Add productFlavor to experimental Android gradle plugin library

Adding `productFlavors` to Experimental Android Gradle Plugin Library

This article guides you through adding `productFlavors` to an Android library project that uses the experimental Android Gradle Plugin.

Understanding `productFlavors`

In Android development, `productFlavors` allow you to create different versions of your app with distinct configurations, such as:

• Different API keys or backend URLs
• Unique feature sets for different user groups
• Distinct resource files (e.g., icons, strings)
• Customized dependencies for specific environments (development, staging, production)

Setting up `productFlavors` in the Library Module

Let’s dive into the steps to implement `productFlavors` in your experimental Gradle Plugin library module:

1. Define `productFlavors` in `build.gradle`

“`groovy
android {
…
flavorDimensions “buildType”

productFlavors {
debug {
dimension “buildType”
}
release {
dimension “buildType”
}
}
}
“`

2. Access Flavor-Specific Properties

Use the `getFlavorName()` method in your library code to access the current flavor:

“`java
public class MyLibraryClass {
public String getFlavorMessage() {
return “You are using the ” + BuildConfig.FLAVOR + ” flavor!”;
}
}
“`

Utilizing `productFlavors` Effectively

1. Dynamically Loading Resources

“`java
// In a Resource class
public class ResourceLoader {
public static int getFlavorIcon(Context context) {
String flavorName = BuildConfig.FLAVOR;
int iconId = context.getResources().getIdentifier(“ic_” + flavorName, “drawable”, context.getPackageName());
return iconId;
}
}
“`

2. Modifying Dependencies Based on Flavor

“`groovy
dependencies {
implementation(“androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.5.1”)
implementation(project(“:myOtherLibrary”))
if (BuildConfig.FLAVOR.equals(“debug”)) {
implementation(“com.squareup.leakcanary:leakcanary-android:2.9.1”)
}
}
“`

Example Usage: Different APIs for Flavors

“`groovy
// In your library module
public class APIProvider {
public static String getBaseUrl() {
if (BuildConfig.FLAVOR.equals(“debug”)) {
return “https://dev-api.example.com”;
} else if (BuildConfig.FLAVOR.equals(“release”)) {
return “https://api.example.com”;
} else {
throw new IllegalArgumentException(“Invalid flavor: ” + BuildConfig.FLAVOR);
}
}
}
“`

Key Points to Remember

• Flavors and Build Types: `productFlavors` work in conjunction with `buildTypes` to provide versatile build configurations.
• Gradle DSL: Be mindful of the Gradle DSL and syntax when defining and accessing flavor properties.
• Dependency Management: Leverage the Gradle DSL to conditionally include dependencies based on the chosen flavor.