The Agonizing Error: “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” – A Guide to Solving the Nightmare When Upgrading from 0.72.5 to 0.74.2

Upgrading your React Native project from version 0.72.5 to 0.74.2 can be a thrilling experience, filled with new features and improvements. However, the excitement can quickly turn into frustration when you’re faced with the dreaded error: “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'”. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This article will guide you through the troubleshooting process, helping you to overcome this obstacle and get back to developing your amazing React Native app.

What’s Causing the Error?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the root of the problem. The error “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” typically occurs when there’s a compatibility issue between the React Native version and the Kotlin plugin. The upgrade from 0.72.5 to 0.74.2 introduces some changes that can cause this conflict.

The Culprits: Kotlin Plugin and Gradle Version

Two main suspects are responsible for this error:

• kotlin-gradle-plugin: This plugin is responsible for compiling Kotlin code in your React Native project. The upgraded version of React Native might not be compatible with the existing Kotlin plugin.
• Gradle version: The Gradle version used by React Native 0.74.2 might not be compatible with the Kotlin plugin. This version mismatch can lead to compilation issues.

Solutions to the “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” Error

Now that we’ve identified the culprits, let’s explore the solutions to this error. Try each solution one by one, and you should be back to developing your app in no time!

Solution 1: Update the Kotlin Plugin

One of the simplest solutions is to update the Kotlin plugin to the latest version. You can do this by adding the following code to your build.gradle file:

buildscript {
    ext.kotlin_version = '1.6.10'
    repositories {
        google()
        jcenter()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.2.0'
        classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version"
    }
}

Make sure to adjust the kotlin_version to the latest version available.

Solution 2: Downgrade the Gradle Version

If updating the Kotlin plugin doesn’t work, you can try downgrading the Gradle version to a compatible one. Add the following code to your build.gradle file:

buildscript {
    repositories {
        google()
        jcenter()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath 'com.android.tools.build:gradle:4.1.3'
    }
}

This will downgrade the Gradle version to 4.1.3, which is compatible with the Kotlin plugin.

Solution 3: Update React Native to the Latest Version

If you’re still facing issues, try updating React Native to the latest version using the following command:

npx react-native upgrade

This will update your project to the latest version of React Native, which might resolve the compatibility issues.

Solution 4: Clean and Rebuild the Project

Sometimes, a simple clean and rebuild can resolve the issue. Run the following commands in your terminal:

cd android
./gradlew clean
./gradlew build

This will clean and rebuild your Android project, potentially resolving the error.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

If none of the above solutions work, here are some additional troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” error:

• Check the Gradle version: Ensure that your Gradle version is compatible with the Kotlin plugin. You can check the Gradle version by running ./gradlew --version in your terminal.
• Verify the Kotlin plugin version: Make sure the Kotlin plugin version is compatible with the Gradle version. You can check the Kotlin plugin version by looking at the build.gradle file.
• Check for conflicts with other plugins: If you’re using other plugins in your project, they might be conflicting with the Kotlin plugin. Try disabling them one by one to identify the culprit.
• Try a clean install: If all else fails, try doing a clean install of your project by deleting the node_modules directory and running npm install again.

Conclusion

The “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” error can be frustrating, but with these solutions and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to overcome it. Remember to stay calm, be patient, and try each solution one by one. If you’re still facing issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from the React Native community or online forums.

Happy coding, and may your React Native project be error-free!

Solution	Description
Update Kotlin Plugin	Update the Kotlin plugin to the latest version
Downgrade Gradle Version	Downgrade the Gradle version to a compatible one
Update React Native	Update React Native to the latest version
Clean and Rebuild	Clean and rebuild the Android project

Frequently Asked Question

Upgrading React Native from 0.72.5 to 0.74.2 can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the infamous “Execution failed for task ‘:react-native-gradle-plugin:compileKotlin'” error. Fear not, dear developer, for we’ve got the answers to your burning questions!