📘 React Native Installation Guide

✅ Step 1: Install Node.js & Watchman

Why?
React Native requires Node.js to run JavaScript code and manage packages.

Steps:

Go to: https://nodejs.org
Download the LTS version and install it normally

Check Installation:

node -v

npm -v

macOS Only (Install Watchman):

brew install watchman

✅ Step 2: Install Java JDK 17

Why?
React Native requires Java Development Kit (JDK) 17 for Android development.

Download JDK 17 from Oracle or OpenJDK

Set JAVA_HOME environment variable:
macOS/Linux:

export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)

Windows:

Go to Control Panel → System → Environment Variables → Add JAVA_HOME

✅ Step 3: Install Android Studio

Why?
Android Studio provides the Android SDK and emulator tools for Android development.

Download from: https://developer.android.com/studio

During installation, ensure these are selected:

Android SDK
Android Emulator
Android Virtual Device
Android SDK Platform 35
Intel x86 Emulator Accelerator (HAXM)

✅ Step 4: Set Up Environment Variables

Why?
Environment variables help React Native find Android SDK tools.

macOS/Linux (add to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile):


export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Library/Android/sdk
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

Then run:

source ~/.zshrc

Windows:

ANDROID_HOME = %LOCALAPPDATA%\Android\Sdk

Update Path:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Android\Sdk\platform-tools
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Android\Sdk\emulator

✅ Step 5: Install React Native CLI

Why?
It allows project creation and build commands from terminal.

npm install -g react-native-cli

Or follow the latest steps via official docs

✅ Step 6: Create a New React Native Project

Run:

npx react-native init MyApp

✅ Step 7: Run Your React Native App

Navigate to your app folder:

cd MyApp

npx react-native run-android

npx react-native run-ios  # macOS only

✅ Step 8: Verify Your Setup

If you see the welcome screen on your emulator/device, you're done!

✅ Summary of Steps

Step	Why	Command
1	Install Node.js & Watchman	Download Node.js
2	Install Java JDK 17	OpenJDK 17
3	Install Android Studio	Android Studio
4	Set Up Env Variables	ANDROID_HOME and PATH
5	Install React Native CLI	npm install -g react-native-cli
6	Create Project	npx react-native init MyApp
7	Run Project	npx react-native run-android / run-ios
8	Verify Setup	Open App in Emulator or Device

🚀 Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve completed the React Native setup. Start coding and building your mobile app!

Facing issues? Check the official docs or visit forums like Stack Overflow.