---
title: "I Built a File-Based Router for React Native"
description: "A deep dive into building a file-based router for React Native using Metro’s hidden APIs, dynamic routing, loading states, and smart hacks included."
url: https://www.callstack.com/events/i-built-a-file-based-router-for-react-native
updated: 2026-10-24T08:39:20.156Z
---

# I Built a File-Based Router for React Native

A deep dive into building a file-based router for React Native using Metro’s hidden APIs, dynamic routing, loading states, and smart hacks included.

_Talk · 4/16/2025 · Wrocław, Poland · Recording: 24:13 · Category: React Native_

Organizer: React Universe Meetup

Speakers: Szymon Chmal (Software Developer @ Callstack)

[Watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQjFVF3g310)

What happens when a web dev goes down the React Native rabbit hole with a weekend hack project? You get a custom file-based router built from scratch, with suspense and error handling, and some clever use of Metro internals.

In this talk from the React Universe Meetup in Wrocław (April 2024), Szymon Chmal, Senior Software Engineer at Callstack, walks through how curiosity led him to explore file routing in React Native. Along the way, he uncovered undocumented Metro APIs, tackled dynamic imports, and discovered ways to replicate familiar patterns from Next.js, all with a surprisingly lean setup.

Expect some laughs, real talk about dev pain points, and a ton of practical insights.