Build Expo iOS apps locally on Windows

Set up Expo

Install Node.js as described on the Expo website. Open a new terminal and check that this prints a version.

Create a project

To use an existing project, open its root folder in VS Code with File > Open Folder…, or drag the folder into VS Code. Otherwise, create one.

Use either of these

• VS Code extension

  Run KXBuild: New Project from the Command Palette and pick the "Expo App" template.

• Command line

  Keep the parent path short, because the dependency folders nest deeply.

  > kxbuild project create -t expo_app -n expohello -o D:\work

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Run doctor

Do this first whenever you open a project for the first time. Doctor checks your Expo setup, then generates and prepares the iOS project.

Use either of these

• VS Code extension

  In the title bar of the KXBuild view, open the ··· menu and run Doctor (fix environment).

• Command line
  > kxbuild doctor D:\work\expohello

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After doctor, install the native dependencies in the ios folder. See CocoaPods.

Write code

Write JS and TypeScript in VS Code as usual, and Metro reloads when you save. KXBuild provides completion and go to definition for the native code under ios/.

Debug

In a second terminal, run npx expo start in the project folder. Then select your device and press F5. Debug native breakpoints in VS Code and JS breakpoints in the Metro / Hermes debugger. The two work independently.

Release

Build with the Release configuration. The JS is bundled into the app, and the .ipa is written to the ios folder. To upload it to App Store Connect, see Release and App Store submission.

Use either of these

• VS Code extension

  Switch the configuration to Release in the Build configuration node of the KXBuild view, then run KXBuild: Build from the Command Palette.

• Command line
  > kxbuild build .\ios\expohello.xcworkspace -c Release

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