YOKE Network - Rebuilding an Influencer Platform with Expo

YOKE Network team faced significant challenges due to the use of an outdated version of React Native.

These challenges included:

• Limited performance and complicated implementation of new features: The outdated React Native version decreased the app performance and led to compatibility problems with newer libraries and tools, affecting the app's integration capabilities and future growth.
• Code Quality Issues: The existing codebase had issues affecting its maintainability and efficiency. The outdated framework deepened these problems, making the code difficult to manage and scale.
• Lack of TypeScript Implementation: The absence of TypeScript in the codebase limited the robustness and developer-friendliness of the app.
• Outdated Libraries for API Communication: The use of outdated libraries restricted the app's functionality, particularly in terms of API communication and data handling.
• Build Problems on Developers' Machines: Developers faced difficulties in building the application on their machines, leading to inefficiencies in the development process.

YOKE Network team was committed to keeping the app in React Native. This decision was made based on the previous, positive experiences with this technology and to avoid the complexities and additional resources required for building two separate apps for iOS and Android, allowing them to maintain everything within a single codebase. During this project YOKE also aimed to revamp the app with a new look and feel, incorporating new ideas and functionalities to enhance the user experience.

Our plan for the whole mobile app update was to:

• Update React Native To The Latest Version
• Migrate App To Expo
• Enhance User Experience With New Design
• Add New Features And Functionalities

Services provided: 

• React Native Development
• Dedicated dev team
• Complete mobile app rebuild
• Mobile app user interface

Updating React Native

The upgrade to the latest version of React Native has been a critical change, delivering substantial performance gains and improved stability. It allows for reinforced security, and the app now benefits from an array of new features. Higher compatibility with third-party libraries and better ecosystem support have further augmented the app's capabilities.

These changes have boosted developer satisfaction and simplified troubleshooting processes. The app's long-term viability has been secured, reducing technical debt and ensuring it supports the latest devices, thus offering an enriched user experience.

Migrating to Expo

The migration to Expo has optimized the app-building process, utilizing building in NAS for greater efficiency. Access to the Expo SDK has provided a wealth of pre-built components and modules, accelerating development timelines.

One of the most significant advantages has been the implementation of over-the-air updates, enabling rapid deployment of bug fixes and new features. The built-in security and performance improvements and the support from Expo's active community have added an extra layer of reliability and excellence to the app.

Refactoring the Codebase

The extensive refactoring led to a significant improvement in code quality, enhancing both maintainability and scalability. The integration of TypeScript has introduced a new level of robustness and developer-friendliness, streamlining the development process. And all of that resulted in increased code reusability and a noticeable reduction in development effort.

With these vast advancements, from the source code to the design, and the scaling up with new functionalities, the YOKE Network app has been reborn. It's not just an upgrade but rather a brand-new product, crafted to meet the evolving needs of today's influencers and social media marketers.