17 December 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When working with React Native, especially on a clean Linux installation, you might encounter an error stating that JAVA_HOME is not set, and no ‘java’ command could be found in your PATH. This issue arises because the latest versions of Android Studio use an internal Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which is not automatically included in system paths.
Understanding the Problem
The error typically occurs when running the command:
react-native run-androidThis command attempts to build and install the app on a connected device or emulator. However, it fails because the system cannot locate the Java installation required for the build process.
Solution: Setting Up JAVA_HOME
For Windows Users
- Open Android Studio and navigate to File → Other Settings → Default Project Structure…
- Note the JDK location displayed, such as
C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio\jre. - Open the System Properties by right-clicking on “This PC” and selecting Properties → Advanced System Settings → Environment Variables…
- Create a new system variable:
- Variable name: JAVA_HOME
- Variable value: Path to the JRE, e.g.,
C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio\jre
- Confirm by opening a new command prompt and typing
echo %JAVA_HOME%to verify the path.
For Linux Users
- Locate the Android Studio installation directory and find the
/jrefolder. - Edit your
.bashrcor.bash_profilefile by adding the following line:export JAVA_HOME=/jre - Reload the terminal configuration with the command:
source $HOME/.bash_profileor
source $HOME/.bashrc - Ensure an Android emulator is running or connect a real device to execute the React Native application.
Alternative Approach: Running the Project in Android Studio
If you prefer not to set up a separate Java installation, you can open the Android project directly in Android Studio:
- Navigate to the
androiddirectory of your React Native project. - Open this directory as a project in Android Studio.
- Use Android Studio’s built-in tools to run the project on an emulator or connected device.
For seamless JavaScript code updates, enable live reload in the emulator by pressing CTRL + M (or CMD + M on macOS) and selecting “Enable live reload”.
Enhancing Development with Repeato
While configuring your development environment, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for React Native. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests effortlessly. Its computer vision and AI capabilities make test editing and execution swift and efficient, providing an excellent solution for ensuring app quality without extensive setup.
