Resolving the ‘No Template Named ‘unary_function’ in Namespace ‘std” Error in Xcode 15

Resolving the 'No Template Named 'unary_function' in Namespace 'std'' Error in Xcode 15

17 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Upgrading to Xcode 15 has introduced a common issue for developers working with React Native projects. The error message “No template named ‘unary_function’ in namespace ‘std’; did you mean ‘__unary_function’?” can pose a significant obstacle. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive solution to this problem using the most effective methods observed in practice.

Understanding the Issue

The error typically occurs when the build process encounters deprecated functions in the C++ standard library during compilation. This deprecation affects libraries that rely on the old std::unary_function template.

The most straightforward solution, as suggested by recent successful implementations, involves letting Xcode handle the error correction:

  • Open your project in Xcode.
  • Attempt to build the project by clicking the play icon to launch the simulator.
  • When the build fails, Xcode will display the error in the sidebar. Click on the error to navigate to the problematic code.
  • Follow Xcode’s prompt to Fix the issue.

This solution is efficient and leverages Xcode’s built-in capabilities to resolve deprecated function issues, ensuring compatibility with the latest updates.

Alternative Solutions

In scenarios where the above method does not resolve the issue, consider the following alternative solutions:

  • Modify the Podfile to include a build setting that re-enables the deprecated function:
post_install do |installer|
  installer.pods_project.targets.each do |target|
    target.build_configurations.each do |config|
      config.build_settings['GCC_PREPROCESSOR_DEFINITIONS'] ||= ['$(inherited)', '_LIBCPP_ENABLE_CXX17_REMOVED_UNARY_BINARY_FUNCTION']
    end
  end
end
    
  • Update your React Native version to v0.72.5 or later, where fixes for Xcode 15 are included. Simply run npm update react-native.
  • Implementing a Longer-Term Fix

    For a more robust approach, consider updating your libraries to use std::function and std::bind instead of the deprecated unary_function. This change aligns your code with modern C++ standards and prevents similar issues in future updates.

    Enhancing Your Workflow with Repeato

    As you continue to develop and test your React Native applications, consider leveraging tools like Repeato to streamline your testing process. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that supports iOS and Android testing. Its computer vision and AI-based approach make it particularly fast and efficient for creating, running, and maintaining automated tests.

    By integrating Repeato into your workflow, you can quickly identify and resolve errors like the one discussed, ensuring a smoother development experience.

    Like this article? there’s more where that came from!