react-native-dev.md

React Native Development

Builder provides a complete React Native development workflow for iOS apps on real devices through MobAI, without needing a Mac.

Commands

• builder rn dev — Start development mode
• builder rn attach — Attach to a running app
• builder rn metro — Manage Metro bundler
• builder rn reload — Trigger Fast Refresh or manual reload
• builder rn logs — View and stream device logs
• builder rn doctor — Check development environment
• builder rn install — Install app on device

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• npm
• React Native project with ios/ directory
• MobAI device connection (optional but recommended)

Configuration

Add to builder.json:

{
  "react_native": {
    "enabled": true,
    "entry_file": "index.js",
    "metro_port": 8081,
    "auto_start_metro": true,
    "auto_attach": true,
    "auto_install": true,
    "fast_refresh": true
  }
}

Workflow

1. builder rn doctor — verify environment
2. builder rn dev — start development session
3. Edit your code — Metro hot reloads automatically
4. builder rn reload — manual reload if needed
5. builder rn logs — view device logs
6. builder rn attach — attach to existing session