React Native迁移报错：android.support.annotation包不存在

Hey there, let's break down how to fix this Task :react-native-camera:compileGeneralReleaseJavaWithJavac FAILED error caused by missing android.support.annotation packages, plus explore simpler options to get your app on Google Play.

First, Understand the Root Cause #

React Native 0.60+ introduced official support for AndroidX, which replaces the old Android Support Library (where android.support.* packages come from). The react-native-camera version you're using likely relies on AndroidX, but your migrated 0.61.4 project hasn't been configured to use it—leading to those missing package errors. Alternatively, if you're trying to avoid AndroidX, you need to ensure all dependencies stick to the old Support Library.

Option 1: Fix Without AndroidX (Minimizing New Risks) #

If you're set on avoiding AndroidX, try these steps:

1. Downgrade react-native-camera to a Support Library-compatible version
   Look for a version of react-native-camera that hasn't switched to AndroidX yet. For RN 0.61.4, versions like ^2.11.1 or ^3.0.0 (check the library's release notes) still use the old Support Library. Update your package.json entry:

   "react-native-camera": "^2.11.1"
   

   Then run:

   rm -rf node_modules && npm install
   npx react-native run-android --variant=release
   

2. Force Gradle to resolve all dependencies to Support Library
   Add this to your android/build.gradle file under the allprojects block to override any accidental AndroidX dependencies:

   subprojects {
       project.configurations.all {
           resolutionStrategy.eachDependency { details ->
               // Force all com.android.support dependencies to use 28.0.0 (latest Support Library version)
               if (details.requested.group == 'com.android.support' && !details.requested.name.contains('multidex')) {
                   details.useVersion "28.0.0"
               }
               // Replace any AndroidX core references with Support Library equivalents
               if (details.requested.group == 'androidx.core' && details.requested.name == 'core') {
                   details.useGroup 'com.android.support'
                   details.useName 'support-compat'
                   details.useVersion '28.0.0'
               }
           }
       }
   }
   

   After adding this, run ./gradlew clean to clear cached builds.

3. Audit all dependencies for AndroidX leaks
   Use Gradle's dependency tree to find libraries that might be pulling in AndroidX:

   ./gradlew app:dependencies
   

   Look for entries starting with androidx.—replace those libraries with older versions that use the Support Library.

Option 2: Safely Introduce AndroidX (Lower Long-Term Risk) #

While you're worried about new risks, AndroidX is now the standard for Android development, and RN 0.61.4 has full support for it. Google Play also prioritizes apps using modern Android libraries, so this might be the more sustainable fix:

1. Enable AndroidX and Jetifier
   Add these lines to android/gradle.properties:

   android.useAndroidX=true
   android.enableJetifier=true
   

   Jetifier automatically converts old Support Library dependencies to AndroidX equivalents, so you don't have to manually update every library.

2. Clean and rebuild
   Delete cached files to avoid conflicts:

   rm -rf node_modules
   rm package-lock.json
   npm install
   ./gradlew clean
   npx react-native run-android --variant=release
   

3. Fix manual native code references
   If you have custom native code (like modules or modifications) that references android.support.* packages, manually replace them with their AndroidX equivalents. For example:

   • android.support.annotation.NonNull → androidx.annotation.NonNull
   • android.support.v4.app.Fragment → androidx.fragment.app.Fragment

Simpler Alternative: Fix the Original RN 0.57 Project Instead of Migrating #

Migrating projects can be error-prone. Instead, you could update your original RN 0.57 app to meet Google Play's requirements directly:

1. Upgrade SDK versions
   In android/app/build.gradle, update these values to meet Google Play's current minimums (as of 2024, targetSdkVersion needs to be at least 33):

   compileSdkVersion 33
   targetSdkVersion 33
   

2. Update dependencies
   Upgrade third-party libraries to versions that support the new SDK levels. For example, if you're using old versions of react-native-firebase or react-native-image-picker, find versions compatible with SDK 33.

3. Fix permission and behavior changes
   Adjust your code to comply with Android 10+ changes, like scoped storage (if your app accesses files) or background location permissions.

4. Test thoroughly
   Run the app on emulators and physical devices running Android 10+ to catch any SDK-related bugs.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者user3653863