So the wait is finally over and React Native v0.72 is heading towards the way, this latest version of react native is a serious thing as it brings lots of changes, improvements and features in the world of react native, not only this, React native v0.72 also have some code breaking changes which we'll discuss in this article later, so before we jump into the topic, I've a question for you, Are you a react native developer? Or the one who's learning it? If yes then get ready for the game changing update of react native.
What's New In React Native v0.72?
So there are lots of changes in react native and some updates like
New Metro Features
Symlink Support: Symlink Support is a most requested feature by developers and in the latest version of react native 0.72, they've added a beta support for it. Currently this feature is in beta so that the team can collect feedback from the developers and they've a future plan to make this feature default by v0.73.
Package Exports (Beta): Embrace the Enhanced Compatibility of React Native v0.72 with Package Exports and the 'react-native' Community Condition! Tap into the Wider JavaScript Ecosystem and Unleash the Full Potential of Your Application. Learn How to Enable Beta Features here
Enabling Beta Features: To enable features in your project, update your app’s metro.config.js file and set either the resolver.unstable_enableSymlinks or resolver.unstable_enablePackageExports options.
To know about more Metro updates you can visit react native official site.
Developer's Performance Related Updates
Removed Redboxes With Invalid Style Properties:
Whenever the developer mistakenly provides an invalid style property in StyleSheet would result in a redbox. This indicates as high signal error that disrupts the developer workflow for a relatively low-risk error.
Now in react native v0.72 they've made it relaxing for the developers.
Better error readability for Hermes:
Hermes has added a better error message when invoking an undefined callable.
Faster Compilation and JSON Parsing in Hermes:
Hermes have now more optimized for the compilation time of large object literals.
Proceeding Towards New Architecture Updates:
The New Architecture is currently experimental. To keep updates focused to their target audience, we are moving New Architecture updates in 0.72, and future releases, to the dedicated working group. This change will also allow for more frequent updates, such as work that ships in our nightlies.
Read the official documentation for more info at React Native Blog
Code Breaking Changes
Deprecated Component Removals:
The following packages have been removed from React Native in 0.72. Please migrate to the recommended community package:
- Slider is superseded by @react-native-community/slider
- DatePickerIOS is superseded by @react-native-community/datetimepicker
- ProgressViewIOS is superseded by @react-native-community/progress-view
To see all the code breaking changes with more information on the updates of react native v0.72, make sure to read the official documentation here
Conclusion
React Native v0.72 brings some cool and performance improving Updates that are really helpful for the developers who wants to improve their productivity and it also added most requested features for the developers in the beta phase and soon they're gonna bring lots of exciting features.