Create local and TestFlight development client builds.
---
name: expo-dev-client
description: Build and distribute Expo development clients locally or via TestFlight
version: 1.0.0
license: MIT
---
Use EAS Build to create development clients for testing native code changes on physical devices. Use this for creating custom Expo Go clients for testing branches of your app.
## Important: When Development Clients Are Needed
**Only create development clients when your app requires custom native code.** Most apps work fine in Expo Go.
You need a dev client ONLY when using:
- Local Expo modules (custom native code)
- Apple targets (widgets, app clips, extensions)
- Third-party native modules not in Expo Go
**Try Expo Go first** with `npx expo start`. If everything works, you don't need a dev client.
## EAS Configuration
Ensure `eas.json` has a development profile:
```json… install to load the full skill