Global React Native installation failing with 'Cannot find module' error

Other Questions NPM
1

I’m trying to set up React Native on my Mac but running into trouble. When I use the command to install it globally, I get an error about a missing module. Here’s what happens:

$ sudo npm install -g react-native

npm ERR! Cannot find module './spawn'
npm ERR! Darwin 15.6.0
npm ERR! node v4.6.0
npm ERR! npm  v2.15.9
npm ERR! code MODULE_NOT_FOUND

I’m using Node v4.6.0 and npm v2.15.9. The full error log mentions something about a lifecycle script. Any ideas what could be causing this or how to fix it? I’m new to React Native and not sure if I’m missing a step somewhere.

2

yo, try clearing ur npm cache n updating node/npm. older versions can be finicky. also, double-check ur path variables. sometimes that messes stuff up. if all else fails, maybe try yarn instead? it’s worked better 4 me with react native stuff

3

I’ve seen similar module errors before when using older versions of Node and npm. In my experience, updating to a more recent LTS version of Node can often resolve these issues, as outdated environments sometimes lead to unexpected module errors during installations. Using a version manager like nvm has helped me maintain updated versions without extensive system changes. Alternatively, running React Native commands with npx instead of a global installation can be a smart workaround that avoids dependency conflicts. These steps have repeatedly proven useful for addressing such installation hurdles.

4

Hey there, I feel your pain with React Native setup issues. Been there, done that. From what I’ve seen, these ‘Cannot find module’ errors often crop up due to version mismatches or corrupted npm installations. Here’s what worked for me:

First, try clearing your npm cache with ‘npm cache clean --force’. If that doesn’t do the trick, consider uninstalling npm completely and doing a fresh install. Also, make sure your Node version is up to date - I’ve had better luck with more recent LTS releases.

Another approach that’s saved me headaches is using Yarn instead of npm. It tends to handle dependencies more smoothly, especially for React Native projects. Just install Yarn globally and use ‘yarn global add react-native-cli’ instead.

If you’re still hitting walls, it might be worth looking into nvm (Node Version Manager) to easily switch between Node versions. Sometimes, a specific version just plays nicer with React Native.

Hope this helps! Let us know if you make any progress.