Expo Router Patterns

Quick Guide: File-based routing for React Native and web. Files in app/ become routes automatically. Use _layout.tsx for navigation structure (Stack, Tabs), groups (name)/ for URL-invisible organization, [param] for dynamic segments. SDK 53+: use Stack.Protected with a guard prop for authentication. Enable typedRoutes for compile-time route safety. API routes use +api.ts suffix.

<critical_requirements>

CRITICAL: Before Using This Skill

All code must follow project conventions in CLAUDE.md (kebab-case, named exports, import ordering, import type, named constants)

(You MUST define navigation structure in _layout.tsx files -- screens without a layout parent default to a basic Stack)

(You MUST use Stack.Protected with guard prop for authentication flows in SDK 53+ -- NOT imperative redirects in useEffect)

(You MUST use useLocalSearchParams for route params in screens -- useGlobalSearchParams causes unnecessary re-renders on unfocused screens)

(You MUST enable typedRoutes in app.json experiments for compile-time route validation -- catches invalid navigation at build time)