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Using CodePush for Seamless Updates in React Native Applications

February 27, 2025

Ensure your mobile app is updated with the latest features and fixes. Microsoft CodePush cloud service allows React Native developers to push updates directly to users’ devices without going through the App Store or Play Store review processes. This article describes how to integrate CodePush into your React Native projects, along with its implementation, benefits, best practices, and troubleshooting steps. A detailed project example is included for better comprehension.

What is CodePush?

CodePush is a great service made to change the way makers handle updates in their React Native apps. Normally, changing an app means making a new version, sending it to the App Store or Google Play, and standing by for the yes to go through. Once it’s approved, folks have to get the new version

It allows developers to push updates dynamically and instantly to users’ devices, which eliminates all those challenges. One of the main scenarios this service enables you to perform is deploying non-binary updates such as bug fixes, UI improvements, and small feature additions without having to submit to the app store. For example, if a bug is found after release, fix can be pushed right away so users will see minimum interruption.

This ability to update in real time is very valuable for dealing with issues that are time-sensitive or for making changes little by little. By making sure that end-users always have the most up-to-date version of the app without any manual work, CodePush greatly improves the overall experience for users while cutting down on the extra tasks for developers.

Key Benefits of CodePush

1.Real-Time Updates:

Instantly deploy updates without waiting for app store approvals.

2.Enhanced User Experience:

Quickly resolve bugs or introduce minor features without requiring users to update the app manually.

3.Streamlined Workflow:

Reduce the dependency on lengthy app review processes.

4.Targeted Updates:

Deliver updates to specific user groups or app versions.

5.Reduced Maintenance Costs:

Avoid re-submitting minor changes through app stores, saving time and effort.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using CodePush for Seamless Updates

Prerequisites:

Before integrating CodePush into your project, ensure that the following requirements are met:

Published App:Your React Native application is already available on the App Store or Play Store.

Development Environment:Node.js and npm are installed on your system.
App Center Account:You have registered and set up your app project in Microsoft App Center.

Steps for the initial setup

Create an account here. Once logged in, you should see this screen:

Now, click on Add new app. This should open a pop-up in which we need to give the app name, OS, and platform.

Distributing the App

Here’s where we’ll learn to distribute our app through CodePush. To distribute our app, we need to go to Distribute > CodePush on the panel to the right. Then, click on Create standard deployments.

Then, we need to change the environment to Production from Staging.

Setup in App

Step 1: Install CodePush CLI

To interact with the CodePush service, install the App Center CLI globally:

This tool allows you to manage deployments, releases, and updates efficiently.

Step 2: Install React Native CodePush Library

Add the react-native-code-push library to your React Native project:

For Expo projects, you will need to eject your app before using CodePush as it requires native modules.

Step 3: Link CodePush to Your Project

If you’re not using autolinking (e.g., in older versions of React Native), run:

Step 4: Add Deployment Keys

Generate deployment keys from the App Center dashboard and configure them in your project:

Android: Open android/app/src/main/java/com/{YourProjectName}/MainApplication.java and add:

Step 5: Wrap Your App with CodePush

Update your root component to use the CodePush higher-order function. This ensures your app can receive updates dynamically:

import CodePush from “react-native-code-push”;

import React, { Component } from “react”;

import { View, Text } from “react-native”;

class App extends Component {

render() {

return (

<View>

<Text>Welcome to CodePush Demo!</Text>

</View>

);

}

const codePushOptions = { checkFrequency: CodePush.CheckFrequency.ON_APP_START };

export default CodePush(codePushOptions)(App);

Step 6: Push Updates

Once your app is configured, bundle your JavaScript files and push updates to the CodePush server:

appcenter codepush release-react -a <ownerName>/<appName> -d <deploymentName>

Replace the placeholders with your App Center project details:

<ownerName>: The owner of the App Center account.

<appName>: The name of your app in App Center.

<deploymentName>: Use Staging for testing or Production for live updates.

Step 7: Test the app

It’s always a good practice to test our app before deploying it. Instead of writing complicated test cases, we’ll use Waldo’s testing tool. For this, we’ll need the APK file we just created.

Now, create a free Waldo account using your business email.

Then, we’ll upload the APK file. We have an earlier build in Waldo, so we’ll need to click on Upload a new build. After that, click on Select your .apk file.

Upon selecting the APK file created earlier, it’ll take two to three minutes to upload. Verification of the APK file will also take place.

Now, we’ll see our build. We need to click on this build to proceed with testing.

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Best Practices for Leveraging CodePush

1,Test Updates Thoroughly:

Always test updates in a staging environment before deploying them to production.

2.Use Analytics:

Monitor update performance and adoption rates using App Center analytics.

3.Target Specific Users:

Deploy updates to specific user groups or app versions to minimize risks.

4.Minimize Update Size:

Avoid large updates; use CodePush for small fixes and improvements.

5.Rollback Strategy:

Plan for rollbacks in case an update causes issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Update Not Reflecting

Ensure the app points to the correct deployment key.
Verify that the device has internet access during the update process.

2. Crashes After Update

Test thoroughly for compatibility issues.
Rollback the update using the CLI.

3. Authentication Errors

Check your App Center credentials and ensure the account has the necessary permissions.

4. Deployment Key Issues

Regenerate deployment keys from App Center if they are missing or incorrect.

Real-World Project: CodePush Implementation

Project Overview

In this project, we’ll create a React Native application called DynamicUpdateApp to demonstrate CodePush integration. The app will feature a simple welcome screen with dynamic content that can be updated without publishing a new version on the app stores.

Step 1: Initialize the App

Create a new React Native app:

bash

npx react-native init Blog2

Step 2: Integrate CodePush

Follow the integration steps outlined above to add CodePush to your project.

Step 3: Create Dynamic Content

Step 4:

Run the app on a device or emulator

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Conclusion

CodePush changes the game for React Native developers who want to improve update workflows with their apps. Traditionally, this meant submitting changes to the App Store or Google Play and waiting for approval, then depending on the users to manually download the new version. This can take a long time, especially when critical fixes or enhancements need to reach users as quickly as possible for continued satisfaction and performance.

With CodePush, the developers can enable real-time updates and bypass these hurdles. No more waiting for app store approvals; changes go straight to users’ devices as soon as they are deployed. This capability guarantees that users always have the latest features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations — all with zero manual intervention on their part.

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Cleared Doubts: FAQs

What is CodePush and how does it work?

CodePush is a cloud service from Microsoft that lets developers update their mobile apps instantly—without going through the app store review process. It works by syncing the app’s JavaScript bundle with the CodePush server. Each time a user opens the app, it checks for updates and applies them if available.

Why should I use CodePush for my React Native app?

CodePush helps you:

Instantly update your app without waiting for app store approvals.
Fix bugs and release new features quickly.
Improve the user experience by reducing app downtime.

How do I set up CodePush in my React Native project?

Install the CodePush SDK using npm install react-native-code-push or yarn add react-native-code-push.
Configure CodePush by linking the SDK and adding deployment keys for iOS and Android.

What do I need before using CodePush?

A React Native project.
An App Center account.
Basic knowledge of JavaScript and React Native development.

How do I integrate CodePush with my React Native app?

Modify your app’s entry point by wrapping the root component with CodePush functionalities. Also, configure deployment keys to ensure updates are delivered to the right environment.

How do I create a deployment in App Center for CodePush?

Go to App Center → Distribute → CodePush.
Create a new deployment (e.g., Staging or Production).
Copy the deployment key and add it to your app’s configuration.

Can I use CodePush for both iOS and Android apps?

Yes! CodePush supports both platforms, allowing you to update both iOS and Android users at the same time.

How do I manage deployment keys in CodePush?

Go to App Center → CodePush → Deployments.
View, create, or rotate deployment keys for different environments.