Debugging in React Native can be difficult at first, but with the right tools and setup, it can be simple and efficient. In this post, we will introduce you to the best debugging React Native tools.
Accessing the Dev Menu
Accessing the Dev menu is the initial step, to begin with the debugging process. React Native offers an in-app developer menu that provides various debugging options. You can open the Dev Menu by shaking your device or using keyboard shortcuts.
iOS Simulator: Cmd ⌘ + D (or Device > Shake)
Android emulators: Cmd ⌘ + M (macOS) or Ctrl + M (Windows and Linux)
For Android devices and emulators, you can run the command adb shell input keyevent 82 in your terminal.
Tools for Debugging React Native Apps
Challenges are an important part of carrying out a project. To handle these challenges, we need effective debugging strategies and hire dedicated developers who can implement the top tactics to handle the debugging process efficiently. This is why having good debugging tools is necessary for quickly finding and fixing issues. With tools like the React Native debugger, we can resolve problems such as slow performance and unexpected app behavior, ensuring a smooth experience for users.
Here are some top tools for debugging:
1. Chrome DevTools
Chrome DevTools is a popular tool for debugging React Native apps using JavaScript. It works for both web and mobile applications and comes ready to use with React Native. You can also debug remotely.
To open the developer menu in your React Native app on an Android Emulator,
Press Ctrl + M on Windows or Cmd + M on Mac.
If you are using a real device, shake it to open the menu.
Then select “Debug JS Remotely” to launch the Google Chrome Debugger.
To access the Developer Tools,
Press ‘Cmd + Option + I’ on Mac or ‘Ctrl + Shift + I’ on Windows.
You can debug your app, set breakpoints, and view your code easily.
2. React Native Debugger
This tool is a standalone option for debugging React Native apps. It combines features of React Dev Tools and Chrome developer tools.
This eliminates the need for two distinct debugging apps. It is a desktop application that works on MacOS, Linux, and Windows. Unlike the React Developer Tools, you don’t need to set it up.
Programmers can check network requests and element layouts, as well as manage state and props. Its integration with Redux is very helpful for finding state-related bugs.
3. LogBox
React introduced the LogBox in version 0.63 to improve how errors and warnings are handled.
This tool replaces the older YellowBox and RedBox and focuses on providing clear and useful logging. The LogBox aims to address three major issues:
- Removing repetitive errors and warnings
- Displaying logs in a better format
- Providing actionable information in the logs
4. Reactotron
Reactotron is an open-source application for debugging React Native applications, similar to the React Native Debugger.
Reactotron has a user-friendly interface that lets you inspect Redux or MobX-State-Tree states, view custom logs, run commands, reset state stores, and restore state snapshots. It’s easy to set up, flexible, and supports many extensions.
5. Flipper
Flipper is an open-source tool developed by Facebook for debugging React Native apps on iOS and Android. It first appeared in React Native version 0.62 and has become a reliable and stable tool.
Flipper makes debugging easier by mimicking production environments, which gives you more confidence than traditional debugging methods. It connects directly to your React Native app without the need to switch debugging methods.
6. Metro Bundler
Metro Bundler is the default bundling tool for React Native app development. It helps you debug by giving clear error messages and stack traces when your code doesn't bundle correctly.
It also makes development faster by saving assets and only re-bundling the parts that have changed.
7. Expo DevTools
For developers using Expo in their workflow, Expo DevTools provides a simple web interface to help you debug your apps. This tool allows you to debug remotely using Chrome developer tools. You can easily view logs and reload your application.
8. Debugging Using VSCode
React Native developers often use VSCode for coding, but switching between the debugger and the editor can be difficult. To make debugging easier, you can use React Native tools to debug your applications directly in VSCode.
This approach saves time and resources while providing you with more opportunities to develop and fix new features in real-time.
To get the most out of VSCode for debugging, follow the steps below:
- Install the given extension “React Native Tools” from the Extensions tab in the Visual Studio Code.
- Click on the Run and Debug Tab and select “Create a launch.json file.”
- Add the configurations for your iOS and Android applications.
- You can now debug your code easily, step by step, using breakpoints. This works like the Chrome debugger or the built-in debugging tools in Android Studio and Xcode.
Conclusion
Different applications require different methods for debugging and optimizing performance. These were some of the best React Native debugging tools you can use to fix errors in your business applications. All you need to do is hire mobile app developers who can debug your app development project and help your business succeed.
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