How to build community features in a React Native application

React Native, with its cross-platform compatibility, efficiency, and ease of use, has become a go-to choice for mobile app developers. A crucial aspect of any successful mobile application is its ability to create a sense of community among users. This is where Amity UIKit comes into the picture. This robust toolkit enables developers to effortlessly incorporate community features into their React Native applications. This tutorial will walk you through the process of integrating Amity UIKit into your React Native project.Prerequisites:

Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:

- A React Native project set up and ready to go.
- Basic knowledge of React Native and JavaScript.
- Node.js and npm/yarn installed on your system.
- If you haven’t already registered for an Amity account, we recommend following our comprehensive step-by-step guide here in the Amity Portal to create your new network.

Step 1: Clone the Repository

The first step is to clone the Amity UIKit repository. Open your terminal and run the following command:

git clone git@github.com:AmityCo/Amity-Social-Cloud-UIKit-React-Native-OpenSource.git

Step 2: Navigate to the Cloned Folder

Next, navigate to the cloned folder using the following command on your terminal:

cd Amity-Social-Cloud-UIKit-React-Native-OpenSource

Step 3: Install the Packages

Now, install all the necessary packages using either `yarn` or `npm install`.

Step 4: Build the App

Once the packages are installed, build the app using `yarn pack` or `npm pack`. This will generate a .tgz file in the folder.

Step 5: Copy the .tgz File

Next, move the .tgz file to your application folder where you need to use the UIKit. Use the following command on your terminal:

yarn add ./asc-react-native-ui-kit/amityco-asc-react-native-ui-kit-0.1.0.tgz

Step 6: Install Required Dependencies

Now, install the required dependencies by running the following command on your terminal:

yarn add react-native-safe-area-context react-native-image-picker @react-native-async-storage/async-storage react-native-svg@13.4.0 react-native-screens

Step 7: Install Expo Modules

Next, install the Expo modules by running the following command on your terminal:

npx install-expo-modules@latest

Step 8: iOS and Android Configuration

For iOS, run `npx pod-install` to install the necessary pods. For Android, make sure to sync your project’s gradle file.

Step 9: Camera Permissions for iOS

If you’re developing for iOS, remember to add the following permissions to the info.plist file for camera access.

Step 10: Authentication

Finally, import Amity UiKit and use it in your application as follows:

import * as React from 'react';
import {
 AmityUiKitSocial,
 AmityUiKitProvider,
} from '@amityco/asc-react-native-ui-kit';

export default function App() {
 return (
 <AmityUiKitProvider
 apiKey="${YOUR_AMITY_API_KEY}"
 apiRegion="${YOUR_AMITY_APPLICATION_REGION}"
 userId="${USER_ID}"
 displayName="${DISPLAY_NAME}"
 >
 <AmityUiKitSocial />
 </AmityUiKitProvider>
 );
}

Final Thoughts

Incorporating community features into your React Native application is a breeze with Amity UIKit. By following this tutorial, you can significantly enhance user engagement and interaction in your application, leading to a more successful and engaging app.

Remember, creating a sense of community within your app can lead to increased user retention and satisfaction. Users who feel part of a community are more likely to engage with your app regularly, providing valuable feedback and contributing to the overall growth of your platform.

So, don’t wait! Start integrating Amity UIKit into your React Native project today and take your app to the next level.

If you want to know more about Amity’s features, feel free to explore more by clicking here. And if you’re certain that a ready-made solution is more suitable for your business vision and goal, begin your journey right here!