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Create Expo NativeWind

A CLI tool to create Expo apps with optional NativeWind (TailwindCSS) setup instantly

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Project Overview

Create Expo NativeWind is a powerful command-line interface tool that streamlines the process of setting up Expo applications with NativeWind (TailwindCSS for React Native). It provides an interactive CLI with beautiful prompts, supports multiple package managers (npm, yarn, pnpm), and offers features like current directory installation, automatic project reset, and full TypeScript support. The tool automates the entire setup process including Metro configuration, Babel setup, and TailwindCSS integration, allowing developers to start coding immediately with a production-ready environment.

Key Features
Optional NativeWind Setup: Instantly set up TailwindCSS for React Native
Current Directory Support: Use '.' to install in the current directory
Auto Reset Project: Automatically runs reset-project script after Expo installation
Multiple Package Managers: Support for npm, yarn, and pnpm with auto-detection
Interactive CLI: Beautiful, user-friendly prompts with Inquirer.js
Fast & Reliable: Optimized setup process with progress indicators
Fully Configured: Everything needed to start coding immediately
TypeScript Ready: Full TypeScript support out of the box
Template Selection: Choose from multiple Expo templates (blank, tabs, navigation)
Automatic Configuration: Updates Babel, Metro, and Tailwind configs automatically
Global CSS Setup: Creates and configures global.css in app folder
Git Integration: Automatic git repository initialization (optional)
NativeWind v4: Latest version with modern architecture
Component Updates: Modifies app components with NativeWind examples
Version Selection: Choose specific Expo version or use latest
Challenges
  • Handling different Expo project structures (app router vs traditional)
  • Managing package manager detection and compatibility
  • Automating complex configuration updates across multiple files
  • Ensuring proper timing for reset-project script execution
  • Supporting current directory installation with validation
Key Learnings
  • Building interactive CLI applications with Commander.js and Inquirer.js
  • Process automation and script orchestration
  • File system operations and project scaffolding
  • Package manager detection and cross-platform compatibility
  • NPM package development and distribution
Project Highlights

Published on NPM as create-expo-nativewind

Supports current directory installation with validation

Automatic reset-project script execution

Multi-package manager support with auto-detection

Project Info
Team Size

1 Developer

My Role
Creator
Technologies
TypeScript
Node.js
Commander.js
Chalk
Inquirer.js
Ora