Build Apps Faster with Claude Code + React Native

Learn how to use Anthropic’s Claude Code AI assistant to build React Native apps faster and smarter. I demonstrate setting up a new Expo camera app, installing dependencies, and integrating Claude Code to plan and generate code with control and best practices.

If you want to leverage AI for React Native development without blindly copy-pasting, this video is for you. I explain how to prepare your project, use the Claude Code CLI and VS Code extension, and craft prompts that guide Claude to produce clean, maintainable code.

What's inside

• Introduction to Claude Code and initial impressions
• Installing Claude Code CLI and setting up the React Native project
• Adding Expo Camera and Media Library with permissions configuration
• Simplifying the app structure for AI-driven development
• Using the Claude Code VS Code extension and CLI commands
• Planning with Claude Code: init command and plan mode
• Crafting detailed prompts for Claude to generate code
• Managing dependencies and scripts with Claude Code

Introduction to Claude Code and initial impressions

About five months ago, Anthropic released Claude Code, an AI tool for coding assistance. At first, I was hesitant because many AI tools were launching frequently, and I was already happy with Cursor. However, after seeing many positive posts, I tried Claude Code, spending $30 in one day and quickly upgrading to the $100/month plan because it felt like a different level.

This video is not sponsored; I pay for Claude Code myself because I believe it’s powerful when used correctly. The key is understanding what Claude Code does under the hood so you stay in control and can fix issues instead of blindly trusting AI output.

Installing Claude Code CLI and setting up the React Native project

To start, install the Claude Code CLI globally using npm with npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code. After installation, verify with claude --version to check the version.

I create a new React Native app using Expo and Bun with bunx create expo-app camera-app. Bun is my preferred tool for creating apps quickly. Then I open the project in VS Code or Cursor.

I recommend installing the Claude Code VS Code extension, which lets you run Claude commands directly from the editor by clicking an icon on any file. This integration streamlines invoking Claude Code without leaving your IDE.

Adding Expo Camera and Media Library with permissions configuration

Since the app is a camera app, I install expo-camera and expo-media-library to handle camera access and media storage. These packages require adding plugins to app.json to configure permissions for camera, microphone, and media library on iOS and Android.

This setup ensures the app asks users for necessary permissions when accessing the camera or gallery. Proper permissions are critical for a smooth user experience and compliance with platform requirements.

Simplifying the app structure for AI-driven development

The default Expo app includes tabs and multiple screens, but the camera app design is a single screen without tabs. I simplify the navigation by removing the tabs folder and using a single stack with one index screen.

I also remove the not found screen and force dark mode by passing the dark theme directly. This minimal setup makes it easier for Claude Code to understand the project and generate relevant code without confusion from unused screens or navigation complexity.

Using the Claude Code VS Code extension and CLI commands

Claude Code offers many commands accessible by typing / in the CLI or VS Code extension. The first important command is init, which generates a CLAUDE.md file documenting your codebase. Claude references this file for all prompts, helping it understand your project context.

The VS Code extension can open a terminal and run Claude commands interactively. You can toggle plan mode with Shift+Tab, which makes Claude ask for approval before applying changes, giving you control over what it generates.

Planning with Claude Code: init command and plan mode

Running cloud init scans your project files like package.json and app.json to gather context. Claude then suggests commands and edits based on this analysis.

Plan mode is essential to avoid letting Claude make random changes. It prompts you before each edit, so you can review and accept or reject. This workflow mimics senior developer habits: planning and reviewing before coding, which leads to cleaner results.

Crafting detailed prompts for Claude to generate code

To get good results, you must communicate clearly with Claude. I use the Anthropic console to build detailed prompts describing the app’s requirements, such as needing camera and gallery permissions, quick actions like flash and focus, and gestures for zoom.

I recommend writing structured prompts that outline features and constraints. This helps Claude generate code that fits your needs instead of producing a messy junior-level implementation.

Managing dependencies and scripts with Claude Code

Claude initially suggested using npm scripts, but since I use Bun, I told it to switch to Bun commands. Claude updated the scripts accordingly, showing it can adapt to your tooling preferences.

It also highlights key dependencies like camera, media library, animations, gestures, and permissions. This awareness helps Claude generate code that integrates these packages properly, saving you time on setup and configuration.

Resources

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Learn fundamentals and best practices for React Native, including how to work effectively with AI tools like Claude Code.

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