| name | upgrade-react-native |
| description | Upgrade React Native version in example/ directory using rn-diff-purge methodology. Use when the user wants to upgrade react-native, migrate to a new RN version, or update React Native dependencies in the example app. Handles diff retrieval, systematic file changes, dependency updates, and conflict resolution. |
Upgrade React Native
CRITICAL: File Editing Rules
- ALWAYS use Edit/Write tools to make changes - never just report what should be changed
- VERIFY changes were saved by reading the file after editing
- Actually apply all changes - do not just list them in a summary
Workflow
1. Detect Current Version
Read example/package.json to identify the current react-native version.
2. Fetch Upgrade Diff
curl -s "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/react-native-community/rn-diff-purge/diffs/diffs/{currentVersion}..{toVersion}.diff" | awk '/^GIT binary patch$/,/^diff --git/ {if (/^diff --git/) print; next} 1'
For binary files (e.g., gradle-wrapper.jar):
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/react-native-community/rn-diff-purge/release/{version}/RnDiffApp/android/gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.jar
If diff returns 404: version combination may not exist in rn-diff-purge; suggest alternative paths or manual migration.
3. Analyze Diff
Identify file additions/deletions/modifications, dependency changes, config updates, native code changes (iOS + Android), and breaking changes.
4. Apply Changes Systematically
Order: package.json deps -> config files -> code changes -> iOS native -> Android native. Preserve custom modifications in example/.
5. Update Related Packages
react - Check: npm view react-native@{version} peerDependencies.reactreact-test-renderer - Must match React version@react-native-community/cli - Check compatibility with RN version
6. Install Dependencies
cd example && npm install
For iOS:
cd example/ios && pod install
7. Validate
Rebuild native apps from root directory:
npm run build:ios
npm run build:android
Guidelines
- Incremental upgrades: For multiple major versions, upgrade incrementally (e.g., 0.72 -> 0.73 -> 0.74).
- Conflict resolution: Preserve custom functionality, explain conflicts, recommend safest resolution.
- Never delete custom code without explicit confirmation.
- Only work within example/ unless explicitly instructed otherwise.
- Document all changes: Summarize modified/added/deleted files, breaking changes, and manual steps needed.
