Airbnb Clone with React Native for Web

Siso Ngqolosi

Published on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024

https://youtu.be/Luhj-bmfCNk?si=3xnG9sPd1QJB16tM

Test site: https://airbnb-test.netlify.app/

Github Link: https://github.com/sisoalbert/airbnb-clone-expo-web

In this short tutorial we are going to implement an airbnb clone with react native for web.

Project Setup and Dependencies:

  • Prerequisites:

    • Node.js and npm (or yarn) installed on your system.

    • A basic understanding of React and JavaScript.

  • Create a New Project:

    1. Open a terminal in your desired project directory.

    2. Run npx expo init project-name. Replace project-name with your preferred name.

    3. Select a template (Blank if starting from scratch, TypeScript if you prefer).

    4. Install React Native Web and related dependencies:Bash

       npx expo install expo-web react-native-vector-icons react-native-maps react-hook-form @react-navigation/native

    5. Install additional dependencies for React Native Web based on your specific requirements (e.g., styling, functionality).

Component Structure and Navigation:

  • Organize Components:

    • Create a components folder to store reusable components like Home, Listings, Login, Register, etc.

    • Consider using a UI component library like Chakra UI or Material-UI for consistency and efficiency.

  • Set Up Navigation:

    • Install and configure a navigation library like @react-navigation/native for smooth navigation between screens.

    • Create a tab navigator for main sections like Explore, Profile, Messages, etc.

    • Define nested navigators for specific flows like listing details, booking forms, user settings.

Data Fetching and API Integration:

  • Choose an API:

    • Decide whether to mock data initially or integrate with a real-life API like Airbnb's public API.

    • If using a real API, obtain proper credentials and handle authentication/authorization.

  • Implement Data Fetching:

    • Use fetch or an HTTP client library like Axios to make API requests.

    • Store fetched data in a state management solution like Redux, Context API, or Zustand.

    • Handle errors gracefully and display loading states while data is being fetched.

Layout and Styling:

  • Responsive Design:

    • Use libraries like react-responsive or media queries to ensure your app adapts to different screen sizes and devices.

  • Customizable Theme:

    • Implement a global theme provider (e.g., using context or a library) to allow users to change colors, fonts, and other theme aspects.

  • CSS-in-JS or Styled Components:

    • Consider using CSS-in-JS solutions like Emotion or Styled Components for efficient and maintainable styling.

Listing Display and Search:

  • Search Component:

    • Create a search component with filters for location, dates, price range, amenities, etc.

    • Handle filtering and sorting efficiently using libraries like Lodash or Immer.

  • Listing Cards:

    • Design reusable listing cards that display property details, ratings, images, etc.

    • Optimize image loading and handling for performance.

    • Leverage libraries like react-native-maps for displaying listings on a map.

User Authentication and Management:

  • Login and Registration:

    • Implement forms for user login and registration.

    • Store user data securely using local storage or a backend database.

    • Consider using state management for managing user authentication state.

  • Profile Management:

    • Allow users to view and edit their profile information, saved listings, booking history, etc.

    • Protect sensitive information using proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.

Booking and Payment:

  • Booking Flow:

    • Design a user-friendly booking flow with calendar availability, booking confirmation, and payment processing.

    • Integrate with a payment gateway (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) or mock the process for development purposes.

  • Communication:

    • Enable messaging between hosts and guests for inquiries, booking confirmations, and other communication.

    • Consider using Firebase Cloud Messaging or similar services for real-time messaging.

Polishing and Optimization:

  • Testing and Debugging:

    • Thoroughly test your app on different devices and browsers.

    • Use debugging tools like the browser developer console to identify and fix issues.

  • Performance Optimization:

    • Prioritize performance, especially on mobile devices.

    • Use techniques like lazy loading, code splitting, and efficient data rendering.

  • Accessibility:

    • Make your app accessible to users with disabilities by following WCAG guidelines.