Overview
Mobile development is building applications for smartphones and tablets. This includes iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices. Mobile apps are everywhere—from social media to banking to games.
There are three approaches: This roadmap focuses on cross-platform development with React Native—the most practical path for most developers. You'll build real native apps with one codebase.
Expected Salaries (2025)
Key Terms You Should Know
Native App
An app built specifically for one platform using that platform's language. iOS apps in Swift, Android apps in Kotlin. Best performance, but requires separate codebases for each platform.
Cross-Platform
Building one app that works on both iOS and Android. React Native and Flutter compile to native code, so performance is nearly as good as native. One codebase = half the work.
React Native
A framework by Meta for building native mobile apps using JavaScript and React. Your React knowledge transfers directly. Used by Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Uber Eats, Discord.
Expo
A platform that simplifies React Native development. Handles native code complexity, provides useful APIs (camera, location, notifications), and simplifies building/deployment. Highly recommended for beginners.
React Navigation
The standard library for navigation in React Native apps. Handles moving between screens, tabs, drawers, and more. You'll use this in every app.
App Store / Play Store
Where users download apps. Apple's App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) have different submission processes and guidelines. You'll learn both.
Flutter
Google's cross-platform framework using Dart language. Excellent performance and beautiful default UI. Growing fast but fewer jobs than React Native currently.
The Complete Learning Path
Follow these steps in order. Each builds on the previous. All resources are 100% free.
Master JavaScript & React
Duration: 6-8 weeks (or skip if you know React)What you'll learn: React Native IS React under the hood. You write components, use hooks, manage state—all the same. If you don't know React yet, start here.
Key React concepts needed:
Already know React? Move to step 2. Your skills transfer directly.
- Components and JSX
- Props and state
- Hooks (useState, useEffect, useContext)
- Handling events
- Fetching data
Learn React Native Basics
Duration: 4-6 weeksWhat you'll learn: How React Native differs from React. Mobile-specific components (View instead of div, Text instead of span), styling with StyleSheet, platform differences.
Key differences from web:
Start with Expo—it handles complexity so you can focus on learning.
- No CSS files—use StyleSheet.create()
- Flexbox is the default (and only) layout system
- Different components: View, Text, Image, ScrollView
- No browser APIs—use native modules
Learn Navigation & State Management
Duration: 3-4 weeksWhat you'll learn: Mobile apps have multiple screens. React Navigation handles moving between them—stack navigators (like web pages), tab bars, drawers, and more.
Navigation patterns:
State management: For simple apps, Context API works. For complex apps, learn Zustand or Redux.
- Stack: Screens stack on top of each other (go back)
- Tabs: Bottom tab bar (like Instagram)
- Drawer: Slide-out menu
Free Resources
React Navigation DocsOfficial tutorialLearn APIs & Native Features
Duration: 4-5 weeksWhat you'll learn: Connecting to backend APIs, using device features (camera, location, notifications), and handling offline scenarios.
Expo provides APIs for most of these—much easier than configuring native modules yourself.
- Fetching data from REST APIs
- Camera and image picking
- Location and maps
- Push notifications
- Local storage (AsyncStorage, SecureStore)
- Handling network status
Build & Publish Apps
Duration: 4-6 weeksWhat you'll do: Build complete apps and publish to app stores. Learn the submission process for both Apple and Google.
Publishing process:
Note: Apple charges $99/year for developer account. Google charges $25 one-time. Free accounts can test locally.
- App icons, splash screens, metadata
- Building for production (EAS Build)
- App Store/Play Store developer accounts
- Store listing optimization
- Handling app reviews and updates
Free Resources
Expo Distribution GuidePublishing made simpleSave This Roadmap
Download a PDF version to track your progress offline.
