Setting up NativeScript for Android

Configuring a NativeScript + Vue app for Android involves several steps to ensure the app is ready for development, testing, and final deployment. Here's a detailed guide:

1. Install Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following installed on your system:
- Node.js (v14 or later)
- NativeScript CLI:
```
npm install -g @nativescript/cli
```
- Android Studio with the following:
  - Android SDK (API Level 21 or higher)
  - Android Virtual Device (AVD) for testing
- JDK (Java Development Kit 11 or later)

2. Initialize a NativeScript Project

Create a new NativeScript + Vue project:
```
tns create my-app --vue
cd my-app
```
This sets up the project with a Vue framework ready for development.

3. Configure for Android

Add the Android platform:
```
tns platform add android
```
This generates the necessary configuration files and directories under platforms/android.

4. Set Up Android SDK Path

Verify that the Android SDK is properly installed and accessible:
```
tns doctor
```
If any issues are detected, follow the provided instructions to fix them.

Set the ANDROID_HOME environment variable:

Add this to your shell configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc):

export ANDROID_HOME=/path/to/android/sdk
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/tools:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

Reload your shell:
```
source ~/.bashrc
```

5. Install Dependencies

Inside the project directory, install additional dependencies:
```
npm install orbit-db ipfs-core
```
If any plugins or native libraries are required (e.g., file system, WebRTC), add them using:
```
tns plugin add <plugin-name>
```

6. Build the App for Android

Build the app to generate the APK:
```
tns build android
```
This step compiles the app and prepares it for testing.

7. Run the App

To test on an Android device:
- Enable USB Debugging on your Android device.
- Connect the device to your computer via USB.
- Run the app:
```
tns run android
```
To test on an emulator:
- Start an Android Virtual Device (AVD) using Android Studio.
- Run the app:
```
tns run android --emulator
```

8. Customize Configuration

AndroidManifest.xml:
- Located at App_Resources/Android/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml.
- Configure permissions (e.g., internet access, storage) and metadata for your app.
Gradle Build Configuration:
- Adjust App_Resources/Android/app.gradle for custom build options, such as minimum SDK version, target SDK, or specific dependencies.
Icons and Splash Screen:
- Replace default assets in App_Resources/Android/src/main/res/ with your app’s custom icons and splash screens.

9. Test and Debug

Use NativeScript's debugging tools:
```
tns debug android
```
Connect to Chrome DevTools for JavaScript debugging:
- Open chrome://inspect in Chrome and select your running app.

10. Prepare for Release

Build a signed APK for release:

Generate a signing key using keytool:

keytool -genkey -v -keystore my-release-key.jks -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 10000 -alias my-key-alias

Configure the signing in App_Resources/Android/app.gradle:

android {
    signingConfigs {
        release {
            storeFile file("my-release-key.jks")
            storePassword "your-password"
            keyAlias "my-key-alias"
            keyPassword "your-key-password"
        }
    }
    buildTypes {
        release {
            signingConfig signingConfigs.release
            minifyEnabled true
            shrinkResources true
        }
    }
}

Build the release APK:

tns build android --release --key-store-path my-release-key.jks --key-store-password your-password --key-store-alias my-key-alias --key-store-alias-password your-key-password

11. Deploy the APK

Use the generated APK to:
- Install directly on a device for testing.
- Publish on the Google Play Store after meeting all requirements.

Would you like help with OrbitDB integration in this setup or optimizing the app for Android?

exonomyapp/Setting up NativeScript for Android.md