How to build mobile apps with AI: the three tools that actually matter
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Building mobile apps with AI effectively comes down to three tools: skills, MCP servers, and context management. Skills are SKILL.md instruction files that AI coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex) read on demand using progressive disclosure, keeping context costs low. The Expo MCP server connects agents to external services like build dashboards, logs, and simulators, but loads all tool definitions upfront so should be used sparingly. Context discipline means keeping conversations under ~50% of the context window and branching threads by task. The post walks through a habit tracker example, showing how to apply liquid glass tab styling with a skill, fix a failing build via MCP, and manage ideation vs. implementation in separate conversation threads.
