Is RNPM still needed for React Native?

No, RNPM's functionality is now integrated into the React Native CLI's react-native link command since version 0.60, so using the standalone tool is deprecated. For newer projects, rely on the built-in tools.

RNPM vs react-native link: which one should I use?

Use react-native link for current React Native projects, as it incorporates RNPM's features and is maintained within the core. RNPM was a precursor but is now obsolete for most use cases.

How to link native dependencies with RNPM if I'm on an old version?

Install RNPM globally via npm install rnpm -g, then use rnpm link or rnpm install as per the README. Ensure your project uses version control to revert changes if needed.

Does RNPM work with CocoaPods for iOS?

Yes, RNPM handles static library linking independently of CocoaPods by updating Xcode projects, as confirmed in the FAQ. It doesn't interfere with CocoaPods workflows.

What are RNPM plugins and how to create one?

Plugins extend RNPM with custom commands; follow the naming convention rnpm-plugin- and implement a function with config and args. The README provides examples and guidelines for development.

Why does rnpm link fail with ERRINVALIDPROJ?

This error often occurs if the package isn't installed via npm install --save first, as noted in the FAQ. Ensure the module is in dependencies and the project structure is compatible.

Open-Awesome

rnpm

MITJavaScriptv1.9.0

A React Native package manager that automates linking native dependencies for iOS and Android.

GitHub

2.5k stars72 forks0 contributors

What is rnpm?

RNPM is a React Native Package Manager that automates the process of linking native dependencies in React Native projects. It simplifies adding native modules by automatically configuring both iOS and Android projects, reducing manual setup and potential errors. The tool was inspired by CocoaPods and fastlane, and it has since been merged into the React Native core.

Target Audience

React Native developers who need to manage native dependencies and want to automate the linking process for iOS and Android. It's particularly useful for teams looking to streamline their development workflow and reduce configuration overhead.

Value Proposition

Developers choose RNPM because it automates native dependency linking with minimal configuration, supports a plugin system for extensibility, and integrates seamlessly with the npm ecosystem. Its ability to scan project structures and handle assets makes it a powerful tool for improving React Native development efficiency.

Overview

:iphone: React Native Package Manager

Use Cases

Best For

Automatically linking native libraries in React Native projects
Simplifying iOS and Android dependency management
Reducing manual configuration for native modules
Extending React Native tooling with custom plugins
Managing custom assets like fonts in React Native apps
Streamlining post-install hooks for dependency linking

Not Ideal For

Projects using React Native 0.60 or higher where linking is automatically handled by the CLI
Teams that prefer manual, fine-grained control over native dependency configurations without automation
Developers relying heavily on CocoaPods or Gradle for platform-specific package management
Projects storing native modules in devDependencies, as RNPM only links from dependencies

Pros & Cons

Pros

Automatic Native Linking

Scans project directories and dependencies to automatically link libraries for both iOS and Android, reducing manual configuration errors as highlighted in the README's rationale.

Integrated Installation Command

Combines package installation and linking into a single rnpm install command, streamlining workflow compared to separate npm install and linking steps.

Extensible Plugin System

Supports third-party plugins to add custom commands, allowing developers to extend functionality, as described in the plugins section of the README.

Asset Management Automation

Automatically copies custom assets like fonts and updates project configurations for both platforms, saving time on manual asset integration.

Cons

Deprecated Standalone Tool

RNPM has been merged into React Native core, making the standalone version obsolete and potentially unsupported, as stated in the README's announcement.

Limited Dependency Scope

Only links modules from the dependencies field in package.json, ignoring devDependencies, which can skip necessary native modules in some setups.

Project Structure Assumptions

Relies on scanning directories to detect configurations, which may fail with unconventional code structures, requiring manual rnpm object overrides in package.json.

Frequently Asked Questions

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