Fixing Compose Plugin Errors After Expo 53 And Kotlin 2.0 Upgrade

Upgrading your Expo application can bring a host of new features and improvements, but it can also introduce unexpected challenges. One common issue developers face when upgrading to Expo 53, particularly when using Kotlin 2.0, is encountering errors related to Compose. This error typically arises because Kotlin 2.0 no longer includes Compose as a default dependency. This article delves into the reasons behind this issue, provides a step-by-step guide to diagnosing the error, and offers comprehensive solutions to resolve it, ensuring a smooth transition for your Expo project.

Understanding the Root Cause: Kotlin 2.0 and Compose

The core reason for encountering Compose-related errors when upgrading to Expo 53 with Kotlin 2.0 lies in a significant change in Kotlin's dependency management. Prior to Kotlin 2.0, Compose was included as a standard dependency in the Kotlin distribution. This meant that if your project used Compose, it would typically work out of the box without requiring explicit dependency declarations. However, Kotlin 2.0 introduced a more modular approach. Compose is now treated as an optional dependency, meaning developers must explicitly include it in their project's build configuration.

This change was implemented to provide developers with greater control over their project's dependencies and to reduce the overall size of the Kotlin distribution. While this modularity is beneficial in the long run, it can cause issues during upgrades if developers are unaware of the change. When upgrading to Expo 53 and Kotlin 2.0, your project may suddenly lose access to Compose, leading to compilation errors and runtime crashes. These errors often manifest as missing class definitions or unresolved references to Compose-related components and functions. Therefore, understanding this fundamental shift in Kotlin's dependency management is the first step in effectively troubleshooting and resolving Compose plugin errors.

Identifying the Error

The first step in resolving any issue is accurately identifying the problem. In this case, the error usually manifests in one of two ways: compilation errors or runtime exceptions. Compilation errors occur during the build process, preventing your app from being compiled into an executable. These errors often appear in your IDE or build console and typically indicate that the compiler cannot find Compose-related classes or functions. Common error messages include "Unresolved reference: Compose," "ClassNotFoundException: androidx.compose.ui.platform.ComposeView," or similar messages that point to missing Compose dependencies.

Runtime exceptions, on the other hand, occur while your app is running. These exceptions typically happen when the app tries to use a Compose component or function that is not available. A common runtime exception is ClassNotFoundException, which indicates that a required Compose class could not be loaded at runtime. To accurately identify the error, carefully examine the error messages and stack traces. Look for clues that point to missing Compose dependencies or unresolved references. For example, if you see an error message that mentions androidx.compose.ui.platform.ComposeView, it is a strong indication that Compose is not properly included in your project.

To further diagnose the issue, you can also try building your project from the command line using Gradle. This can sometimes provide more detailed error messages than your IDE. Additionally, check your project's build.gradle files (both the project-level and app-level files) for any existing Compose dependencies. If you find any, make sure they are correctly configured and compatible with Kotlin 2.0. If you don't find any Compose dependencies, it's a clear sign that you need to add them.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve Compose Plugin Errors

Once you've identified that the issue stems from missing Compose dependencies, the next step is to implement the necessary solutions. The primary solution involves explicitly adding Compose dependencies to your project's build.gradle files. This ensures that Gradle can resolve the Compose libraries and make them available to your project during compilation and runtime. Here’s a detailed guide on how to add these dependencies and configure your project correctly.

Step 1: Add Compose Dependencies to your app-level build.gradle

Open your project's app-level build.gradle file (usually located at app/build.gradle). Within the dependencies block, you need to add the necessary Compose dependencies. These dependencies typically include the core Compose libraries, UI components, material design, and any other Compose-related modules your project uses. Here’s an example of what your dependencies block might look like:

dependencies {
 implementation("androidx.compose.ui:ui:")
 implementation("androidx.compose.material:material:")
 implementation("androidx.compose.ui:ui-tooling-preview:")
 debugImplementation("androidx.compose.ui:ui-tooling:")
 implementation("androidx.activity:activity-compose:")
}

Replace `` with the appropriate version number for the Compose libraries you are using. It's crucial to use compatible versions of the Compose dependencies to avoid conflicts. You can find the latest stable versions of Compose libraries on Google's Maven repository or the official Compose documentation.

Step 2: Enable Compose in buildFeatures

In the same build.gradle file, within the android block, you need to enable Compose by adding the compose feature. This tells the Android build system that your project uses Compose and to include the necessary Compose compiler plugins. Add the following buildFeatures block inside the android block:

android {
 buildFeatures {
 compose true
 }
 composeOptions {
 kotlinCompilerExtensionVersion 
 }
}

Again, replace `` with the appropriate version number for the Kotlin compiler extension. This version should be compatible with the Kotlin version you are using in your project. You can find the recommended Kotlin compiler extension version in the official Compose documentation or release notes.

Step 3: Sync Gradle and Rebuild Your Project

After adding the Compose dependencies and enabling Compose in your build.gradle file, the next step is to sync Gradle. This will fetch the necessary Compose libraries and update your project's dependencies. In Android Studio, you can sync Gradle by clicking the “Sync Now” button that appears in the notification bar or by selecting “File” > “Sync Project with Gradle Files” from the menu. Once the Gradle sync is complete, rebuild your project to ensure that the changes are applied. If there are no compilation errors, this indicates that the Compose dependencies have been successfully added.

Step 4: Handling Version Conflicts and Compatibility Issues

Sometimes, even after adding the Compose dependencies, you may encounter version conflicts or compatibility issues. This can happen if different libraries in your project depend on different versions of Compose or other related libraries. To resolve these conflicts, you can use Gradle's dependency resolution strategies. One common strategy is to force a specific version of a dependency. For example, if you encounter a conflict between different versions of the androidx.compose.ui library, you can force a specific version in your project-level build.gradle file.

allprojects {
 configurations.all {
 resolutionStrategy {
 force "androidx.compose.ui:ui:"
 }
 }
}

Replace `` with the version number you want to enforce. Be cautious when using this strategy, as forcing a version may introduce other compatibility issues. It's essential to test your app thoroughly after forcing a dependency version.

Another approach to handling version conflicts is to use Gradle's dependency insight feature. This feature allows you to see the dependency tree of your project and identify which libraries are pulling in conflicting versions of dependencies. You can use the dependency insight feature by running the gradle dependencies task from the command line or by using the Gradle tool window in Android Studio.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

Beyond the core solutions of adding dependencies and handling version conflicts, there are several additional tips and best practices that can help you avoid Compose plugin errors when upgrading to Expo 53 and Kotlin 2.0. These tips include keeping your dependencies up to date, using dependency management tools, and following best practices for Compose development.

Keep Your Dependencies Up to Date

One of the most effective ways to avoid compatibility issues and errors is to keep your project's dependencies up to date. This includes the Compose libraries, Kotlin compiler, and other related dependencies. Regularly updating your dependencies ensures that you are using the latest versions with bug fixes and performance improvements. However, it's also essential to test your app thoroughly after updating dependencies to ensure that no new issues have been introduced.

Use Dependency Management Tools

Dependency management tools like Gradle can help you manage your project's dependencies more effectively. Gradle provides features for declaring dependencies, resolving conflicts, and managing versions. By using Gradle's dependency management features, you can ensure that your project has the correct dependencies and avoid common issues like missing dependencies or version conflicts.

Follow Best Practices for Compose Development

Following best practices for Compose development can also help you avoid errors and improve the overall quality of your app. This includes using the latest Compose APIs, following the recommended architecture patterns, and testing your Compose code thoroughly. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your Compose code is robust and maintainable.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Expo 53 and Kotlin 2.0 can present challenges, particularly with Compose-related errors. However, by understanding the reasons behind these errors and following the step-by-step solutions outlined in this article, you can effectively resolve them and ensure a smooth transition for your project. Remember to explicitly add Compose dependencies to your build.gradle file, enable Compose in your buildFeatures, and handle any version conflicts that may arise. By keeping your dependencies up to date, using dependency management tools, and following best practices for Compose development, you can avoid these issues and build high-quality Compose-based Expo applications. Troubleshooting these issues effectively will not only save you time but also enhance your understanding of modern Android development practices. So, when you face Compose plugin errors, remember this guide to help you navigate through the complexities and achieve a successful upgrade. Always prioritize a systematic approach to debugging, and your Expo apps will be in good hands.