Setting Up the React Native Development Environment

React Native is the popular mobile app development platform for creating cross-platform apps. It is the JavaScript platform that pushes the easy development of an app for Android and IOS devices. The first step toward the development process will be to set up the React Native development environment. Take help from a professional mobile to set up the mobile app development environment for the first time.

You’ll need the use of specific tools for the development environment setup like Windows, NPM (Node Package Manager), Node.js (Version 8 or newer), React Native Command-line interface (React Native CLI), Java Development Kit (JDK 8 or newer), Android Studio, Visual Studio Code, and Built-in Emulator in the Studio. The blog will help you with different methods to set up the React Native Development environment for easy app creation.

Are you new to React Native mobile app development? Get started with Expo CLI in such cases. It is a tool built around React Native and has many features to make the development simple. The relevant features of the tool are ensuring the writing of React Native app within minutes. In case you’re familiar with app development, then you can start with React Native CLI. It needs Xcode or Android Studio to start the development process. If you already have the tools installed in the system, then start with the app development procedure instantly. Or else, install the tools to get the procedure running in minutes.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose React Native Development?
2. Steps to Set-Up React Native Development Environment
3. Final Thoughts!

Why Choose React Native Development?

React Native is assisting in the development of apps using JavaScript. Use a reputed library to build the UI of the app and thus make it functional. The React Native app development environment is different from hybrid systems. It is helping to build a real mobile app that is similar to an app coded in Java or Objective-C. React Native development environment is using the same block in Android & IOS but encapsulates it together with React and JavaScript.

The demand for cross-platform apps is high in the market and React Native is an effective option. The JavaScript component can be used on multiple platforms and it saves a lot of time. Create the same app for multiple platforms without changing the codebase. React Native is using the Android & IOS building blocks to compile the mobile apps and thus makes the handling of the codebase easier.

Businesses with stricter budgets need to create a Native environment for an app by compiling the JavaScript codebase. The platform also offers attractive UI/UX and safety features not available in hybrid apps. Set up the React Native development environment the right way to start with the development process quickly. Reach out to professional developers for advice related to React Native app development environment setup.

Steps to Set-Up React Native Development Environment

To set up the React Native development environment, you need to install some of the tools initially. Follow the steps carefully and you’ll be able to set up the environment on your own. First, install the NodeJS and NPM in your system. Then follow the steps –

Installation of Create-React-Native-App

Proceed with the installation of create-react-native-app, once the NodeJS & NPM installation is successful.

C:\Users\Tutorialspoint> npm install –g create-react-native-app

Creation of Project

The next step in the setup will be to create a project by browsing the necessary folder. It is time to create a new React Native project as follows –

C:\Users\Tutorialspoint>cd Desktop

C:\Users\Tutorialspoint\Desktop>create-react-native-app MyReactNative

Once the codes or commands mentioned above are implemented the specified way, a folder with specified names is created with different contents.

Install NodeJS Python and Jdk8

The installation of NodeJS and Jdk8 in your system is important to set up the development environment in a superior way. It is also recommended to install the latest version of yarn to avoid any kind of trouble.

Installation of React Native CLI

Use the install –g react-native-cli command for the installation of React Native commands line interface on npm.

npm install –g react-native-cli

Start React Native

Browser through the project folder to verify the installation and use the start command to move forward with the project –

C: \Users\Tutorialspoint\Desktop>cd MyReactNative
C: \Users\Tutorialspoint\Desktop\MyReactNative>npm start

You’ll now get a QR code, once the above commands are implemented correctly. Use expo to run the react native apps on the Android version. Do the installation of the expo client on the Android device and scan the QR code that appears.

Ejection of the Project

Are you looking to use android studio for running the Android emulator? Press ctrl+c to come out of the current command line. Now, it is time to execute the run ‘eject command’ as

 npm run eject

It is a prompting option for ejection and thus select the first option with arrows and then press ‘Enter’.

Now, suggest the name of the app on the home screen and the project name on the Android studio & Xcode projects.

If there is any error reflecting on the screen, ignore it and run React Native for android using the command –

React-native run-android

Installation of Android Studio

Visit the office page and download the latest Android version. Once the installation file is downloaded, double-click on the option and proceed further with the installation process.

Configuration of AVD Manager

Click on the necessary icon in the menu option for configuring the AVD Manager.

Now choose a device definition and click on the ‘Next’ button. A System Image window appears in front of you and thus selects the ‘x86 Images’ tab.

Select ‘Marshmallow’ and then click on ‘Next’.

Finally, press the ‘Finish’ button to end the AVD configuration. Once the configuration of the virtual device is done, click on the play option under the ‘Actions’ column to get started with the Android emulator.

Run Android

Open the Command Prompt option, and browse through the project folder. Next, execute the ‘react native run-android’ command.

Now as the app execution begins, you can see the status in the next prompt.

Create local.properties

Go to the project folder ‘SampleReactNative/android’ and click on the ‘Android’ option. It is time to create a file as ‘local.properties ’and then add the necessary path –

Skd.dir = /C:\\Users\\Tutorialspoint\\AppData\\Local\\Android\\Sdk
Use your name in place of ‘Tutorialspoint’ and press Ok.

It is Time for Hot Reloading

For building the application, modify App.js and changes get incorporated or update automatically on the android emulator.

Now click on the android emulator and then select the option ‘Enable Hot Reloading’.

Final Thoughts!

React Native is one of the reliable mobile app development platforms to build functional apps. Setting a React Native app development environment can be challenging for the first-timers and thus the above-mentioned steps will surely help. Contact React Native app developers who can assist you in the development environment setup. A quick conversation with the React Native app development experts will assist in the simple setup of the app development environment.