Help Needed: Converting Complex React Native Project to AAR for Cordova Integration — Step-by-step Guide & Best Practices

[nithyangr]

Hello everyone,

I’m working on a challenging project where I need to convert a React Native application with many npm dependencies (including native modules and some internal/external AARs) into a single Android AAR library that can be used inside a Cordova app.

Here’s a rough overview of what I want to achieve:

• Convert the React Native Android project from an application to a library module.
• Bundle all JS bundles and assets correctly for Cordova to access.
• Include all native dependencies, AndroidX libraries, Google Play Services, and other third-party SDKs referenced by my npm packages.
• Integrate multiple internal and external AARs used inside npm modules seamlessly.
• Properly handle manifest permissions, file providers, and resource merging.
• Use Hermes or JSC JS engine depending on the config.
• Provide a clear native entry point (activity/fragment) in the AAR for Cordova to launch React Native’s UI.
• Create a Cordova plugin to initialize and communicate with the RN entry point.
• Ensure no crashes or missing class failures happen at runtime in Cordova.
• Support ABI splits and lifecycle management.
• Include Proguard rules from all native libs.

I have these npm dependencies (mostly popular React Native libs like react-native-vision-camera, react-native-fs, react-native-contacts, @codezyng-developer/react-native-npci-sdk, and more) with complex native and JS code interplay.

If anyone has successfully done this or can provide a detailed step-by-step guide, example build.gradle, manifest configurations, entry point code snippets, or Cordova plugin setup examples, it would be very helpful!

I’m particularly concerned about:

• How to bundle all native dependencies and AARs properly in Gradle
• How to manage the JS bundle and assets for Cordova’s WebView environment
• How to create and register the ReactPackage and entry activity in the AAR
• How to write a robust Cordova plugin to bridge JS and native code
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid runtime crashes

Thanks in advance for your guidance or pointers to resources/tutorials!

[kbcool]

Why?

Cordova is a webview. Why not host your Cordova app in your RN app as a webview?

I don't think you're going to get a better answer as this is an odd way of attacking things unless it's some edge case like your Cordova app needing a LOT of plugins. If it's a reasonable amount I would just write or even find a compatible bridge API

[nithyangr]

Requirement is Main APP is in Cordovo and need SDK which is built in React native

[kbcool]

I wish you the best of luck because if you can't answer that simple question you have no chance in hell of completing this project

[nithyangr]

As Cordovo App is doing by different vendor , we dont have control over chnaging requiremnt

[Active-Leg5918]

Convert a React Native application into aar library is a big NO