Linking dependencies in React Native: A best practices Guide

In this article, we’ll discuss dependency linking in React Native. The purpose is to serve as a general guide for linking dependencies in React Native projects and provide guidance on the best practices that apply. With robust features like self-healing tests, cross-platform compatibility, and integrations with leading CI/CD pipelines, Tricentis Testim Mobile empowers teams to deliver high-quality mobile applications with confidence.

First, we’ll explain what dependency linking is and how it applies to the React Native platform. Then we’ll explore the different types of dependency linking available while defining their differences and applications. Next, we’ll provide some helpful examples of dependency linking with some basic packages in a sample project. Finally, we’ll point out some of the most essential best practices to keep in mind when implementing dependency linking in React Native.

We’ll briefly go through the process of creating a React Native project with the Expo scaffolding feature. If you already know how to do this, you can skip this section.
Let’s proceed.

React Native 101

First things first. Let’s get your environment up and running.
Necessary tools:

• Expo CLI command-line utility
• NodeJS runtime
• Visual Studio Code (or your preferred code editor)

Step 1

Install NodeJS.
You can find the installer on the official NodeJS portal or use the package manager within your OS. For macOS, for example, open the terminal and type:

$ brew install node

Step 2

Next, install the Expo CLI command-line tool:

$ npm install -g expo-cli

Step 3

Finally, install Visual Studio Code or your preferred code editor.

New project

To create a project, use the scaffolding tool available in Expo:

$ expo init MyProject

Select ‘blank (typescript)’ and replace MyProject with your desired project name. Then, start the project with:

$ npm start

What Is dependency linking in React Native?

A dependency is a library, package, or collection of code that enhances or expands a project’s features. Dependency linking is the process of integrating these external units into a project.
For example, if you want to add routing capabilities, you might include the react-router-dom package. Some dependencies can be added with a simple npm or yarn command, while others require manual integration, particularly native modules.

Dependency linking is the process by which this entity or unit is retrieved and integrated into said project.

Types of dependency linking in React Native

There are two primary methods:

• Automatic linking: This uses the react-native link tool to streamline module integration.
• Manual linking: This involves manually placing files in the correct project directories and adjusting configurations.

Most developers prefer automatic linking, but certain modules may require additional manual steps.

Dependency linking examples in React Native

For this example, we’ll use auto-linking:

$ npm install <package-with-native-dependencies> --save

However, you can find extra information about the process of manual dependency linking here.
Next, run:

$ npx react-native link

This ensures integration with iOS and Android platforms.

Best practices for dependency linking in React Native?

Before linking:

• Use version control.
• Ensure your code is committed.
• Create a feature branch.

During linking:

• Install and link your dependency.
• Follow additional setup steps as needed.

After linking:

• Inspect your project for issues.
• Commit changes and merge the feature branch.

So, it’s essential to abide by these best practices to properly maintain the dependencies and deal with the edge cases where the normal process might not work as well.

Moving on

Dependency linking is a crucial step in building robust React Native applications, but it can introduce complexity. Proper testing and continuous integration are essential to avoid disruptions. That’s why we recommend all teams to check out Tricentis Testis Mobile, code-free testing platform solution. You can learn more about it here.

Accelerate your testing with tricentis testim mobile

Ensuring stability in React Native projects requires comprehensive testing. Tricentis Testim Mobile offers AI-driven, codeless mobile test automation, reducing maintenance overhead and increasing test coverage. Key features include:

• Self-healing tests to reduce flaky failures.
• Cross-platform support for iOS and Android.
• Seamless CI/CD integration with DevOps workflows.
• Smart locators for resilient test execution.
• AI-powered test creation and maintenance.

By leveraging Tricentis Testim Mobile, teams can efficiently automate mobile testing, ensuring faster releases and superior application quality. Learn more about how Tricentis Testim Mobile can streamline your testing workflow at Tricentis Testim Mobile.

The author of the blog post is Juan pursues
As an entrepreneur, skilled engineer, and mental health champion, Juan pursues sustainable self-growth, embodying leadership, wit, and passion. With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, Juan has had the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent players in mobile development, web development, and e-commerce in Japan and the US.