Resolving Cordova 9+ Error: Failed to Fetch Plugin via Registry

Описание: Discover how to solve the `Failed to fetch plugin via registry` error in Cordova 9+ projects, particularly related to working within Dropbox directories.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/62273608/ asked by the user 'rosyTown' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1530957/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/62382098/ provided by the user 'rosyTown' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1530957/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Resolving Cordova 9+ Error: Failed to Fetch Plugin via Registry

If you're a developer working with Apache Cordova, you may encounter an error when trying to install plugins, particularly when using versions 9 or higher. The error reads:

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

This can be frustrating, especially if you have just created a new project and are eager to get started. In this post, we'll explore the problem in detail and discuss a surprising solution that might help you get back on track quickly.

Understanding the Problem

After setting up your Cordova environment and creating a new project, you may run into issues when trying to add plugins. This problem is often connected to:

Connectivity issues

Incorrect plugin specifications

NPM or Cordova version compatibility issues

Common Symptoms

Many users report facing the same error message when attempting to add any plugin, which raises the possibility that there is a configuration or environmental issue rather than an individual plugin problem.

The Environment Setup

Before diving into the solution, let’s take a look at the environment used in the example:

Cordova Version: 9.0.0

Node.js Version: 12.13.1 (x64)

NPM Version: 6.14.5

Cordova Platforms: Android 8.1.0, iOS 5.1.1

All these components are critical for ensuring a smooth development experience, but compatibility between them can sometimes be tricky.

The Bizarre Solution: Working Outside Dropbox

The Root of the Issue

After some investigation, users found that the problem was linked to working within Dropbox directories. This may come as a surprise since many developers have successfully created and managed their Cordova projects in such locations for years without problem.

Why This Happens

While the specific reasons are not clearly understood, it appears that file synchronization features of Dropbox (or similar services) could interfere with how Node and Cordova manage the file system during plugin installations. This interference can lead to errors like the one you've encountered.

What To Do

To resolve this issue:

Move Your Project: Create your Cordova project in a directory outside of Dropbox or other cloud storage services.

Test Plugin Installation: After moving the project, try adding the plugin again using the command:

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

If everything is configured correctly and the project is outside of Dropbox, the plugin should install successfully, and you can continue development.

Conclusion

While encountering the Failed to fetch plugin via registry error in Cordova projects can be frustrating, the solution might be simpler than you think. By adjusting your working environment and keeping projects out of cloud storage folders, you could dramatically improve your success rate with plugin installations.

If you find yourself facing similar issues, always remember that the environment and where you store your project files can influence your development experience significantly.

By working outside Dropbox, many developers have successfully navigated this technical hurdle. Happy coding, and may your plugins install smoothly!