The Dreaded Error: > Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED React Native Expo

Are you tired of seeing the dreaded error message “> Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED” when trying to build your React Native Expo project? You’re not alone! This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of developing an amazing app. But fear not, dear developer, for we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Kotlin compilation and explore the possible reasons behind this error. Buckle up, and let’s get started!

What is Kotlin, and Why Do I Need it?

Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language developed by JetBrains. It’s designed to be more concise, safe, and interoperable with Java than Java itself. In the context of React Native Expo, Kotlin is used to write native modules for Android. When you run a React Native Expo project, the build process involves compiling your Kotlin code into native Android code.

Why Does the Error Occur?

The “> Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED” error can occur due to various reasons. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Gradle version issues: Gradle is the build tool used in React Native Expo. Sometimes, an outdated or incompatible Gradle version can cause the error.
• Kotlin version issues: Kotlin version mismatches or outdated versions can lead to compilation errors.
• Plugin issues: Plugins like kotlin-android and kotlin-gradle-plugin might be outdated or configured incorrectly.
• Java version issues: Java version mismatches or outdated versions can cause the error.
• Duplicate or conflicting dependencies: Duplicate or conflicting dependencies in your project can lead to compilation errors.
• Corrupted project files: Corrupted project files or caches can cause the error.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Error

Now that we’ve covered the possible reasons behind the error, let’s get to the troubleshooting steps!

Step 1: Update Your Gradle Version

Open your android/build.gradle file and check the Gradle version. Make sure you’re using the latest version:

buildscript {
    repositories {
        google()
        jcenter()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.2.0'
    }
}

Step 2: Update Your Kotlin Version

Update your Kotlin version to the latest one. You can do this by modifying the kotlinVersion in your android/build.gradle file:

android {
    ...
    compileOptions {
        sourceCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
        targetCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
    }
    kotlinOptions {
        jvmTarget = '1.8'
        freeCompilerArgs = ['-Xjsr305=strict']
        useOldBackend = true
    }
}

Step 3: Check Your Plugin Configurations

Verify that your plugins are configured correctly. Make sure you have the following plugins in your android/build.gradle file:

apply plugin: 'kotlin-android'
apply plugin: 'kotlin-gradle-plugin'

Step 4: Check Your Java Version

Ensure that your Java version is compatible with your Kotlin version. You can check your Java version by running java -version in your terminal:

java version "1.8.0_251"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_251-b08)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.251-b08, mixed mode)

Step 5: Remove Duplicate or Conflicting Dependencies

Check your android/app/build.gradle file for duplicate or conflicting dependencies. Remove any unnecessary dependencies and ensure that you’re using the correct versions:

dependencies {
    implementation 'androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.2.0'
    implementation 'com.google.android.material:material:1.3.0'
    implementation 'org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-stdlib-jdk8:1.5.0'
}

Step 6: Clean and Rebuild Your Project

Sometimes, cleaning and rebuilding your project can resolve the issue. Run the following commands in your terminal:

cd android
./gradlew clean
./gradlew build

Step 7: Invalidate Caches and Restart

Invalidating caches and restarting your IDE can also resolve the issue. Go to File > Invalidate Caches / Restart in your IDE:

Additional Tips and Tricks

In addition to the troubleshooting steps above, here are some additional tips to help you avoid the “> Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED” error:

• Regularly update your dependencies: Keep your dependencies up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
• Use a consistent Java and Kotlin version: Ensure that your Java and Kotlin versions are consistent across your project.
• Avoid duplicate dependencies: Remove duplicate dependencies to avoid conflicts.
• Clean and rebuild your project regularly: Regularly clean and rebuild your project to avoid cache issues.

Conclusion

The “> Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED” error can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps and tips outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to developing your amazing React Native Expo app. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest Gradle, Kotlin, and Java versions, and keep your dependencies in check. Happy coding!

Still stuck? Feel free to reach out to the React Native Expo community or seek help from online forums. And if you have any tips or tricks to share, let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Stuck with the “> Task :app:compileDebugKotlin FAILED” error in your React Native Expo project? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue: