Resolving the “react-native: command not found” Error

Resolving the "react-native: command not found" Error

17 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Encountering the “react-native: command not found” error can be a common issue when setting up a React Native project. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this error efficiently.

Understanding the Error

This error typically occurs when the React Native command-line interface (CLI) is not correctly installed or not recognized in your system’s PATH. Let’s explore some effective solutions to address this issue.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Use NPX to Run React Native

If you are facing the error, a simple and effective solution is to use npx, which allows you to run local npm packages without globally installing them:

npx react-native

This command will temporarily use the React Native CLI from the npm registry without adding it to your global environment.

2. Install React Native CLI Globally

If the npx command does not resolve the issue, consider installing the React Native CLI globally. This ensures that the CLI is available in your PATH:

npm install -g react-native-cli

Once installed, restart your terminal or command prompt to refresh the PATH and try running your React Native command again.

3. Verify and Update Your PATH

For users who have customized their npm global directory, ensure that the directory is added to your PATH. You can do this by adding the following line to your .bashrc or .zshrc file:

export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/.npm-global/bin

After making these changes, restart your shell for the changes to take effect.

Considerations for Yarn Users

If you are using Yarn as your package manager, remember to prepend your commands with yarn. For instance:

yarn react-native info

Leveraging Repeato for Testing

Once your React Native environment is set up, consider using Repeato for efficient testing of your applications. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool designed for iOS and Android apps, including those built with React Native. It allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests swiftly, leveraging computer vision and AI for optimal performance. Learn more about how Repeato can streamline your testing process by visiting our React Native Testing page.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “react-native: command not found” error and continue developing your React Native projects seamlessly.

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