Shell Framework RN Upgrade
Critical React Native version upgrade and complete CI/CD pipeline modernization for shipwide deployment
Overview
Led a complex technical upgrade project to modernize the core mobile framework used across multiple Virgin Voyages applications. This included upgrading React Native from 0.63 to 0.71, rebuilding the CI/CD pipeline with Jenkins and Fastlane, and ensuring zero-downtime deployment across the entire fleet.
The Challenge
The existing React Native framework was severely outdated, causing security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and blocking adoption of new features. The legacy CI/CD pipeline was unreliable, with frequent build failures and long deployment times. The upgrade needed to happen without disrupting active ships or requiring downtime.
The Solution
React Native Upgrade
Executed a systematic upgrade from React Native 0.63 to 0.71, addressing breaking changes across 200+ components. Migrated from deprecated APIs, updated third-party dependencies, and implemented new architecture patterns including the new JSI and Fabric renderer.
CI/CD Modernization
Rebuilt the entire deployment pipeline using Jenkins and Fastlane. Implemented automated testing, code signing, and deployment workflows. Added parallel build processes and intelligent caching to reduce build times from 45 minutes to 18 minutes.
Fleet-wide Rollout
Designed a phased rollout strategy with canary deployments and automated rollback mechanisms. Implemented comprehensive monitoring and alerting to catch issues early. Successfully deployed to all ships with zero incidents.
Technologies Used
Outcomes & Impact
- •Successfully upgraded React Native with zero downtime
- •Reduced CI/CD build times by 60% through pipeline optimization
- •Improved app performance by 25% with new architecture
- •Eliminated legacy security vulnerabilities and technical debt
- •Enabled faster feature development with modern tooling