# Install and configure start-expo-kit

Follow the source instructions for **start-expo-kit**. Read the prerequisites and configuration steps before running an example.

## Get started

- 🔐 **Complete Authentication System**
  - Email/password authentication
  - Social authentication (Google, etc.)
  - Protected routes with auto-redirect
  - Session management with SecureStore
- 🎨 **Organized Structure**
  - Route groups: `(auth)` and `(home)`
  - Custom hooks: `useAuth`, `useSession`
  - Reusable auth components
  - Clean folder organization
- 🚀 **Modern Stack**
  - Expo Router for file-based routing
  - Better Auth for authentication
  - TypeScript for type safety
  - React Native with Expo

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 18+ or Bun
- MongoDB database (configured in start-kit backend)
- [Start-kit backend](https://github.com/Up-to-code/start-kit) running

## Quick Start

### 1. Install Dependencies

```bash
bun install
# or
npm install
```

### 2. Set Up Environment Variables

Create a `.env` file in the root:

```bash
EXPO_PUBLIC_AUTH_URL=http://localhost:3000
```

For physical devices, use your computer's local IP:
```bash
EXPO_PUBLIC_AUTH_URL=http://192.168.1.100:3000
```

### 3. Configure Start-Kit Backend

See [SETUP.md](https://github.com/qentrah/start-expo-kit/blob/master/SETUP.md) for detailed backend configuration instructions.

### 4. Start the App

```bash
bun start
# or
npm start
```

Then:
- Press `a` for Android
- Press `i` for iOS
- Press `w` for web
- Scan QR code for Expo Go

## Check the installation

After setup, continue with the [first example](/docs/up-to-code-start-expo-kit/quick-start-guide). If a command fails, compare the runtime version, working directory, and required configuration with the original README before changing dependencies.

## Source and help

- [GitHub repository](https://github.com/qentrah/start-expo-kit)
- [Original README](https://github.com/qentrah/start-expo-kit/blob/master/README.md)
- [Issues and existing reports](https://github.com/qentrah/start-expo-kit/issues)

The catalog identifies the license as **MIT**. Read the repository license before redistributing source or assets.