Resolving Resource Linking Failure in React Native’s Android Build

Resolving Resource Linking Failure in React Native's Android Build

17 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with React Native, encountering build errors can be a common hurdle. One such error that developers face is the resource linking failure, specifically related to the android:attr/lStar attribute. This error typically arises when the project’s compileSdkVersion is lower than what some of the dependencies require. In this article, we will explore effective solutions to overcome this issue.

Understanding the Issue

The error message often indicates that the android:attr/lStar resource is not found, which is required by some libraries that have been updated to use a higher SDK version. This issue can occur when a library used in your project requires compileSdkVersion 31 or higher, but your project is set to a lower version.

Update Specific Libraries

One of the most straightforward solutions is to update the library causing the issue. For instance, if you are using @react-native-community/netinfo, updating it might resolve the error:

yarn add @react-native-community/netinfo

or

npm update @react-native-community/netinfo

Modify SDK Versions

If updating the library does not resolve the issue, consider modifying the SDK versions in your android/build.gradle file:


  ext {
      buildToolsVersion = "29.0.2"
      minSdkVersion = 21
      compileSdkVersion = 31
      targetSdkVersion = 31
  }
  

Force a Specific Version of Dependencies

Another approach is to force a specific version of the AndroidX Core library, which can be done by adding the following configuration in your app/build.gradle file:


  configurations.all {
      resolutionStrategy {
          force 'androidx.core:core-ktx:1.6.0'
      }
  }
  

Identify and Adjust Dependencies

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to identify which library is causing the issue. You can generate a dependency tree using:

./gradlew :app:dependencies > dependencies.txt

Analyze the generated file to find the offending dependency and adjust it accordingly.

Utilizing Repeato for Efficient Testing

While addressing build issues, ensuring that your application functions correctly across different scenarios is crucial. This is where automated testing tools like Repeato come into play. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that enables you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your React Native apps efficiently. It leverages computer vision and AI to provide fast and reliable testing solutions, allowing you to focus on resolving build issues without compromising on quality assurance.

By integrating Repeato into your development workflow, you can streamline your testing process, ensuring that your app’s functionality is thoroughly validated after resolving build errors.

For a detailed guide on setting up Repeato, visit our Getting Started page.

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