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Amit Kumar
Amit Kumar

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Scripts & Commands Every React Native Developer Needs

#reactnative #android #productivity

You will spend more time in the terminal than you think. Running the app is the easy part — cleaning caches, killing stuck Metro, reading logs, installing on a specific device, and shipping a release is where most of the day goes.

This is a practical cheat sheet: copy-paste scripts and commands for day-to-day React Native work on macOS (works for most Linux Android flows too).

Use it as a bookmark. Pin the sections you hit weekly.

Table of Contents

  1. Must-have package.json scripts
  2. Project bootstrap & install
  3. Metro bundler
  4. Run on Android
  5. Run on iOS
  6. Clean rebuild (when nothing works)
  7. adb — everyday Android
  8. iOS simulators, devices & pods
  9. Logs & debugging
  10. Release builds & bundles
  11. Useful one-liners & aliases
  12. Quick revision checklist

1. Must-have package.json scripts

Start with a solid script surface. Defaults from a new RN app are not enough for real projects.

{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "react-native start",
    "start:reset": "react-native start --reset-cache",
    "android": "react-native run-android",
    "android:release": "react-native run-android --mode=release",
    "ios": "react-native run-ios",
    "ios:release": "react-native run-ios --configuration Release",
    "lint": "eslint .",
    "lint:fix": "eslint . --fix",
    "test": "jest",
    "test:watch": "jest --watch",
    "typecheck": "tsc --noEmit",
    "clean:android": "cd android && ./gradlew clean && cd ..",
    "clean:ios": "cd ios && xcodebuild clean && cd ..",
    "pods": "cd ios && pod install && cd ..",
    "pods:update": "cd ios && pod install --repo-update && cd .."
  }
}
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Optional but high-value scripts many teams add:

{
  "scripts": {
    "android:device": "react-native run-android --deviceId=$(adb devices | awk 'NR==2{print $1}')",
    "ios:sim": "react-native run-ios --simulator=\"iPhone 16\"",
    "bundle:android": "react-native bundle --platform android --dev false --entry-file index.js --bundle-output android/app/src/main/assets/index.android.bundle --assets-dest android/app/src/main/res",
    "bundle:ios": "react-native bundle --platform ios --dev false --entry-file index.js --bundle-output ios/main.jsbundle --assets-dest ios",
    "doctor": "npx react-native doctor"
  }
}
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Script When you use it
start:reset Weird module resolution, stale HMR, “Unable to resolve module”
android:release / ios:release Perf / ANR / animation checks that lie in Debug
pods / pods:update After RN upgrade or native dependency change
doctor New machine, CI agent, “why won’t it build?”

2. Project bootstrap & install 

# Create app (RN CLI)
npx @react-native-community/cli@latest init MyApp

# Or with a specific version
npx @react-native-community/cli@latest init MyApp --version 0.86.0

# Install JS deps
yarn
# or
npm install

# iOS native deps
cd ios && bundle install && bundle exec pod install && cd ..
# if you don't use Bundler:
cd ios && pod install && cd ..

# Environment health check
npx react-native doctor
npx react-native info
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Node / package manager tips

node -v
npm -v
yarn -v
watchman watch-del-all   # if file watching is broken (macOS)
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Pin Node with .nvmrc or engines in package.json so the whole team matches CI.

3. Metro bundler 

# Start Metro
yarn start
# or
npx react-native start

# Start and wipe Metro cache
npx react-native start --reset-cache

# Custom port (when 8081 is taken)
npx react-native start --port 8082

# Then point the app at that port
adb reverse tcp:8082 tcp:8082
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Kill a stuck Metro / free port 8081

# Find who owns 8081
lsof -i :8081

# Kill it
kill -9 $(lsof -t -i :8081)

# Nuclear option for node processes (use carefully)
killall node
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Dev menu / reload (device or emulator)

Action Android iOS Simulator
Dev menu adb shell input keyevent 82 Cmd + D
Reload rr in Metro, or shake → Reload Cmd + R

4. Run on Android 

# Default emulator / device
yarn android
npx react-native run-android

# Specific variant / flavor
npx react-native run-android --mode=debug
npx react-native run-android --mode=release
npx react-native run-android --mode=stagingDebug   # product flavors

# Specific device
adb devices
npx react-native run-android --deviceId=emulator-5554
npx react-native run-android --deviceId=<serial>

# Extra Gradle args
npx react-native run-android --active-arch-only   # faster local debug builds
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Gradle directly (when CLI is noisy)

cd android

./gradlew assembleDebug
./gradlew assembleRelease
./gradlew installDebug
./gradlew clean
./gradlew :app:dependencies > deps.txt

cd ..
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List AVDs & start emulator

emulator -list-avds
emulator -avd Pixel_7_API_34 &

# Or via Android Studio → Device Manager
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5. Run on iOS 

# Default simulator
yarn ios
npx react-native run-ios

# Named simulator
npx react-native run-ios --simulator="iPhone 16"
npx react-native run-ios --simulator="iPhone 16 Pro Max"

# Physical device
npx react-native run-ios --device

# Release configuration
npx react-native run-ios --configuration Release

# Specific scheme / workspace (monorepos / custom Xcode setup)
npx react-native run-ios --scheme MyApp
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Open Xcode when you need signing / native debugging

open ios/*.xcworkspace
# never open .xcodeproj if you use CocoaPods — use the workspace
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6. Clean rebuild (when nothing works)

Memorize this ladder. Escalate only as far as you need.

Level 1 — JS / Metro 

watchman watch-del-all
rm -rf $TMPDIR/metro-* $TMPDIR/haste-*
yarn start --reset-cache
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Level 2 — Android 

cd android && ./gradlew clean && cd ..
rm -rf android/app/build android/.gradle
yarn android
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Level 3 — iOS 

cd ios
rm -rf Pods Podfile.lock build
pod cache clean --all   # optional, slower
pod install
cd ..
yarn ios
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Level 4 — Full nuclear (local) 

# JS
rm -rf node_modules
yarn cache clean
yarn

# Metro / temp
watchman watch-del-all
rm -rf $TMPDIR/metro-* $TMPDIR/haste-* $TMPDIR/react-*

# Android
cd android && ./gradlew clean && cd ..
rm -rf android/app/build android/.gradle

# iOS
cd ios
rm -rf Pods Podfile.lock build ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/*
pod install
cd ..

yarn start --reset-cache
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Pro tip: Don’t jump to Level 4 every time. Most “white screen after upgrade” issues are Level 1 + Level 3.

7. adb — everyday Android

If you ship Android, adb is non-negotiable.

Devices & reverse ports 

adb devices -l
adb kill-server && adb start-server

# Metro on physical device over USB
adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081

# Multiple devices: pick one
adb -s emulator-5554 reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081
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Install / uninstall / clear data 

# Replace with your applicationId from android/app/build.gradle
PACKAGE=com.myapp

adb install -r android/app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk
adb uninstall $PACKAGE
adb shell pm clear $PACKAGE          # wipe app data
adb shell am force-stop $PACKAGE
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Launch & deep links 

PACKAGE=com.myapp
ACTIVITY=com.myapp.MainActivity

adb shell am start -n $PACKAGE/$ACTIVITY

# Deep link / intent
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "myapp://profile/123" $PACKAGE
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Screenshots, recordings, input 

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png .

adb shell screenrecord /sdcard/demo.mp4
# Ctrl+C to stop, then:
adb pull /sdcard/demo.mp4 .

adb shell input keyevent 82          # menu / RN dev menu
adb shell input text "hello"
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Permissions & settings useful in QA 

PACKAGE=com.myapp

adb shell pm grant $PACKAGE android.permission.CAMERA
adb shell pm revoke $PACKAGE android.permission.CAMERA
adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0   # disable animations (CI)
adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 1
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8. iOS simulators, devices & pods

Simulators 

xcrun simctl list devices
xcrun simctl boot "iPhone 16"
open -a Simulator

# Install & launch a built app
xcrun simctl install booted path/to/MyApp.app
xcrun simctl launch booted com.myapp

# Wipe simulator
xcrun simctl erase all
# or one device:
xcrun simctl erase <UDID>
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CocoaPods 

cd ios
pod install
pod install --repo-update
pod update SomePodName
pod deintegrate && pod install     # last-resort pods repair
cd ..
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Derived Data (Xcode weirdness) 

rm -rf ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/*
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Physical device logs (quick) 

xcrun devicectl device info list   # Xcode 15+
# Or use Console.app filtered by your bundle id
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9. Logs & debugging

React Native / Metro 

# Metro already prints JS logs; for device logs use platform tools
npx react-native log-android
npx react-native log-ios
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Android logcat (filter like a pro) 

PACKAGE=com.myapp

adb logcat *:S ReactNative:V ReactNativeJS:V
adb logcat --pid=$(adb shell pidof -s $PACKAGE)
adb logcat | grep -iE "ReactNative|ReactNativeJS|AndroidRuntime|FATAL"

# Clear then capture a repro
adb logcat -c && adb logcat > rn-android.log
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Flipper / DevTools (modern stacks vary) 

# Chrome debugger is largely legacy; prefer:
# - React Native DevTools (newer RN)
# - React DevTools
# - Android Studio Profiler / Xcode Instruments for native
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Hermes / bundle sanity 

# Confirm Hermes is on (android/gradle.properties)
# hermesEnabled=true

# Inspect why a module is in the bundle (useful for size)
npx react-native-bundle-visualizer
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10. Release builds & bundles

Android APK / AAB 

cd android

# APK
./gradlew assembleRelease
# → android/app/build/outputs/apk/release/app-release.apk

# Play Store bundle
./gradlew bundleRelease
# → android/app/build/outputs/bundle/release/app-release.aab

cd ..
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Signing must be configured in android/gradle.properties / keystore — never commit real secrets.

iOS archive (CLI sketch) 

# Most teams archive from Xcode UI for signing.
# CLI shape for CI:

xcodebuild \
  -workspace ios/MyApp.xcworkspace \
  -scheme MyApp \
  -configuration Release \
  -destination 'generic/platform=iOS' \
  -archivePath build/MyApp.xcarchive \
  archive
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Offline JS bundle (rare, but useful for native-only debugging) 

npx react-native bundle \
  --platform android \
  --dev false \
  --entry-file index.js \
  --bundle-output android/app/src/main/assets/index.android.bundle \
  --assets-dest android/app/src/main/res

npx react-native bundle \
  --platform ios \
  --dev false \
  --entry-file index.js \
  --bundle-output ios/main.jsbundle \
  --assets-dest ios
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Version bump reminders

Place What to bump
android/app/build.gradle versionCode, versionName
ios/*/Info.plist or Xcode CFBundleShortVersionString, CFBundleVersion
package.json optional app metadata / CI

11. Useful one-liners & aliases

Add to ~/.zshrc if you live in RN:

alias rn='npx react-native'
alias rns='npx react-native start'
alias rnsr='npx react-native start --reset-cache'
alias rna='npx react-native run-android'
alias rni='npx react-native run-ios'
alias adbr='adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081'
alias adbd='adb devices -l'
alias metro-kill='kill -9 $(lsof -t -i :8081)'
alias rn-clean-metro='watchman watch-del-all; rm -rf $TMPDIR/metro-* $TMPDIR/haste-*'
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Portable “fix my machine” script many teams keep as scripts/clean.sh:

#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail

watchman watch-del-all || true
rm -rf node_modules
yarn

rm -rf $TMPDIR/metro-* $TMPDIR/haste-* || true

(
  cd android
  ./gradlew clean
  rm -rf .gradle app/build
)

(
  cd ios
  rm -rf Pods Podfile.lock build
  pod install
)

echo "Clean complete. Run: yarn start --reset-cache"
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chmod +x scripts/clean.sh
./scripts/clean.sh
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12. Quick revision checklist

Daily

  • [ ] yarn start / yarn android / yarn ios
  • [ ] adb devices + adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081 for USB devices
  • [ ] yarn start --reset-cache when modules look stale
  • [ ] Dev menu → Perf Monitor for jank checks

Weekly / after dependency changes

  • [ ] cd ios && pod install
  • [ ] cd android && ./gradlew clean
  • [ ] npx react-native doctor
  • [ ] Run a Release build before blaming “RN performance”

When stuck

  1. Kill Metro / free 8081
  2. Reset Metro cache + Watchman
  3. Gradle clean / Pods reinstall
  4. Wipe DerivedData / node_modules
  5. npx react-native info and compare with a teammate’s machine

Interview-ready one-liner

I keep a small set of scripts for start/reset, platform runs, pods/gradle clean, and adb reverse — most RN “mysterious” bugs are cache, native deps, or Debug-vs-Release, not framework magic.

Bonus: commands you’ll look up forever 

# Who is on 8081?
lsof -i :8081

# What’s my applicationId / bundle id again?
grep -R "applicationId" android/app/build.gradle
grep -R "PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER" ios -n

# SHA-1 for Firebase / Google Sign-In (debug keystore)
keytool -list -v -keystore android/app/debug.keystore -alias androiddebugkey -storepass android -keypass android

# Clear macOS port / DNS weirdness after VPN (occasional)
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

# Confirm JDK Android Studio expects
echo $JAVA_HOME
java -version
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If you want a follow-up, the natural sequels are:

  1. CI scripts — GitHub Actions / Bitrise for RN lint, typecheck, Android AAB, iOS archive
  2. Upgrade playbook — react-native upgrade, align peers, Pods, Gradle
  3. Perf commands — dumpsys gfxinfo, Instruments, Perf Monitor workflows (pair with a performance post)

Save this file, strip the frontmatter if you paste into DEV.to, add a cover image, and set published: true when you’re ready to ship.

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