Resolving React Native Screens Compile:Debug Kotlin Failed Error

The error react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin failed is a common issue encountered by developers working with React Native, particularly when integrating Kotlin-based libraries. This error often arises due to mismatched dependencies, outdated Gradle versions, or misconfigurations in the build setup. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring smooth app development and deployment in React Native projects.

Understanding the Error

The error message “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin'” typically appears during the build process of a React Native project. Here are the specific details:

Typical Causes:

1. Multiple Kotlin Daemon Sessions: This can occur if there are multiple Kotlin daemon sessions running, which can lead to conflicts.
2. Incorrect or Missing Dependencies: The error might be due to missing or incorrect dependencies in your build.gradle file.
3. Gradle Version Incompatibility: Using a Gradle version that is not compatible with the third-party libraries in your project.
4. Old CMake Version: An outdated version of CMake can also cause this issue.

Context:

• React Native Project Initialization: Often occurs when initializing a new React Native project and adding dependencies like react-navigation and react-native-screens.
• Build Process: Specifically during the compileDebugKotlin task in the Gradle build process.
• Expo Managed Workflow: Users of Expo’s managed workflow have reported this issue when running eas build for Android.

Common Causes

Here are the most frequent reasons behind the react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin error:

1. Dependency Conflicts: This error often arises due to conflicts between different versions of dependencies. Ensure all dependencies are compatible with each other and with the version of React Native you are using.

2. Outdated Gradle Versions: Using an outdated or incompatible Gradle version can cause this error. React Native projects often require specific Gradle versions, so make sure your Gradle version aligns with the requirements of your project and its dependencies.

3. Incorrect Kotlin Configurations: Misconfigurations in Kotlin settings can lead to this error. Verify that the Kotlin plugin is correctly installed and configured in your project. Also, ensure that your Kotlin code does not contain syntax errors or null safety issues.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the ‘react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin failed’ error:

1. Check Dependencies:

   • Ensure all dependencies are correctly installed.
   • Run npm install or yarn install to install missing dependencies.
   • Delete node_modules and yarn.lock or package-lock.json, then reinstall dependencies.

2. Update Gradle:

   • Open android/build.gradle and update the Gradle version:

     classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:7.0.2'
     

   • Update the Gradle wrapper in android/gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties:

     distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-7.0.2-all.zip
     

3. Configure Kotlin:

   • Ensure the Kotlin version is compatible. Open android/build.gradle and set the Kotlin version:

     ext.kotlin_version = '1.6.21'
     

   • Add the Kotlin plugin if not already present:

     classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version"
     

4. Clean and Rebuild:

   • Clean the project:

     cd android
     ./gradlew clean
     

   • Rebuild the project:

     ./gradlew assembleDebug
     

5. Check for Multiple Kotlin Daemon Sessions:

   • Ensure there are no multiple Kotlin daemon sessions running. If found, terminate them and restart the build process.

6. Update React Native Screens:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of react-native-screens:

     npm install react-native-screens@latest
     

7. Check for AndroidX Compatibility:

   • Ensure all libraries are compatible with AndroidX. Run npx jetify to migrate libraries if needed.

8. Sync Project with Gradle Files:

   • Open Android Studio and sync the project with Gradle files to ensure all configurations are correctly applied.

Following these steps should help resolve the ‘react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin failed’ error. If the issue persists, consider checking the specific error logs for more detailed troubleshooting.

Good luck!

Preventive Measures

Here are some best practices to prevent the react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin error:

1. Keep Dependencies Updated:

   • Regularly update React Native, Kotlin, and Gradle to their latest stable versions.
   • Use tools like npm-check-updates to automate dependency updates.

2. Proper Project Configuration:

   • Ensure compileSdkVersion, targetSdkVersion, and buildToolsVersion in build.gradle are set to compatible versions.
   • Use consistent Kotlin versions across your project. Update kotlin_version in build.gradle to match the latest stable release.

3. Clean and Rebuild:

   • Regularly clean your project using ./gradlew clean and rebuild to avoid cached issues.
   • Delete .gradle and build directories if persistent issues occur.

4. Check for Deprecated Features:

   • Avoid using deprecated Gradle features and follow the latest Gradle documentation for best practices.

5. Use Jetifier:

   • If migrating to AndroidX, ensure Jetifier is enabled to handle library migrations.

6. Monitor and Manage Daemon Sessions:

   • Ensure there are no multiple Kotlin daemon sessions running, which can cause conflicts.

7. Community and Documentation:

   • Regularly check GitHub issues and community forums for updates and solutions related to react-native-screens.

Implementing these practices can help maintain a stable and error-free development environment.

To resolve the ‘react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin failed’ error, follow these steps:

1. Update Kotlin to the latest version by adding org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version to your project’s classpath.
2. Clean and rebuild the project using ./gradlew clean and ./gradlew assembleDebug.
3. Check for multiple Kotlin daemon sessions running, terminate them if found, and restart the build process.
4. Ensure you are using the latest version of react-native-screens by running npm install react-native-screens@latest.
5. Verify that all libraries are compatible with AndroidX by running npx jetify to migrate libraries if needed.
6. Synch your project with Gradle files in Android Studio to ensure correct configurations.

To prevent this error, keep dependencies updated, maintain proper project configuration, clean and rebuild regularly, check for deprecated features, use Jetifier, monitor daemon sessions, and stay up-to-date with community forums and documentation. Regular maintenance and updates are crucial in React Native projects to avoid errors like ‘react-native-screens:compileDebugKotlin failed’.