Summary
- Build custom Expo development clients for testing native code on physical devices via EAS Build or locally.
- Only needed when using custom native modules, Apple targets (widgets, app clips), or third-party native code not in Expo Go; try Expo Go first with npx expo start Supports cloud builds with automatic TestFlight submission or local builds on your machine, outputting .ipa (iOS) or .apk / .aab (Android) files Requires eas.json configuration with a development profile that sets developmentClient: true and autoIncrement: true Once installed, the dev client launcher UI connects to your local Metro bundler via URL or QR code for live development and native code testing