The debate about whether to start with React Native CLI or Expo CLI when learning React Native is an interesting one. Both tools have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals.

React Native CLI is the official command-line interface for React Native and provides a more traditional development experience. It allows you to create a React Native project from scratch, configure it with your own tools, and add any native libraries you need. This gives you more flexibility and control over your project’s development, but it also requires more setup and configuration.

On the other hand, Expo CLI is a set of tools and services that make it easier to develop and publish React Native apps. It provides a more streamlined development experience and comes with a range of built-in features, such as a development server, hot reloading, and access to native modules through pre-built packages. This can be a great option for beginners or those who want to quickly prototype or publish an app, but it may not offer the same level of customization or flexibility as React Native CLI.

Ultimately, the choice between React Native CLI and Expo CLI comes down to what you want to achieve with your project. If you’re just getting started with React Native and want to quickly build and publish an app, Expo CLI is a great option. However, if you have more advanced needs or want to customize your development environment, React Native CLI might be the better choice.

It’s also worth noting that while Expo CLI can be a great tool for learning React Native, it does come with some limitations. For example, some native modules may not be available through Expo, which could limit the functionality of your app. Additionally, if you eventually want to publish your app outside of the Expo ecosystem, you may need to transition to React Native CLI at some point.

In conclusion, both React Native CLI and Expo CLI are valuable tools for learning and developing React Native apps. The choice between them ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals, so it’s worth exploring both options and seeing which one works best for you.