What are Expo API routes?

They are server-side endpoints defined within the app directory of an Expo Router project using the +api.ts suffix, allowing you to write backend logic alongside your frontend code.

Where do these routes run when deployed?

When using EAS Hosting, these routes are deployed to Cloudflare Workers, providing global low-latency edge computing for your mobile backend.

How do I secure my API keys in an Expo app?

You should store them in environment variables and access them only within API routes (+api.ts files). This ensures the keys never reach the client-side mobile bundle.

Is it possible to test Expo API routes locally?

Yes, you can use the command 'npx expo serve' to start a local development server that supports full API route functionality for testing.

Can I use standard Node.js modules in Expo API routes?

Because they run on Cloudflare Workers, native Node.js modules like 'fs' are unavailable. You must use standard Web APIs (fetch, Request, Response) or edge-compatible libraries.

Expo API Routes Implementation

Name: Expo API Routes Implementation
Author: expo

byexpo

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651

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Mobile Development

Implements secure server-side logic and API endpoints within Expo Router applications for EAS Hosting.

This skill provides specialized guidance for architecting and deploying server-side API routes directly within Expo Router projects. It enables developers to securely handle sensitive operations like database queries, third-party API proxying, and webhook processing without exposing secrets to the client. By adhering to Cloudflare Workers runtime constraints, it ensures that your backend logic is optimized for edge deployment on EAS Hosting, covering everything from dynamic routing and CORS configuration to environment variable management and local testing workflows.

Key Features

01Full support for HTTP methods including dynamic routing and request handling

02EAS Hosting deployment patterns and local testing with npx expo serve

03Standardized API route creation using +api.ts file patterns

04651 GitHub stars

05Guidance on Cloudflare Workers runtime compatibility and limitations

06Implementation of server-side secrets and environment variable security

Use Cases

01Building secure proxies for external services like OpenAI or Stripe to hide API keys

02Creating webhook endpoints to receive callbacks from external services like GitHub

03Performing direct database operations using edge-compatible clients like Turso or Supabase

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add expo/skills expo-api-routes

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill