Fixing the bin sh build command not found Error in Electron with React

Discover how to resolve the `bin sh build command not found` error in your Electron application that occurs during packaging by following this simple guide.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/68715111/ asked by the user 'iskandar47' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13955418/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/68787429/ provided by the user 'iskandar47' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/13955418/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: electron with react error bin sh build command not found

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Fix the bin sh build command not found Error in Your Electron and React Application

If you're working on an Electron and React application, you may encounter a frustrating error during the packaging process that prevents your app from building correctly. Specifically, the error message /bin/sh: build: command not found indicates that the system can't find the command it needs to execute the build process. Fortunately, this problem can often be resolved with a few straightforward steps. In this guide, we'll delve into the causes of this error and outline effective solutions that can get your application back on track.

Understanding the Problem

This error typically surfaces when you attempt to run the command yarn electron-pack to package your application, and it points to an issue in your package.json script configuration or your node modules. In light of this error, you may also notice that your application works fine in development mode but fails at the packaging stage.

Possible Causes

Recent installation of additional packages that might have disrupted existing configurations.

An incorrectly configured script in your package.json that references a non-existent command.

Breaking Down the Solution

To overcome the command not found error, we can follow a simple, tried-and-true solution that involves clearing out your node modules and reinstalling your packages. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Remove node_modules Folder

The first step is to delete the existing node_modules folder, which holds all your project dependencies. By removing this folder, we’ll ensure that any potential misconfigurations or corrupted packages are cleared out.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Reinstall Packages

Once the node_modules folder is removed, you can proceed to reinstall your packages. This will fetch fresh copies of your dependencies based on the configurations specified in your package.json. Use the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Verify Your Scripts

Next, it's crucial to double-check your script configuration in the package.json file. Make sure that the build command is properly defined. Here’s a relevant snippet from an example configuration:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In some cases, you may need to correct the syntax or replace build -mw with the actual build command used for your setup.

Conclusion

Experiencing the /bin/sh: build: command not found error can be a hurdle in your Electron and React development journey, but it’s usually a fixable issue. By following the steps outlined above — removing the node_modules folder and reinstalling your packages — you can resolve this error and get back to focusing on building great features for your application.

If you continue to face challenges even after trying these steps, consider checking if any newly installed packages conflict with existing ones or consult the official documentation for electron-builder for any additional configurations that might be necessary.

Happy coding, and may your Electron applications soar!