How to Fix 'sh: react-scripts: command not found' Error in Create-React-App

Summary: Discover effective solutions to fix the `'sh: react-scripts: command not found'` error encountered in Create-React-App projects. Learn how to troubleshoot using npm, yarn, and other tools.
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How to Fix 'sh: react-scripts: command not found' Error in Create-React-App

Running into the 'sh: react-scripts: command not found' error can be a frustrating experience when working with Create-React-App. This error essentially indicates that the react-scripts package, which is crucial for running and building your React application, cannot be found or executed. Let's delve into some effective ways to solve this issue.

Understanding the Problem

The error message typically looks like this:

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This happens when you try to run scripts such as start, build, or test provided by Create-React-App, and the system can't locate the react-scripts binary.

Why This Happens

Missing node_modules Directory: If the "node_modules" directory is missing, your dependencies are not installed.

Incorrect PATH: Your system PATH might not include the directory where react-scripts is installed.

Corrupted node_modules: Sometimes, the node_modules directory can become corrupted.

Solutions to Fix the Error

Reinstall node_modules

Often, deleting your existing node_modules directory and re-installing all packages can solve the issue.

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If you prefer yarn, use:

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Install react-scripts Globally

If reinstalling node_modules doesn’t work, try installing react-scripts globally.

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Or with yarn:

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Check Your PATH Environment Variable

Ensure that your system PATH includes the directory where react-scripts is installed. For Unix-based systems, you can add it in your shell config file (.bashrc, .zshrc, etc.):

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After adding this, reload your shell configuration:

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Clear the npm Cache

Sometimes, clearing the npm cache can resolve inconsistency issues.

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Similarly, for yarn:

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Re-create the Project

As a last resort, you can create a new React project and copy your source files:

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Then, migrate your project files to the new directory:

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Conclusion

Encountering the 'sh: react-scripts: command not found' error can put a halt to your development workflow, but it's usually a straightforward fix. By ensuring your node_modules directory is installed correctly, managing your system PATH, and handling npm cache issues, you can quickly get back on track. Whether you're using npm or yarn, these steps should help you effectively resolve the error and continue developing your React application smoothly.

Happy coding!