---
title: "How I Hacked React Native DevTools (And Built a Plugin Framework)"
description: "Learn how React Native DevTools work under the hood, and how to inject custom plugins with clean hooks and no forks."
url: https://www.callstack.com/events/how-i-hacked-react-native-devtools-and-built-a-plugin-framework
updated: 2026-10-24T08:39:19.942Z
---

# How I Hacked React Native DevTools (And Built a Plugin Framework)

Learn how React Native DevTools work under the hood, and how to inject custom plugins with clean hooks and no forks.

_Talk · 11/28/2025 · London · Recording: 19:56 · Category: Developer Experience_

Organizer: React Advanced London

Speakers: Szymon Chmal (Software Developer @ Callstack)

[Watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIXdynyDYX0)

Ever wondered how React Native DevTools actually work? Szymon Chmal did, and then reverse-engineered the whole thing. In [this talk at React Advanced London](https://gitnation.com/contents/how-i-hacked-react-native-devtools-and-built-a-plugin-framework), he reveals what he uncovered: a modular architecture, clean injection points, and just enough loopholes to make DevTools truly extensible.

You’ll learn how he went from hacking around to building a full plugin framework: no forks, no hacks, just smart architecture. From embedding React-based UIs to enabling sandboxed execution, this session will change how you see DevTools.