Conquering the Beast: Troubleshooting “npm install failed” in Expo React Native Projects on MacOs M1

Ah, the sweet taste of starting a new project, only to be met with the bitter disappointment of “npm install failed”! Don’t worry, folks, you’re not alone. As an Expo React Native enthusiast, I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. In this article, we’ll dive into the depths of troubleshooting this pesky error on MacOs M1, so buckle up and let’s get started!

Understanding the Issue

Before we begin, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concepts behind npm and Expo. npm (Node Package Manager) is the package installer for Node.js, responsible for managing dependencies and installing packages. Expo, on the other hand, is a popular framework for building cross-platform React Native applications.

The “npm install failed” error can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Corrupted or outdated package versions
• Incompatible dependencies
• Permission issues
• Node.js or npm version conflicts
• System configuration problems

Step 1: Verify Node.js and npm Versions

Let’s start by ensuring you’re running the latest versions of Node.js and npm. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

node -v
npm -v

Take note of the versions displayed. If you’re not running the latest versions, update Node.js and npm using the following command:

npm install -g n
n latest

Step 2: Check Expo CLI Version

Next, verify the Expo CLI version by running:

expo --version

If you’re not running the latest version, update Expo CLI using:

npm install -g expo-cli

Step 3: Delete `node_modules` and `package-lock.json`

A classic troubleshooting technique is to remove the `node_modules` directory and `package-lock.json` file. This will force npm to reinstall dependencies from scratch. Run the following commands:

rm -rf node_modules
rm package-lock.json

Step 4: Run `npm install` with Flags

Now, let’s try reinstalling dependencies using npm with some additional flags to help diagnose the issue:

npm install --legacy-peer-deps --force --verbose

The `–legacy-peer-deps` flag tells npm to ignore peer dependency conflicts, while `–force` forces the installation of dependencies. The `–verbose` flag provides more detailed output to help us identify the issue.

Step 5: Check for Permission Issues

If you’re still encountering issues, it’s possible that permission problems are at play. Try running the following command to change the ownership of the `node_modules` directory:

sudo chown -R $USER:staff node_modules

Replace `$USER` with your actual username.

Step 6: Disable Apple M1 Chipset Optimization

Newer MacOs M1 chipsets can sometimes cause issues with npm. Let’s try disabling the optimization by setting an environment variable:

export Rosetta_SIMD_OPTIONS=1

Then, retry running `npm install`:

npm install

Step 7: Try a Clean npm Cache

Sometimes, a corrupted npm cache can cause issues. Try clearing the cache using:

npm cache clean --force

Followed by:

npm install

Step 8: Reinstall Expo and React Native

If all else fails, let’s try reinstalling Expo and React Native:

npm uninstall -g expo-cli
npm uninstall react-native

Then, reinstall Expo and React Native:

npm install -g expo-cli
npm install react-native

Troubleshooting Common Errors

While following the steps above, you might encounter some common errors. Here are some solutions to help you overcome them:

Error	Solution
Error: EACCES: permission denied	Run `npm install` with sudo: `sudo npm install`
Error: npm ERR! code ELIFECYCLE	Delete `node_modules` and `package-lock.json`, then run `npm install`
Error: npm ERR! code ENOENT	Verify Node.js and npm versions, then try reinstalling Expo and React Native

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “npm install failed” error in your Expo React Native project on MacOs M1. Remember to be patient and methodical in your troubleshooting approach, as each step builds upon the previous one.

If you’re still encountering issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Expo community or seek help from a fellow developer. Happy coding, and may the npm be with you!

Bonus Tip: Optimizing Your System for npm and Expo

To avoid future npm install failures, consider optimizing your system by:

• Updating your Node.js and npm versions regularly
• Using a package manager like nvm to manage multiple Node.js versions
• Configuring your system to use a faster npm registry like Verdaccio
• Regularly cleaning your npm cache

By taking these proactive measures, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any npm install issues that come your way!

Here’s the response:

Frequently Asked Questions

Stuck with an npm install failure in your Expo React Native project on MacOs M1? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these frequently asked questions to troubleshoot and get back to building your app.