Upgrades React Native apps to newer versions by applying rn-diff-purge template diffs, updating package.json dependencies, migrating native iOS and Android configuration, resolving CocoaPods and Gradle changes, and handling breaking API updates. Use when upgrading React Native, bumping RN version, updating from RN 0.x to 0.y, or migrating Expo SDK alongside a React Native upgrade.
Install with Tessl CLI
npx tessl i github:callstackincubator/agent-skills --skill upgrading-react-native99
Does it follow best practices?
Validation for skill structure
Covers the full React Native upgrade workflow: template diffs via Upgrade Helper, dependency updates, Expo SDK steps, and common pitfalls.
# Quick start: detect current version and fetch diff
npm pkg get dependencies.react-native --prefix "$APP_DIR"
npm view react-native dist-tags.latest
# Example: upgrading from 0.76.9 to 0.78.2
# 1. Fetch the template diff
curl -L -f -o /tmp/rn-diff.diff \
"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/react-native-community/rn-diff-purge/diffs/diffs/0.76.9..0.78.2.diff" \
&& echo "Diff downloaded OK" || echo "ERROR: diff not found, check versions"
# 2. Review changed files
grep -n "^diff --git" /tmp/rn-diff.diff
# 3. Update package.json, apply native changes, then install + rebuild
npm install --prefix "$APP_DIR"
cd "$APP_DIR/ios" && pod install
# 4. Validate: both platforms must build successfully
npx react-native build-android --mode debug --no-packager
xcodebuild -workspace "$APP_DIR/ios/App.xcworkspace" -scheme App -sdk iphonesimulator buildReference these guidelines when:
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| upgrading-react-native.md | Router: choose the right upgrade path |
| upgrade-helper-core.md | Core Upgrade Helper workflow and reliability gates |
| upgrading-dependencies.md | Dependency compatibility checks and migration planning |
| react.md | React and React 19 upgrade alignment rules |
| expo-sdk-upgrade.md | Expo SDK-specific upgrade layer (conditional) |
| upgrade-verification.md | Manual post-upgrade verification checklist |
| monorepo-singlerepo-targeting.md | Monorepo and single-repo app targeting and command scoping |
| Problem | Start With |
|---|---|
| Need to upgrade React Native | upgrade-helper-core.md |
| Need dependency risk triage and migration options | upgrading-dependencies.md |
| Need React/React 19 package alignment | react.md |
| Need workflow routing first | upgrading-react-native.md |
| Need Expo SDK-specific steps | expo-sdk-upgrade.md |
| Need manual regression validation | upgrade-verification.md |
| Need repo/app command scoping | monorepo-singlerepo-targeting.md |
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