How to Fix Cannot Read Properties of Undefined Error When Archiving React Native iOS Build?

Learn how to resolve the 'Cannot Read Properties of Undefined' error (reading 'transformFile') when archiving a React Native iOS build
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How to Fix Cannot Read Properties of Undefined Error When Archiving React Native iOS Build?

If you've been developing with React Native, you may have encountered the error: "Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'transformFile')" when trying to archive an iOS build. This issue can be perplexing, especially when you're on the verge of releasing your app. Fret not, as we break down how to resolve this problem efficiently.

Common Causes

Incorrect Project Setup

One of the most frequent causes of this error is an incorrect project setup. This could stem from various misconfigurations within your project files or dependencies.

Outdated Dependencies

Dependencies that are out-of-date can also lead to unexpected errors. Keeping libraries such as React Native, React, and others up to date is essential for ensuring compatibility.

Issues with Metro Bundler

Metro Bundler is the JavaScript bundler utilized by React Native. Sometimes, conflicts or misconfigurations related to the Metro Bundler configuration can result in this error.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the "Cannot read properties of undefined" error.

Clean Build Artifacts

First, try cleaning the build artifacts. Execute the following commands:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Alternatively, you can clean the build in Xcode itself by going to Product > Clean Build Folder.

Update Dependencies

Ensure all your dependencies are up to date. You can start by updating your react, react-native packages, and other related libraries. Use the following commands:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Check Metro Bundler Configuration

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Clear Cache

Clearing the cache can also help resolve this issue. Use the following commands to clear npm, yarn, and Metro Bundler cache:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Rebuild after Cleaning

After cleaning the project and caches, try rebuilding the project:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

While encountering the "Cannot read properties of undefined" error can be frustrating, following the steps outlined above should help you resolve the issue efficiently. Keeping your project dependencies up-to-date and properly configured can go a long way in preventing such issues in the future.

By addressing root causes such as incorrect project setup, outdated dependencies, and Metro Bundler misconfigurations, you can ensure a smoother development process with React Native on iOS. Have a smooth coding experience!