Expo Router Slot vs Stack: Understanding Navigation Patterns in React Native

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When working with Expo Router in React Native applications, understanding the difference between slots and stacks is crucial for effective navigation implementation. Both serve distinct purposes in managing screen navigation and user flow.

Slots in Expo Router provide a way to render multiple screens simultaneously within a layout. This pattern is particularly useful for creating complex UI structures where multiple components need to be visible and interactive at the same time. Slots allow for parallel rendering of different route segments, making them ideal for tab-based navigation, split-screen layouts, or modal presentations that don\“t require full-screen takeover.

Stacks, on the other hand, follow the traditional navigation pattern where screens are layered on top of each other. This creates a hierarchical navigation experience where users move forward and backward through a sequence of screens. Stack navigation is perfect for workflows that require linear progression, such as onboarding sequences, form submissions, or detail views that drill down from list items.

The key distinction lies in their rendering behavior and user experience. Slots maintain multiple active routes concurrently, while stacks manage a single active route at any given time with the ability to push and pop screens. Choosing between slots and stacks depends on your app\“s navigation requirements and the type of user journey you want to create.

For developers, understanding when to use slots versus stacks can significantly impact app performance and user satisfaction. Slots offer more flexibility for complex layouts but may require more careful state management, while stacks provide a familiar navigation pattern that users intuitively understand.