Upgrading React Native in Brownfield Applications
Article Summary
Upgrading React Native in a brownfield app isn't just harder than a greenfield project. It's a completely different beast that most teams underestimate.
Callstack breaks down the unique challenges of upgrading React Native when it's embedded inside existing native iOS and Android apps. Unlike standalone RN apps, brownfield setups require coordinating native dependencies, managing multiple integration points, and testing across hybrid architectures.
Key Takeaways
- Brownfield upgrades require syncing native dependencies across iOS and Android hosts
- Testing must cover both native-to-RN boundaries and pure RN flows
- Version mismatches between host app and RN can break builds silently
- Incremental migration reduces risk compared to big-bang upgrades
Critical Insight
Upgrading React Native in brownfield apps demands a methodical approach that treats native integration as a first-class concern, not an afterthought.
