ReactNative — VS Code Extension
The ultimate workspace companion for React Native CLI and Expo developers. Create projects, manage devices, and run your app — all from VS Code. Zero terminal commands. 🚀
✨ What's New in v1.1.0 — Device Manager
Run your React Native app directly from VS Code without opening Xcode, Android Studio, or typing a single terminal command.
A dedicated "RN Tools" panel in the Activity Bar that gives you full control over your development devices.
🎬 Video Guide
See the extension in action! Watch how easy it is to boot devices and run your app without leaving VS Code:
Key Features
🚀 Expo Support
- Full Integration: Complete support for Expo — from project creation to device boot and app execution.
🛠️ Project Creation (v1.0)
- Command Palette Integration: Create a new React Native project via
Cmd+Shift+P → React Native: New Project
- Interactive Setup: Choose folder, name your project, and optionally install CocoaPods — all through native VS Code UI
- Background Execution: Projects initialize in the background with real-time progress notifications
- Output Logging: Monitor every step through the dedicated
ReactNative Creator output channel
📱 Device Manager (v1.1)
- Device Detection: Automatically detects all available iOS Simulators and Android Emulators
- One-Click Boot: Boot any offline simulator or emulator directly from VS Code — no Xcode or Android Studio needed
- One-Click Run: Select a device and run your app with a single click
- Auto Boot & Run: Click Run on an offline device — the extension boots it first, then runs your app
- Metro Bundler Control: Start and stop the Metro Bundler from the sidebar
- Auto Window Arrangement: VS Code and the Simulator are automatically arranged side-by-side when the app launches (macOS and Windows)
Visual Walkthrough
Project Creation
1. Start via Command Palette
Press Cmd+Shift+P and type React Native: New Project.
2. Confirm Initialization
Confirm that you want to start a new project.
3. Select Destination Folder
Choose the directory where you want to create your project.
4. Name Your Project
Enter your desired application name (e.g., MyAwesomeApp).
5. Background Progress
A native progress bar will tell you exactly what's happening.
Device Manager
Open the "RN Tools" panel from the Activity Bar. The extension loads your available devices.
7. Device List
All iOS Simulators and Android Emulators are listed with their OS version and status (Running / Offline).
8. Boot & Run
Click the ▶ button on any device. If it's offline, the extension boots it automatically and then runs your app.
9. Auto Window Arrangement
Once the simulator is ready, VS Code and the Simulator are automatically arranged side-by-side for the best coding experience.
Requirements
- Node.js (Version 16 or later recommended)
- React Native CLI correctly configured for your target platforms
- iOS: Xcode installed (for simulator runtime — you don't need to open it manually anymore!)
- Android: Android SDK with at least one AVD configured
- macOS/Windows: Recommended for full experience (auto window arrangement is supported on macOS and Windows)
| Feature |
macOS |
Windows |
Linux |
| Project Creation |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| iOS Simulator Detection |
✅ |
— |
— |
| Android Emulator Detection |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| One-Click Boot & Run |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Auto Window Arrangement |
✅ |
✅ |
Coming Soon |
| CocoaPods Installation |
✅ |
— |
— |
Release Notes
v1.2.0 (Latest)
- 🚀 Expo Support: Added full support for Expo project creation, device booting, and app execution.
- 🪟 Windows Auto Window Arrangement: VS Code and Android Emulators are now automatically arranged side-by-side on Windows!
v1.1.0
- 📱 Device Manager: Full sidebar panel with device detection, one-click boot, and run
- 🪟 Auto Window Arrangement: VS Code + Simulator automatically arranged side-by-side (macOS)
- ⚡ Metro Bundler Control: Start/Stop Metro from the sidebar
- 🤖 Android AVD Support: Detect and launch offline Android emulators
v1.0.0
- 🛠️ Initial release with project creation via Command Palette
- 📦 CocoaPods auto-installation support for macOS
- 📊 Background progress notifications
Built for Developers, by Developers. Stop switching between VS Code, Xcode, Android Studio, and the terminal. Stay in the code. Stay productive. ⚡
