Complete Guide to Android Development: Build and Debug Tips

This comprehensive guide covers essential tips and techniques for Android development, including Java environment setup, USB debugging, wireless debugging, and build management.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Java Version Management with jenv

Managing multiple Java versions is crucial for Android development. Here's how to set it up:

Install OpenJDK and jenv:

# Install OpenJDK 11 (recommended for Android development)
brew install openjdk@11

# Install jenv for Java version management
brew install jenv

Configure your shell environment (add to ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc):

export PATH="$HOME/.jenv/bin:$PATH"
eval "$(jenv init -)"

Add Java versions to jenv:

# Add OpenJDK 11
jenv add /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk@11/libexec/openjdk.jdk/Contents/Home

# Verify installation
jenv versions

# Set global Java version
jenv global 11.0

# Set local version for a specific project
jenv local 11.0

Android Debugging Options

USB Debugging

Enable Developer Options on your Android device:
- Go to Settings → About Phone
- Tap "Build Number" seven times
- Developer Options will appear in Settings
Enable USB Debugging:
- Go to Settings → Developer Options
- Enable "USB Debugging"
- Connect your device via USB
- Accept the debugging authorization prompt on your device
Verify connection:

# List connected devices
adb devices

# Check detailed device information
adb shell getprop ro.product.model

Wireless Debugging (Over WiFi)

Connect via USB first, then enable wireless debugging:

# Ensure device and computer are on same network
# Connect device via USB

# Enable TCP/IP mode on default port (5555)
adb tcpip 5555

# Get device IP address
adb shell ip addr show wlan0

# Connect to device wirelessly
adb connect <device-ip>:5555

# Verify connection
adb devices

For React Native development:

# Start Metro bundler
npx react-native start

# Forward connection from mobile to local
adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081

Build Management

Debug Builds

Using Android Studio:
- Open your project in Android Studio
- Select "Debug" configuration
- Click "Run" (⌘R on Mac, F5 on Windows)
Using Command Line:

# Build debug APK
./gradlew assembleDebug

# Install on connected device
adb install app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk

Release Builds

Configure signing:
- Create android/app/keystore.properties:

storeFile=your-key.keystore
storePassword=your-store-password
keyAlias=your-key-alias
keyPassword=your-key-password

Build release version:

# Generate release APK
./gradlew assembleRelease

# Location of generated APK
cd android/app/build/outputs/apk/release

Test release build:

# Install release version
adb install app-release.apk

Common Debugging Tips

Logcat Filtering

# View logs for specific package
adb logcat | grep "com.yourpackage"

# Filter by log level
adb logcat *:E  # Show only errors

# Save logs to file
adb logcat > logfile.txt

Common Issues and Solutions

Metro Bundler Issues:

# Clear Metro bundler cache
npx react-native start --reset-cache

# Clear Gradle cache
cd android && ./gradlew clean

Device Connection Issues:

# Reset ADB
adb kill-server
adb start-server

# Restart device USB debugging
# Toggle USB debugging off and on in device settings

Performance Optimization

Memory Profiling

Using Android Studio:
- Open Android Studio
- Go to View → Tool Windows → Profiler
- Select your running app
- Monitor memory usage in real-time
Using Command Line:

# Dump memory info
adb shell dumpsys meminfo <package-name>

# Capture heap dump
adb shell am dumpheap <process-name> /data/local/tmp/heap.hprof

alazycoder101/debug-android.md