Transitive Dependencies and React Native Autolinking
Article Summary
Tyler from Infinite Red tackles a question that trips up new React Native library authors: why can't native modules just bundle together like regular JavaScript dependencies?
When building React Native libraries, developers often wonder why transitive dependencies with native code need special handling. The answer lies in how React Native's autolinking system works with npm's dependency resolution. This creates specific requirements for library authors.
Key Takeaways
- React Native won't autolink transitive dependencies with native modules
- Native dependencies must be declared as peer dependencies instead
- This prevents duplicate linking errors and gives apps version control
- Library authors must document peer dependency installation steps
- The tradeoff: more control but more manual dependency management
Critical Insight
React Native requires native module dependencies to be peer dependencies rather than bundled dependencies to prevent linking conflicts and give consuming apps control over versions.
