Resolving Compatibility Issues When Downgrading React Versions

When working with older versions of React, you may encounter compatibility issues, especially when using libraries that rely on newer features. One common error that arises in such cases is:

ERROR
Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'isBatchingLegacy')
TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'isBatchingLegacy')
    at batchedUpdates$1 (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:30791:33)
    at batchedUpdates (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:11750:16)
    at dispatchEventForPluginEventSystem (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:16365:7)
    at dispatchEventWithEnableCapturePhaseSelectiveHydrationWithoutDiscreteEventReplay (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:13872:9)
    at dispatchEvent (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:13866:9)
    at dispatchDiscreteEvent (http://localhost:3000/static/js/bundle.js:13843:9)
        

This error often occurs when downgrading from React 18.x.x to an earlier version like React 16.12.0. To resolve this issue and ensure smooth functionality, follow these steps:

Steps to Downgrade React Version

1. Initial Setup and Deletion of Files

By default, using npx create-react-app app-name will install the latest React packages. If you need to work with an earlier version, such as React 16.12.0, you must make some modifications. Navigate to your project directory and delete the package-lock.json file (or yarn.lock if you are using Yarn) and the node_modules directory.

rm -rf package-lock.json node_modules
        

2. Modify package.json

Open your package.json file and update the React dependencies from:

"react": "^18.2.0",
"react-dom": "^18.2.0"
        

To:

"react": "^16.12.0",
"react-dom": "^16.12.0"
        

3. Install Specific Package Versions

Install the specific versions of additional packages you need:

npm install react@16.12.0 react-dom@16.12.0 react-bootstrap@1.0.1 react-redux@^7.2.1 react-router-dom@5.3.0 react-bootstrap-table-next@^4.0.3 formik@2.1.4 yup@^0.29.3 bootstrap@4.5.0 @loopback/core@^4.0.0
        

4. Update index.js Imports

In your index.js file, change the import statement from:

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom/client';
        

To:

import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';
        

5. Modify ReactDOM Rendering Code

Update the rendering logic in index.js from:

const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById('root'));
root.render(
  <React.StrictMode>
    <App />
  </React.StrictMode>
);
        

To:

ReactDOM.render(
  <React.StrictMode>
    <App />
  </React.StrictMode>,
  document.getElementById('root')
);
        

6. Reinstall Dependencies and Start the Application

Finally, reinstall your dependencies and start your application. Use the following commands based on your package manager:

# Using npm
npm install
npm start

# Using Yarn
yarn install
yarn start
        

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully downgrade your React application from version 18.x.x to 16.12.0 and resolve any compatibility issues, such as the isBatchingLegacy error. These modifications help ensure your project functions correctly with the older React version, providing a stable development environment. Additionally, you can install and manage specific versions of necessary packages to maintain compatibility and functionality in your project.