Quick Start for Mobile App

Prerequisites

• Node.js 20 or newer
• pnpm
• Expo Go installed on your phone, or a simulator/emulator if you prefer
• Access to the FriendChise backend URL

1. Clone the repo

Fork the repo first, then clone your fork locally.

git clone https://github.com/IvanTran-2001/friendchise-mobile-app.git
cd friendchise-mobile-app

2. Install dependencies

pnpm install

3. Create .env

Create a .env file in the repo root with your backend URL.

EXPO_PUBLIC_API_URL=https://friendchise.app

If you are running a local backend on a physical mobile device, use your computer's network IP instead of localhost. For example:

EXPO_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://192.168.1.97:3000

4. Start the app

pnpm start

Then open the project in the Expo Go app on your phone. If you want to test on a simulator or emulator later, you can use the Expo CLI shortcuts, but Expo Go is the easiest path for the mobile repo.

5. If something fails

• Re-check that EXPO_PUBLIC_API_URL points to a reachable backend.
• Make sure Expo Go or your simulator is running on the same network as the backend when testing on device.
• Restart the Expo server if the app stops loading or the bundle gets stuck.