React

React Native Commands

Build native mobile apps for iOS and Android with React Native. Learn CLI commands for project creation, development, building, and debugging on real devices and simulators.

9 commands

Pro Tips

Use Expo for new projects: 'npx create-expo-app' — handles native tooling, builds, and OTA updates.

Shake your device or press 'D' in the simulator to open the React Native dev menu for debugging.

Use 'npx react-native doctor' to check your development environment setup and fix common issues.

Common Mistakes

React Native CSS is not web CSS. Flexbox defaults are different (flexDirection: column). Don't assume web knowledge transfers directly.

iOS builds require macOS with Xcode installed. You cannot build for iOS on Windows or Linux.

Commands

Create React Native app

$ npx @react-native-community/cli@latest init MyApp

Initialize new React Native project.

Start Metro bundler

$ npx react-native start

Start Metro bundler (default port 8081).

Reset Metro cache

$ npx react-native start --reset-cache

Start Metro with cache cleared.

Run on iOS

$ npx react-native run-ios

Build and run on iOS simulator.

Run on iOS device

$ npx react-native run-ios --device "iPhone"

Build and run on specific iOS device.

Run on Android

$ npx react-native run-android

Build and run on Android emulator/device.

Doctor check

$ npx react-native doctor

Diagnose and fix common issues.

View Android logs

$ npx react-native log-android

Stream Android device logs.

Clean build

$ npx react-native clean

Clean build artifacts.