React Native / Expo Environment Setup on Ubuntu
1. Install Node.js
Install Node.js from the official website using curl.
Example:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
Verify installation:
node -v
npm -v
2. Install npm (if not installed)
sudo apt install npm
3. Install Java (OpenJDK 17)
React Native requires Java for Android development.
sudo apt-get install openjdk-17-jdk
sudo apt-get install openjdk-17-jre
Verify:
java -version
4. Install Watchman
Watchman helps detect file changes for React Native projects.
sudo apt install watchman
Verify:
watchman --version
5. Install Android Studio
Download Android Studio.
Extract it into the root directory
/.
Example:
sudo tar -xvf android-studio-*.tar.gz -C /
Navigate to the bin folder:
cd /android-studio/bin
Run Android Studio:
./studio.sh
Complete the Android SDK setup from the Android Studio wizard.
6. Configure Android Environment Variables
Open the .bashrc file:
gedit ~/.bashrc
Add the following lines at the end of the file:
export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Android/Sdk
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/tools
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/tools/bin
Reference: React Native Environment Setup Guide
7. Reload Bash Configuration
Apply the changes:
source ~/.bashrc
8. Verify ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
Check if ADB is installed correctly.
adb --version
Expected Output:
Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.41
9. Install Required Global NPM Packages
Install Expo CLI and React Native CLI.
npm install -g expo-cli
npm install -g @react-native-community/cli
10. Start the React Native App
Navigate to your project folder.
Start the Expo development server:
npx expo start
Then:
Install the Expo Go app on your Android device.
Scan the Metro Bundler QR code shown in the terminal or browser.
The app will run on your device.
