If you are a JavaScript developer venturing into the realm of native code or an experienced coder looking to streamline your React Native workflow, react-native-create-bridge is your go-to tool! This blog post will guide you step-by-step on how to get started and efficiently use this powerful utility.

Getting Started

To set up your bridge module, follow these simple steps:

1. Install the package using npm or yarn:

npm install --save react-native-create-bridge

yarn add react-native-create-bridge

2. Navigate to the root of your React Native project and run:

react-native new-module

3. The tool will prompt you for several details:
   • Your bridge module name
   • Choose to create a native module, a UI component, or both!
   • Select the platforms and languages you wish to support (iOSObj-C and AndroidJava by default, with options for iOSSwift or AndroidKotlin).
   • The directory for your JavaScript files, which will be created for you if it doesn’t exist.
4. And that’s it! Sit back and let the tool create your native module swiftly!

Next Steps

Depending on your environment, additional steps may be required:

For Android Java

To complete the bridging process:

1. Locate MainApplication.java in android/app/src/main/java/com/yourapp.
2. Add your package to the getPackages function:

@Override
protected List<ReactPackage> getPackages() {
  return Arrays.<ReactPackage>asList(
    new MainReactPackage(),
    new YourModulePackage()
  );
}

3. Import your package at the top:

import com.yourapp.yourmodule.YourModulePackage;

For Android Kotlin

To add Kotlin support:

1. Ensure you have installed the Android Studio 3 preview.
2. In android/build.gradle, add ext.kotlin_version = 1.1.2-4 in the buildscript and classpath “org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version” in dependencies.
3. Add apply plugin: kotlin-android to the top of android/app/build.gradle, and compile “org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-stdlib-jre7:$kotlin_version” at the bottom.
4. You can convert any Java file to a Kotlin file by navigating through Code > Convert Java file to Kotlin file in the top menu.

Completing the Bridging Process for Kotlin

If you have followed the previous steps:

1. Look for MainApplication.kt in android/app/src/main/java/com/yourapp.
2. Add your package to the getPackages function:

override fun getPackages(): List<ReactPackage> {
  return Arrays.asList(
    MainReactPackage(),
    YourModulePackage(),
  )
}

3. Import your package at the top:

import com.yourapp.yourmodule.YourModulePackage

For iOS (Obj-C and Swift)

• For Obj-C, you’ll need to manually add files in Xcode. Right-click the app name folder and select Add Files To YourApp.
• If it’s your first Swift module, ensure you have an Obj-C bridging header. Read the documentation here on importing Obj-C into Swift.

Analogy Time: Understanding the Bridging Process

Think of react-native-create-bridge like a masterful chef preparing a delicious meal. Just as a chef chooses the ingredients and tools to create a culinary masterpiece, you select the modules, languages, and components needed for your app.

The process of creating a native module can be compared to making a multi-course meal. Each course (be it Android or iOS, Java or Kotlin) requires specific preparation steps, much like ensuring that all ingredients are ready before cooking. At last, with everything well-prepared, the final dish comes together swiftly—ready to be served to your app’s users!

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during setup, consider the following:

• Double-check your paths and ensure that you’re in the correct project directory.
• Ensure all dependencies are installed correctly.
• Consult the documentation for each platform to verify compatibility.
• For any lingering issues or to connect with fellow developers for insights, updates, or AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Happy coding! Enjoy bridging your native modules seamlessly and creating amazing React Native applications.