manually
```
## Troubleshooting
**Build fails with signing errors:**
```bash
eas credentials
```
**Clear build cache:**
```bash
eas build -p ios --profile development --clear-cache
```
**Check EAS CLI version:**
```bash
eas --version
eas update
```