Introduction
In a React Native application, you may encounter the need to download and open a local file, such as a PDF or a DOC. One way to achieve this is by using the Linking API. However, there can be challenges when implementing this functionality, especially when dealing with different platforms like iOS and Android. In this blog post, we will explore how to open a local file URL using Linking in React Native, providing a solution that works seamlessly on both platforms.
The Challenge of Opening Local File URLs
When attempting to open a local file URL using Linking in React Native, you may come across an error that prevents successful file opening. This error can be frustrating, but it can be resolved with the right approach. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of resolving this issue and successfully opening local file URLs in your React Native application.
The Solution: react-native-file-viewer
To overcome the challenges of opening local file URLs, we recommend using the ‘react-native-file-viewer’ package. This package simplifies the process of opening various file types by providing a convenient API. Here’s how you can implement it in your React Native application:
- Install the ‘react-native-file-viewer’ package by running the following command in your project directory:cssCopy code
npm install react-native-file-viewer --save - Import the ‘react-native-file-viewer’ package in the file where you want to open the local file URL:javascriptCopy code
import FileViewer from 'react-native-file-viewer'; - Use the ‘FileViewer.open’ method to open the local file URL. Here’s an example code snippet:javascriptCopy code
const path = // absolute-path-to-my-local-file; FileViewer.open(path, { showOpenWithDialog: true }) .then(() => { // File opened successfully }) .catch(error => { // An error occurred while opening the file });
By following these steps, you can leverage the ‘react-native-file-viewer’ package to open local file URLs in your React Native application effortlessly.
The Advantage of ‘react-native-file-viewer’
Using ‘react-native-file-viewer’ offers several advantages when opening local file URLs in your React Native application. The package provides a streamlined solution that allows users to choose the appropriate app to open the file with, especially when multiple apps support the file’s format.
Conclusion
Opening local file URLs in a React Native application can be a challenging task, particularly when dealing with different platforms. However, by utilizing the ‘react-native-file-viewer’ package, you can overcome these challenges and provide a seamless file opening experience for your users. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can successfully open local file URLs in your React Native application on both iOS and Android platforms.
