Understanding Deep Linking in React Native

Deep linking is an important part of any mobile app. It enables users to navigate directly to specific content within an app, as opposed to just the app’s home page. This is especially useful in situations where users need to be able to quickly access specific content within an app, such as when a user is directed to a page within an app from a website or another app. In this article, we'll explore deep linking in React Native, and provide code snippets and examples for both iOS and Android.

What Is Deep Linking?

Deep linking is a process that allows users to access a specific page within a mobile app by clicking a link. This link can be clicked from a website, another app, or even an email. When the link is clicked, the user is directed to the specified page within the app.

For example, a user might receive an email with a link to a specific page within a mobile shopping app. When they click on the link, they are directed to the specified page within the app, instead of the app’s home page.

Deep linking is a powerful tool that can help increase user engagement and improve the user experience. It enables users to access specific content quickly and easily, without having to navigate through the app’s user interface.

Deep Linking and Universal Linking in iOS

In iOS, deep linking is implemented using a technology called Universal Linking. Universal Linking enables users to click a link on a website or in an email and be directed to a specific page within an app.

To configure your Xcode project for Universal Linking, you will need to do the following:

1. Create an entitlements file for your app.
2. Create an apple-app-site-association file.
3. Configure your Xcode project to use the entitlements file.
4. Upload the apple-app-site-association file to your website.

How to Configure Your Xcode Project for Deep Links

To configure your Xcode project for Universal Linking, you will need to do the following:

1. Create an entitlements file for your app.

To create an entitlements file, open Xcode and select your project. Then, select the “Capabilities” tab and enable the “Associated Domains” capability.

2. Create an apple-app-site-association file.

The apple-app-site-association file is a JSON file that specifies the domains and paths that are allowed to open your app. You can create this file manually, or use the apple-app-site-association generator tool.

3. Configure your Xcode project to use the entitlements file.

In Xcode, select your project and go to the “Capabilities” tab. Select the “Associated Domains” capability and enter the domain and path for your app. This will enable your app to be opened from the specified domain and path.

4. Upload the apple-app-site-association file to your website.

Finally, you will need to upload the apple-app-site-association file to your website. This will enable your app to be opened from any website that is linked to your domain.

Deep Links on Android in React Native

In Android, deep linking is implemented using a technology called Android App Links. Android App Links enable users to click a link on a website or in an email and be directed to a specific page within an app.

To configure your Android Studio project for deep linking, you will need to do the following:

1. Create an intent filter for your app.
2. Configure your Android Studio project to use the intent filter.
3. Upload the intent filter to your website.

How to Configure Your Android Studio Project

To configure your Android Studio project for deep linking, you will need to do the following:

1. Create an intent filter for your app.

An intent filter is an XML file that specifies the domains and paths that are allowed to open your app. You can create this file manually, or use the intent filter generator tool.

2. Configure your Android Studio project to use the intent filter.

In Android Studio, select your project and go to the “AndroidManifest.xml” file. Select the “Application” tab and add the intent filter to your app. This will enable your app to be opened from the specified domain and path.

3. Upload the intent filter to your website.

Finally, you will need to upload the intent filter to your website. This will enable your app to be opened from any website that is linked to your domain.

Navigation and Deep Linking Code Snippets

Here are some code snippets for navigating to a specific page within an app using deep linking.

iOS

To navigate to a specific page within an app using Universal Linking, you can use the following code snippet:

let url = URL(string: "https://example.com/page-in-app")!
UIApplication.shared.open(url, options: [:], completionHandler: nil)

Android

To navigate to a specific page within an app using Android App Links, you can use the following code snippet:

Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
intent.setData(Uri.parse("https://example.com/page-in-app"));
startActivity(intent);

Conclusion

Deep linking is an important tool for creating a seamless user experience in mobile apps. It enables users to quickly and easily navigate to specific content within an app, without having to search through the app’s user interface. In this article, we explored deep linking in React Native, and provided code snippets and examples for both iOS and Android.