Both Expo Router and React Navigation are popular routing libraries used in React Native app development. While they serve similar purposes, there are some differences between the two:
Compatibility: Expo Router is specifically designed for apps built with Expo, a set of tools and services for building universal apps. It works seamlessly with Expo projects and provides a simple, declarative way to handle navigation. On the other hand, React Navigation is a more widely used routing library that can be used with both Expo projects and non-Expo projects.
API and Features: Expo Router offers a minimalistic API with a straightforward approach to navigation. It provides a small set of navigation components, including
NavigationContainer,Stack, andTab, allows you to create stack-based or tab-based navigation structures. Expo Router focuses on simplicity and ease of use.React Navigation, on the other hand, offers a more extensive set of features and APIs. It provides various navigation types, including stack, tab, drawer, and more. React Navigation also offers advanced features like nested navigators, deep linking, and customizable transitions. It provides more flexibility and options for complex navigation requirements.
Community and Documentation: React Navigation has a larger and more active community compared to Expo Router. It has been widely adopted and has a vibrant ecosystem of plugins, examples, and community support. The documentation for React Navigation is extensive and covers various use cases and scenarios. Expo Router, while still supported and maintained, may have a smaller community and less available resources in terms of tutorials and examples.
Customization: React Navigation offers more customization options, allowing you to modify the navigation stack, configure transitions, customize headers, and more. It provides hooks and APIs to integrate with other libraries or implement custom navigation patterns. Expo Router, being a simpler routing solution, may have fewer customization options.
Considerations:
If you're using Expo for your project and prefer a simple navigation solution, Expo Router can be a good choice.
If you anticipate complex navigation requirements or want more flexibility and customization options, React Navigation would be a better fit.
React Navigation is the more widely used and supported library, making it easier to find resources and community support.
Ultimately, the choice between Expo Router and React Navigation depends on your specific project requirements, the level of customization needed, and your familiarity with the libraries.