---
id: quick-start-getting-started
title: Getting Started
layout: docs
category: The Basics
permalink: docs/getting-started.html
next: tutorial
---

Welcome to React Native! This page will help you install React Native on
your system, so that you can build apps with it right away. If you already
have React Native installed, you can skip ahead to the
[Tutorial](docs/tutorial.html).

## Quick Start

[Create React Native App](https://github.com/react-community/create-react-native-app) is the easiest way to start building a new React Native application. It allows you to start a project without installing or configuring any tools to build native code.

No Xcode or Android Studio installation is required. Assuming that you have Node installed, you can run the following commands to create a new React Native project called "AwesomeProject":

```
npm install -g create-react-native-app
create-react-native-app AwesomeProject
cd AwesomeProject
npm start
```

This will start a development server for you, and print a QR code in your terminal.

Install the [Expo](https://expo.io) client app on your iOS or Android phone, make sure your phone is on the same network as your computer, and scan the QR code in your terminal to open your project. Create React Native App also has a [user guide](https://github.com/react-community/create-react-native-app/blob/master/react-native-scripts/template/README.md) you can reference if you have questions specific to the tool.

Once you've created your project and opened it in the Expo client app, you can proceed to the [Tutorial](docs/tutorial.html).

### Caveats

The Expo client app usually releases about 1 week after any given React Native release, and Create React Native App always provides the latest version of React Native which is supported by the Expo client. You can check [this document](https://github.com/react-community/create-react-native-app/blob/master/VERSIONS.md) to find out what versions are supported.

Because you don't build any native code with Create React Native App, it's not possible to include custom native modules beyond the React Native APIs and components that are available in the Expo client app.

If you know that you'll eventually need to include your own native code, Create React Native App is still a good way to get started. In that case you'll just need to "[eject](https://github.com/react-community/create-react-native-app/blob/master/react-native-scripts/template/README.md#ejecting-from-create-react-native-app)" eventually to create your own native builds. If you do eject, the native build instructions below will be required to continue working on your project.

If you're integrating React Native into an existing project, you'll want to skip Create React Native App and go directly to setting up the native build environment. See below for instructions on configuring a native build environment for React Native.

<hr style="margin-top:25px"/>

## Building Projects with Native Code

Follow these instructions if you need to build native code in your project. For example, if you "ejected" from Create React Native app, or if you are integrating React Native into an existing application, you'll need this section.

The instructions are a bit different depending on your development operating system, and whether you want to start developing for iOS or Android. If you want to develop for both iOS and Android, that's fine - you just have to pick
one to start with, since the setup is a bit different.

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  <span>Mobile OS:</span>
  <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="button-ios" onclick="display('platform', 'ios')">iOS</a>
  <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="button-android" onclick="display('platform', 'android')">Android</a>
  <br />
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  <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="button-mac" onclick="display('os', 'mac')">macOS</a>
  <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="button-linux" onclick="display('os', 'linux')">Linux</a>
  <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="button-windows" onclick="display('os', 'windows')">Windows</a>
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<block class="linux windows ios" />

## Unsupported

<div>Unfortunately, Apple only lets you develop for iOS on a Mac. If you want to build an iOS app but you don't have a Mac yet, you can try starting with the <a href="" onclick="display('platform', 'android')">Android</a> instructions instead.</div>

<center><img src="img/react-native-sorry-not-supported.png" width="150"></img></center>

<block class="mac ios" />

## Installing Dependencies

You will need Node, Watchman, the React Native command line interface, and Xcode.

<block class="mac android" />

## Installing Dependencies

You will need Node, Watchman, the React Native command line interface, a JDK, and Android Studio.

<block class="linux android" />

## Installing Dependencies

You will need Node, the React Native command line interface, a JDK, and Android Studio.

<block class="windows android" />

## Installing Dependencies

You will need Node, the React Native command line interface, Python2, a JDK, and Android Studio.

<block class="mac ios android" />

### Node, Watchman

We recommend installing Node and Watchman using [Homebrew](http://brew.sh/). Run the following commands in a Terminal after installing Homebrew:

```
brew install node
brew install watchman
```

If you have already installed Node on your system, make sure it is version 4 or newer.

[Watchman](https://facebook.github.io/watchman) is a tool by Facebook for watching changes in the filesystem. It is highly recommended you install it for better performance.

<block class="linux android" />

### Node

Follow the [installation instructions for your Linux distribution](https://nodejs.org/en/download/package-manager/) to install Node 4 or newer.

<block class='windows android' />

### Node, Python2, JDK

We recommend installing Node and Python2 via [Chocolatey](https://chocolatey.org), a popular package manager for Windows.

Android Studio, which we will install next, requires a recent version of the [Java SE Development Kit (JDK)](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html) which can be installed using Chocolatey.

Open a Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:

```
choco install nodejs.install
choco install python2
choco install jdk8
```

If you have already installed Node on your system, make sure it is version 4 or newer. If you already have a JDK on your system, make sure it is version 8 or newer.

> You can find additional installation options on [Node.js's Downloads page](https://nodejs.org/en/download/).

<block class="mac ios android" />

### The React Native CLI

Node comes with npm, which lets you install the React Native command line interface.

Run the following command in a Terminal:

```
npm install -g react-native-cli
```

> If you get an error like `Cannot find module 'npmlog'`, try installing npm directly: `curl -0 -L https://npmjs.org/install.sh | sudo sh`.

<block class="windows linux android" />

### The React Native CLI

Node comes with npm, which lets you install the React Native command line interface.

Run the following command in a Terminal:

```
npm install -g react-native-cli
```

> If you get an error like `Cannot find module 'npmlog'`, try installing npm directly: `curl -0 -L https://npmjs.org/install.sh | sudo sh`.

<block class="mac ios" />

### Xcode

The easiest way to install Xcode is via the [Mac App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xcode/id497799835?mt=12). Installing Xcode will also install the iOS Simulator and all the necessary tools to build your iOS app.

If you have already installed Xcode on your system, make sure it is version 8 or higher.

You will also need to install the Xcode Command Line Tools. Open Xcode, then choose "Preferences..." from the Xcode menu. Go to the Locations panel and install the tools by selecting the most recent version in the Command Line Tools dropdown.

![Xcode Command Line Tools](img/XcodeCommandLineTools.png)

<block class="mac linux windows android" />

### Android Development Environment

Setting up your development environment can be somewhat tedious if you're new to Android development. If you're already familiar with Android development, there are a few things you may need to configure. In either case, please make sure to carefully follow the next few steps.

<block class="mac linux android" />

> Android Studio requires a recent version of the [Java SE Development Kit (JDK)](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk8-downloads-2133151.html). Go ahead and install JDK 8 or newer if needed.

<block class="mac linux windows android" />

#### 1. Install Android Studio

Android Studio provides the Android SDK and Android Virtual Device (emulator) required to run and test your React Native apps. Download and install [Android Studio](https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html).

Once the installation process is completed, launch Android Studio. Choose "Custom" when prompted to select an installation type. Make sure the boxes next to all of the following are checked:

<block class="mac windows android" />

- `Android SDK`
- `Android SDK Platform`
- `Performance (Intel ® HAXM)`
- `Android Virtual Device`

Then, click "Next" to install all of these components.

<block class="linux android" />

- `Android SDK`
- `Android SDK Platform`
- `Android Virtual Device`

Click "Next" to install all of these components, then [configure VM acceleration](https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator-acceleration.html#vm-linux) on your system.

<block class="windows android" />

> You may also install Intel ® HAXM by following [these instructions](https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/installation-instructions-for-intel-hardware-accelerated-execution-manager-windows).

<block class="mac android" />

> You may also install Intel ® HAXM by following [these instructions](https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/installation-instructions-for-intel-hardware-accelerated-execution-manager-mac-os-x).

<block class="windows mac linux android" />

#### 2. Install the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) SDK

Android Studio installs the most recent Android SDK by default. React Native, however, requires the `Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)` SDK. You can use the SDK Manager to install additional SDK platforms. To access the SDK Manager, click on "Configure", then select "SDK Manager" from the "Welcome to Android Studio" screen.

> The SDK Manager can also be found within the Android Studio "Preferences" dialog, under **Appearance & Behavior** → **System Settings** → **Android SDK**.

Select the "SDK Platforms" tab from within the SDK Manager, then check the box next to "Show Package Details" in the bottom right corner. Look for and expand the `Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)` entry, then make sure the following items are all checked:

- `Google APIs`
- `Android SDK Platform 23`
- `Intel x86 Atom_64 System Image`
- `Google APIs Intel x86 Atom_64 System Image`

<block class="mac android" />

![Android SDK Manager](img/AndroidSDKManagerMacOS.png)

<block class="windows android" />

![Android SDK Manager](img/AndroidSDKManagerWindows.png)

<block class="windows mac linux android" />

Next, select the "SDK Tools" tab and check the box next to "Show Package Details" here as well. Look for and expand the "Android SDK Build-Tools" entry, then make sure that `23.0.1` is selected.

<block class="mac android" />

![Android SDK Manager - 23.0.1 Build Tools](img/AndroidSDKManagerSDKToolsMacOS.png)

<block class="windows android" />

![Android SDK Manager - 23.0.1 Build Tools](img/AndroidSDKManagerSDKToolsWindows.png)

<block class="windows mac linux android" />

Finally, click "Apply" to download and install the Android SDK and related build tools.

<block class="mac android" />

![Android SDK Manager - Installs](img/AndroidSDKManagerInstallsMacOS.png)

<block class="windows android" />

![Android SDK Manager - Installs](img/AndroidSDKManagerInstallsWindows.png)

<block class="mac windows linux android" />

#### 3. Set up the ANDROID_HOME environment variable

The React Native command line interface requires the `ANDROID_HOME` environment variable to be set up.

<block class="mac android" />

Add the following lines to your `~/.profile` (or equivalent) config file:

```
export ANDROID_HOME=${HOME}/Library/Android/sdk
export PATH=${PATH}:${ANDROID_HOME}/tools
export PATH=${PATH}:${ANDROID_HOME}/platform-tools
```

Type `source ~/.profile` to load the config into your current shell.

> Please make sure you export the correct path for `ANDROID_HOME`. If you installed the Android SDK using Homebrew, it would be located at `/usr/local/opt/android-sdk`. You can find the actual location of the SDK in the Android Studio "Preferences" dialog, under **Appearance & Behavior** → **System Settings** → **Android SDK**.

<block class="linux android" />

Add the following lines to your `~/.profile` (or equivalent) config file:

```
export ANDROID_HOME=${HOME}/Android/Sdk
export PATH=${PATH}:${ANDROID_HOME}/tools
export PATH=${PATH}:${ANDROID_HOME}/platform-tools
```

Type `source ~/.profile` to load the config into your current shell.

> Please make sure you export the correct path for `ANDROID_HOME` if you did not install the Android SDK using Android Studio. You can find the actual location of the SDK in the Android Studio "Preferences" dialog, under **Appearance & Behavior** → **System Settings** → **Android SDK**.

<block class="windows android" />

Open the System pane under **System and Security** in the Control Panel, then click on **Change settings...**. Open the **Advanced** tab and click on **Environment Variables...**. Click on **New...** to create a new `ANDROID_HOME` user variable that points to the path to your Android SDK.

![ANDROID_HOME Environment Variable](img/AndroidEnvironmentVariableANDROID_HOME.png)

You can find the actual location of the SDK in the Android Studio "Preferences" dialog, under **Appearance & Behavior** → **System Settings** → **Android SDK**.

Open a new Command Prompt window to ensure the new environment variable is loaded.

<block class="linux android" />

### Watchman (optional)

Follow the [Watchman installation guide](https://facebook.github.io/watchman/docs/install.html#build-install) to compile and install Watchman from source.

> [Watchman](https://facebook.github.io/watchman/docs/install.html) is a tool by Facebook for watching
changes in the filesystem. It is highly recommended you install it for better performance, but it's alright to skip this if you find the process to be tedious.

<block class="mac windows linux android" />

## Starting the Android Virtual Device

You can see the list of available AVDs by opening the "AVD Manager" from within Android Studio:

![Android Studio AVD Manager](img/react-native-tools-avd.png)

<block class="windows linux android" />

Launch the default AVD before proceeding to the next step.

<block class="mac android" />

Once in the "AVD Manager", select your AVD and click "Edit...". Choose "Android 6.0 - API Level 23" under Device, and "Intel Atom (x86_64)" under CPU/ABI. Click OK, then select your new AVD and click "Start...", and finally, "Launch".

![Android AVD Configuration](img/AndroidAVDConfiguration.png)

<block class="mac windows linux android" />

> It is very common to run into an issue where Android Studio fails to create a default AVD. You may follow the [Android Studio User Guide](https://developer.android.com/studio/run/managing-avds.html) to create a new AVD manually if needed.

### Using a real device

If you have a physical Android device, you can use it for development in place of an AVD. Plug it in to your computer using a USB cable and [enable USB debugging](https://developer.android.com/training/basics/firstapp/running-app.html) before proceeding to the next step.

<block class="mac ios android" />

## Testing your React Native Installation

<block class="mac ios" />

Use the React Native command line interface to generate a new React Native project called "AwesomeProject", then run `react-native run-ios` inside the newly created folder.

```
# skip this first command if you ejected from Create React Native App
react-native init AwesomeProject
cd AwesomeProject
react-native run-ios
```

You should see your new app running in the iOS Simulator shortly.

![AwesomeProject on iOS](img/iOSSuccess.png)

`react-native run-ios` is just one way to run your app. You can also run it directly from within Xcode or [Nuclide](https://nuclide.io/).

<block class="mac android" />

Use the React Native command line interface to generate a new React Native project called "AwesomeProject", then run `react-native run-android` inside the newly created folder:

```
# skip this first command if you ejected from Create React Native App
react-native init AwesomeProject
cd AwesomeProject
react-native run-android
```

If everything is set up correctly, you should see your new app running in your Android emulator shortly.

![AwesomeProject on Android](img/AndroidSuccessMacOS.png)

`react-native run-android` is just one way to run your app - you can also run it directly from within Android Studio or [Nuclide](https://nuclide.io/).

<block class="mac ios android" />

### Modifying your app

Now that you have successfully run the app, let's modify it.

<block class="mac ios" />

- Open `index.ios.js` in your text editor of choice and edit some lines.
- Hit `Command⌘ + R` in your iOS Simulator to reload the app and see your change!

<block class="mac android" />

- Open `index.android.js` in your text editor of choice and edit some lines.
- Press the `R` key twice or select `Reload` from the Developer Menu to see your change!

<block class="mac ios android" />

### That's it!

Congratulations! You've successfully run and modified your first React Native app.

<center><img src="img/react-native-congratulations.png" width="150"></img></center>

<block class="windows android" />

## Testing your React Native Installation

Use the React Native command line interface to generate a new React Native project called "AwesomeProject", then run `react-native run-android` inside the newly created folder:

```
# skip this first command if you ejected from Create React Native App
react-native init AwesomeProject
cd AwesomeProject
react-native run-android
```

<block class="linux android" />

## Testing your React Native Installation

Use the React Native command line interface to generate a new React Native project called "AwesomeProject", then run `react-native run-android` inside the newly created folder.

```
# skip this first command if you ejected from Create React Native App
react-native init AwesomeProject
cd AwesomeProject
react-native run-android
```

<block class="windows linux android" />

If everything is set up correctly, you should see your new app running in your Android emulator shortly.

![AwesomeProject on Android](img/AndroidSuccessWindows.png)

<block class="windows linux android" />

### Modifying your app

Now that you have successfully run the app, let's modify it.

- Open `index.android.js` in your text editor of choice and edit some lines.
- Press the `R` key twice or select `Reload` from the Developer Menu to see your change!

### That's it!

Congratulations! You've successfully run and modified a React Native app.

<center><img src="img/react-native-congratulations.png" width="150"></img></center>

<block class="mac ios" />

## Now What?

- If you want to add this new React Native code to an existing application, check out the [Integration guide](docs/integration-with-existing-apps.html).

- If you can't get this to work, see the [Troubleshooting](docs/troubleshooting.html#content) page.

- If you're curious to learn more about React Native, continue on
to the [Tutorial](docs/tutorial.html).

<block class="windows linux mac android" />

## Now What?

- If you want to add this new React Native code to an existing application, check out the [Integration guide](docs/integration-with-existing-apps.html).

- If you can't get this to work, see the [Troubleshooting](docs/troubleshooting.html#content) page.

- If you're curious to learn more about React Native, continue on
to the [Tutorial](docs/tutorial.html).

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