expo-dev-client
GitHub指导如何构建和分发Expo开发客户端，用于在真机上测试自定义原生代码。涵盖EAS配置、云端构建提交TestFlight及本地构建安装流程，强调仅在需要自定义原生模块时使用。
Trigger Scenarios
Install
npx skills add sediman-agent/OpenSkynet --skill expo-dev-client -g -y
SKILL.md
Frontmatter
{
"name": "expo-dev-client",
"license": "MIT",
"version": "1.0.0",
"description": "Build and distribute Expo development clients locally or via TestFlight"
}
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.
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:
{
"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 buildsautoIncrement: true- Automatically increments build numbersappVersionSource: "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:
eas build -p ios --profile development --submit
This will:
- Build the development client in the cloud
- Automatically submit to App Store Connect
- Send you an email when the build is ready in TestFlight
After receiving the TestFlight email:
- Download the build from TestFlight on your device
- Launch the app to see the expo-dev-client UI
- Connect to your local Metro bundler or scan a QR code
Building Locally
Build a development client on your machine:
# iOS (requires Xcode)
eas build -p ios --profile development --local
# Android
eas build -p android --profile development --local
Local builds output:
- iOS:
.ipafile - Android:
.apkor.aabfile
Installing Local Builds
Install iOS build on simulator:
# 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):
# Use Xcode Devices window or ideviceinstaller
ideviceinstaller -i build.ipa
Install Android build:
adb install build.apk
Building for Specific Platform
# 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
# 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:
# Start Metro bundler
npx expo start --dev-client
# Scan QR code with dev client or enter URL manually
Troubleshooting
Build fails with signing errors:
eas credentials
Clear build cache:
eas build -p ios --profile development --clear-cache
Check EAS CLI version:
eas --version
eas update
Version History
- c9d8953 Current 2026-07-05 19:54
