How to Build an MVP with React Native [A Guide for Startups]

Why React Native Fits MVP Projects

There’s no shortage of frameworks, languages, and tools to build an MVP today. From SQL databases with NestJS to serverless setups and from React to Svelte, Firebase, or Next.js, there are countless combinations. You might consider Svelte with PocketBase, the MERN stack, or even AWS with React and MUI. 

React Native is the battle-tested framework for mobile app MVP projects needing a complex, scalable front-end (If you're still unsure why React Native is the best choice for MVP development, we’ve already broken down React Native advantages in MVP development.) As a cross-platform framework, developers can build an app that can run on both Android and iOS with a single codebase. Below are the reasons why React Native is a popular choice.

Famous React Native MVP Apps

1. Discord

Discord adopted React Native as soon as it was made open-source to improve its mobile app performance. 

2. Uber Eats

Uber Eats utilized React Native for its restaurant dashboard, first launched as a web app. With React Native, the company managed to speed up development. 

3. Flipkart

An Indian e-commerce company utilized React Native to develop their early version of the app to address cross-platform consistency and performance-related issues. 

This list is not complete. There are millions of React apps used by startups and the world’s largest organizations, including the developer Meta itself. Discover some of the famous React apps you probably use every day.

Advantages of React Native for Startups

As a cross-platform framework, it dramatically reduces the cost that would otherwise be doubled if developed with OS-native languages and technologies. It reduces development costs by around 40-60%. In addition, the speed at which developers can build an app is truly fast, as it provides a wealth of libraries and pre-built tools for rapid development. 

When it comes to performance, React Native is known for building native-like applications. 

A rich library and pre-built tools are not the only reasons that make it a suitable choice for effortless development. Its modular architecture is a big plus for developers looking to build a scalable application. We have already discussed in detail why React Native for MVP development is an excellent option.

An Example of Healthcare MVP App Development

1. Required tools and software

Before you start development, you will need to have the following installed on your system. 

1. Node.js &npm: React Native development requires Node.js and npm (or you can install npm too). 

2. Use Node 20.x+ version 

3. React Native CLI, JDK (for Android development, minimum JDK 17 required).

4. Android Studio is also needed for Android development. 

5. Xcode for iOS development. 

6. Visual Studio, recommended for React Native development

Windows and iOS configurations can be different; complete the configuration steps before starting development. 

Moving to development, we are going to create a healthcare MVP app consisting of appointment booking. In this app, initially, we will keep five core features. 

1. User Authentication: Patients sign up/login with email.

2. Doctor Listing: View a list of available doctors with basic details (name, specialty).

3. Appointment Booking: Book an appointment with a selected doctor.

4. Appointment History: View past and upcoming appointments.

5. Success Metrics: Number of sign-ups, appointments booked, and user retention after 30 days.

2. Folder Structure

If you keep the folder structure standard as follows, it will save you from chaos. And if many developers are working on the same project, this predictable structure will help each team member know where to find and put the files. 

1. src/: Good practice to keep all source code under src/ for organization.
2. components/: Correct for reusable UI components.
3. screens/: Standard for screen-specific components.
4. navigation/: Appropriate for navigation setup.
5. services/: Good for API and Firebase logic.
6. constants/: Useful for themes, API endpoints, etc.
7. context/: Standard for global state management (e.g., AuthContext).
8. types/: Essential for TypeScript projects to centralize type definitions.
9. App.tsx: Correct as the entry point.
10. package.json: Standard for dependency management.

3. Navigation Setup

Use React Navigation for screen transitions.

// src/navigation/AppNavigator.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { NavigationContainer } from '@react-navigation/native';
import { createStackNavigator } from '@react-navigation/stack';
import LoginScreen from '../screens/LoginScreen';
import DoctorListScreen from '../screens/DoctorListScreen';
import BookingScreen from '../screens/BookingScreen';
import HistoryScreen from '../screens/HistoryScreen';

const Stack = createStackNavigator();

export default function AppNavigator() {
  return (
    <NavigationContainer>
      <Stack.Navigator initialRouteName="Login">
        <Stack.Screen 
          name="Login" 
          component={LoginScreen} 
          options={{ headerShown: false }} 
        />
        <Stack.Screen 
          name="DoctorList" 
          component={DoctorListScreen} 
          options={{ title: 'Find a Doctor' }} 
        />
        <Stack.Screen 
          name="Booking" 
          component={BookingScreen} 
          options={{ title: 'Book Appointment' }} 
        />
        <Stack.Screen 
          name="History" 
          component={HistoryScreen} 
          options={{ title: 'My Appointments' }} 
        />
      </Stack.Navigator>
    </NavigationContainer>
  );
}

// App.tsx
import React from 'react';
import { AuthProvider } from './src/context/AuthContext';
import AppNavigator from './src/navigation/AppNavigator';

export default function App() {
  return (
    <AuthProvider>
      <AppNavigator />
    </AuthProvider>
  );
}

4. Authentication

Use Firebase Authentication for email-based login.

// src/context/AuthContext.tsx
import React, { createContext, useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import auth from '@react-native-firebase/auth';

export const AuthContext = createContext<{
  user: any;
  loading: boolean;
}>({
  user: null,
  loading: true,
});

export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
  const [user, setUser] = useState<any>(null);
  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);

  useEffect(() => {
    const unsubscribe = auth().onAuthStateChanged((user) => {
      setUser(user);
      setLoading(false);
    });

    return unsubscribe;
  }, []);

  return (
    <AuthContext.Provider value={{ user, loading }}>
      {children}
    </AuthContext.Provider>
  );
}

// src/context/AuthContext.tsx
import React, { createContext, useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import auth from '@react-native-firebase/auth';

export const AuthContext = createContext<{
  user: any;
  loading: boolean;
}>({
  user: null,
  loading: true,
});

export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
  const [user, setUser] = useState<any>(null);
  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);

  useEffect(() => {
    const unsubscribe = auth().onAuthStateChanged((user) => {
      setUser(user);
      setLoading(false);
    });

    return unsubscribe;
  }, []);

  return (
    <AuthContext.Provider value={{ user, loading }}>
      {children}
    </AuthContext.Provider>
  );
}

5. Doctor Listing

Display a list of doctors fetched from a mock API (or Firebase Firestore for simplicity).

// src/types/index.ts
export interface Doctor {
  id: string;
  name: string;
  specialty: string;
}

// src/services/api.ts
import axios from 'axios';

// Mock API (replace with real endpoint or Firestore)
const api = axios.create({ baseURL: 'https://mockapi.example.com' });

export const fetchDoctors = async (): Promise<Doctor[]> => {
  // Example mock data (replace with API call)
  return [
    { id: '1', name: 'Dr. John Smith', specialty: 'Cardiology' },
    { id: '2', name: 'Dr. Jane Doe', specialty: 'Pediatrics' },
  ];
  // Real API: const response = await api.get('/doctors'); return response.data;
};

// src/screens/DoctorListScreen.tsx
import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, FlatList, TouchableOpacity, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';
import { fetchDoctors } from '../services/api';
import { Doctor } from '../types';

export default function DoctorListScreen({ navigation }: { navigation: any }) {
  const [doctors, setDoctors] = useState<Doctor[]>([]);

  useEffect(() => {
    const loadDoctors = async () => {
      const data = await fetchDoctors();
      setDoctors(data);
    };
    loadDoctors();
  }, []);

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <FlatList
        data={doctors}
        keyExtractor={(item) => item.id}
        renderItem={({ item }) => (
          <TouchableOpacity
            style={styles.card}
            onPress={() => navigation.navigate('Booking', { doctor: item })}
          >
            <Text style={styles.name}>{item.name}</Text>
            <Text style={styles.specialty}>{item.specialty}</Text>
          </TouchableOpacity>
        )}
      />
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    padding: 20,
  },
  card: {
    padding: 15,
    borderBottomWidth: 1,
    borderColor: '#eee',
  },
  name: {
    fontSize: 18,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
  },
  specialty: {
    color: '#666',
  },
});

6. Appointment Booking

Allow users to book an appointment with a selected doctor.

export interface Doctor {
  id: string;
  name: string;
  specialty: string;
}

export interface Appointment {
  id: string;
  doctorId: string;
  doctorName: string;
  date: string;
  time: string;
}

import axios from 'axios';

// Mock API (replace with real endpoint or Firestore)
const api = axios.create({ baseURL: 'https://mockapi.example.com' });

export const fetchDoctors = async (): Promise<Doctor[]> => {
  // Example mock data (replace with API call)
  return [
    { id: '1', name: 'Dr. John Smith', specialty: 'Cardiology' },
    { id: '2', name: 'Dr. Jane Doe', specialty: 'Pediatrics' },
  ];
  // Real API: const response = await api.get('/doctors'); return response.data;
};

export const bookAppointment = async (appointment: Appointment) => {
  // Mock: Save to local state or AsyncStorage for MVP
  // Real: Use Firestore or API endpoint
  console.log('Booking:', appointment);
  return { success: true, id: Math.random().toString() };
};

import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, TextInput, Button, Alert, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';
import { bookAppointment } from '../services/api';
import { Doctor, Appointment } from '../types';

export default function BookingScreen({ route, navigation }: { route: any; navigation: any }) {
  const { doctor } = route.params;
  const [date, setDate] = useState('');
  const [time, setTime] = useState('');

  const handleBooking = async () => {
    if (!date || !time) {
      Alert.alert('Error', 'Please enter date and time');
      return;
    }

    const appointment: Appointment = {
      id: Math.random().toString(),
      doctorId: doctor.id,
      doctorName: doctor.name,
      date,
      time,
    };

    const result = await bookAppointment(appointment);
    if (result.success) {
      Alert.alert('Success', 'Appointment booked!');
      navigation.navigate('History');
    }
  };

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>Book with {doctor.name}</Text>
      <TextInput
        style={styles.input}
        placeholder="Date (e.g., 2025-06-10)"
        value={date}
        onChangeText={setDate}
      />
      <TextInput
        style={styles.input}
        placeholder="Time (e.g., 10:00 AM)"
        value={time}
        onChangeText={setTime}
      />
      <Button title="Confirm Booking" onPress={handleBooking} />
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    padding: 20,
  },
  title: {
    fontSize: 20,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
    marginBottom: 20,
  },
  input: {
    borderWidth: 1,
    borderColor: '#ccc',
    padding: 10,
    marginBottom: 10,
    borderRadius: 5,
  },
});

7. Appointment History

Display the user’s booked appointments.

import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, FlatList, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';
import { Appointment } from '../types';

export default function HistoryScreen() {
  const [appointments, setAppointments] = useState<Appointment[]>([]);

  useEffect(() => {
    // Mock: Replace with Firestore or API fetch
    setAppointments([
      {
        id: '1',
        doctorId: '1',
        doctorName: 'Dr. John Smith',
        date: '2025-06-10',
        time: '10:00 AM',
      },
    ]);
  }, []);

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <FlatList
        data={appointments}
        keyExtractor={(item) => item.id}
        renderItem={({ item }) => (
          <View style={styles.card}>
            <Text style={styles.doctor}>{item.doctorName}</Text>
            <Text style={styles.details}>Date: {item.date}</Text>
            <Text style={styles.details}>Time: {item.time}</Text>
          </View>
        )}
      />
    </View>
  );
}

const styles = StyleSheet.create({
  container: {
    flex: 1,
    padding: 20,
  },
  card: {
    padding: 15,
    borderBottomWidth: 1,
    borderColor: '#eee',
  },
  doctor: {
    fontSize: 16,
    fontWeight: 'bold',
  },
  details: {
    color: '#666',
  },
});

8. Styling

Centralize styles for consistency.

// src/constants/theme.ts

export const theme = {

colors: {

primary: '#007AFF',

secondary: '#666',

background: '#fff',

border: '#ccc',

},

spacing: {

small: 10,

medium: 20,

large: 30,

},

};

Update components to use theme (e.g., in LoginScreen, DoctorListScreen) for consistent colors and spacing.

9. Testing

Unit Tests (Jest):

// __tests__/DoctorListScreen.test.tsx

import { render } from '@testing-library/react-native';

import DoctorListScreen from '../src/screens/DoctorListScreen';

test('renders doctor list', () => {

const { getByText } = render(<DoctorListScreen navigation={{ navigate: jest.fn() }} />);

expect(getByText('Dr. John Smith')).toBeTruthy();

});

Manual Testing: Test on iOS/Android emulators for UI consistency and navigation flow.

Edge Cases: Test empty doctor lists, invalid login credentials, and booking without date/time.

Things to Remember

In the above example, we have created a healthcare MVP app with essential features without flooding it with unnecessary features. Deciding on core features is a crucial decision to build a successful MVP. 

1. Choose Core Features Carefully

Choosing core features is not easy, as you are making a decision based on your instinct and assumption rather than practical data. However, you can consult with a mobile app development company to find out what is working and what to avoid. Here's what you can do to avoid chaos and reduce the risk of adding unnecessary features. 

What problem are you trying to solve? And what are the features required that might not have been developed before?

For example, if you are building a scan and pay payment app, don't clutter it with advanced features like financial tracking, card management, etc. 

These features can be added later. Add only what is required in the first place. 

2. Go with Modular Approach 

Now, when it comes to architecture, you want flexibility. MVPs need to evolve, so go with a modular approach. Instead of cluttering everything in one place, keep components independent and make sure they can scale.

React Native has everything you need to develop an app with a modular architecture. For state management, the Context API. But if your data is dynamic, you can integrate Redux. 

Ensure the app you are building has a smooth transition. Users don’t like complicated navigation. Users shouldn’t have to think, "Where do I go next?"

Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with basic endpoints; you can optimize them later. Keep yourself updated with the latest React performance optimization techniques and best practices.

3. Gather Feedback upon Deployment 

When you're pushing your MVP out into the world, don’t just throw it into the App Store and hope for the best. Think beyond traditional launches. TestFlight and Firebase App Distribution give you control over early releases and let you gather real insights before going wide.

Data is everything. If you're tracking user behavior with analytics, you can see what works, what flops, and where people drop off. Feedback loops help you fine-tune things. 

You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be strategic. The goal of an MVP isn’t to build the whole thing; it’s to build the right thing and iterate from there.

Development Cost of a React Native MVP

Deciding what goes into your MVP is make-or-break. Here’s what you can follow to decide on core features. Use the feature prioritization matrix.

Authentication and booking are non-negotiable; chat can wait. You can adapt this matrix to your app’s context.

Budgeting is non-negotiable. A simple MVP with React Native can cost around $ 20- 30k or more. If we consider that it may take around 600 hours, and you are outsourcing React Native development from a region like India, this cost can go down to $10-$15k. 

In addition, you can’t ignore the infrastructural cost. Cloud services like AWS or Firebase can cost around $100-$200 per month. 

Additionally, you may need to plan 20% of dev costs yearly for maintenance. 

Pro Tips for Developers 

1. Integrate AI 

AI integration, TensorFlow.js, or Google Cloud AI adds smarts. You can boost your app’s engagement by more than 40% with AI integration. These AI tools help developers build a hyper-personalized platform. 

2. Leverage Cloud 

During a sudden traffic spike, the app should not suffer. Cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud can quickly help you build your virtually unlimited, scalable platforms.

3. Simplify Onboarding

With social login, you can enable quick onboarding, improving the user experience. In fact, platforms with social login have observed a significant uptick in user engagement after integrating social login features.

4. Progressive Enhancement

Start with core functionalities and iteratively add features based on user feedback. For example, after launching the MVP, integrating additional services like telehealth can enhance user satisfaction and broaden your app's capabilities.

Conclusion

React Native is a popular technology for mobile MVP development, offering a blend of speed, cross-platform functionality, and cost savings that aligns perfectly with the needs of early-stage companies. With React Native, startups can launch their MVP on both major mobile platforms, iOS and Android, simultaneously reaching a broader audience without doubling their development efforts. 

Hire React developers today to build your app without challenges. As a mobile app development company, Brilworks provides expert development services for startups to avoid common pitfalls ensuring high-quality code.