Learn How to Run React Native App in Visual Studio Code

Often developing an application with React Native requires a lot of complex steps. In this article, I will show you how easy it is to run React Native apps in Visual Studio Code.

Prerequisites

Before you start, it is important to have the following prerequisites in order to run and develop React Native apps in Visual Studio Code.

A working React Native development environment

Setting up a React Native development environment can be challenging, but it is essential to running your React Native apps. Fortunately, there are resources such as React Native Getting Started Guide and Expo CLI Quickstart to help you get started.

Visual Studio Code installed

Visual Studio Code is an open source text editor from Microsoft which can be downloaded for free. It includes features such as debugging, auto-complete, and IntelliSense, making it an excellent choice for developing React Native apps.

Running React Native Apps in Visual Studio Code

Now that you have the necessary prerequisites in place, you are ready to run your React Native apps in Visual Studio Code. Here are the steps for doing so.

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Download and install the React Native extension by Microsoft.
3. Create a React Native project with expo.
4. Open the project with Visual Studio Code.
5. Select the React Native environment in the Debug view.
6. Set the configuration to “Debug Android” if you are deploying to an Android device or emulator.
7. Set the configuration to “Debug iOS” if you are deploying to an iOS device or simulator.
8. Select the Run button.

The React Native application should now launch on the device or simulator.

Keep in mind that React Native apps are JavaScript applications that rely on the React Native bridge to communicate with their native code counterparts. As such, it is important to make sure that the React Native bridge is properly configured and initialized before attempting to run the application.

FAQ

What are the prerequisites for running React Native apps in Visual Studio Code?

In order to run React Native apps in Visual Studio Code, you must have a working React Native development environment and Visual Studio Code installed. This includes having installed the React Native extension by Microsoft.

How do I set up a React Native development environment?

Setting up a React Native development environment can be challenging, but it is essential for running React Native apps. Resources such as React Native Getting Started Guide and Expo CLI Quickstart provide step-by-step instructions on setting up a React Native development environment.

How do I download and install the React Native extension by Microsoft?

The React Native extension by Microsoft can be downloaded and installed directly from the Visual Studio Code marketplace. Once the extension has been installed, you will be able to select it in the Extensions view in Visual Studio Code.

What are the steps for running a React Native app in Visual Studio Code?

The steps for running a React Native app in Visual Studio Code are as follows:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Download and install the React Native extension by Microsoft.
3. Create a React Native project with expo.
4. Open the project with Visual Studio Code.
5. Select the React Native environment in the Debug view.
6. Set the configuration to “Debug Android” if you are deploying to an Android device or emulator.
7. Set the configuration to “Debug iOS” if you are deploying to an iOS device or simulator.
8. Select the Run button.

What should I do if the React Native bridge is not properly configured and initialized?

If the React Native bridge is not properly configured and initialized, you may experience issues when attempting to run the application. To ensure that the bridge is properly configured and initialized, you should make sure that the latest version of the React Native CLI and the corresponding version of React Native are installed. Additionally, you should ensure that any third-party libraries are also installed and configured correctly.