14 Android Studio Tools To Help You Improve Your Code

TL; DR: Explore a comprehensive array of Android Studio tools, spanning code formatting, error detection, debugging, version control, testing frameworks, and collaborative code review. These tools empower developers to enhance their coding skills, fostering efficient and readable code in Android app development. 

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just dipping your toes in the vast sea of Android app development, one thing remains constant: the pursuit of impeccable code quality. But why is code quality so paramount? For starters, high-quality code is more maintainable, scalable, and less prone to bugs, ensuring a smooth user experience and fewer headaches down the line. 

Enter the hub of Android app development: from code formatting to inspection and from debugging to unit testing, Android Studio is more than just a place to write code; it’s a powerhouse meant to refine it. 

Let’s explore 14 essential Android Studio tools, all designed to elevate your coding skills to new heights. 

Android Studio Tools for Code Formatting 

When discussing coding, especially in a collaborative environment, consistency is king. Proper code formatting not only makes your code more readable but also ensures that multiple developers can work on the same project.  

#1 EditorConfig 

That’s where EditorConfig shines in Android Studio. 

This open-source tool helps maintain consistent coding styles for multiple developers working on the same project across various editors and Integrated Development Environment (IDEs). It works by defining a set of coding style rules in a .editorconfig file, which the supported IDE then applies whenever the code is edited. 

Code Inspection Tools: Early Error Detection with Lint and SpotBugs 

Catching errors early in the development process is akin to nipping a potential catastrophe in the bud. This is precisely where code inspection tools like Lint and SpotBugs come into play, saving time and resources. 

#2 Lint 

Lint, a built-in static code analysis tool in Android Studio scans your project source files to flag potential bugs, optimization improvements, usability issues, and more. It aims to ensure that your Android apps are not just bug-free but also follow best practices. 

#3 SpotBugs 

SpotBugs is an open-source static code analysis tool used to identify potential code anomalies in Java programs. While not native to Android Studio, it’s widely adopted for its meticulous examination of bytecode. 

Debugging Tools: Troubleshooting with Stetho 

The journey from writing code to having a fully functional application is rarely a straight path. Along the way, you’re likely to encounter bugs and unpredictable behavior. That’s where tools like Stetho come in handy to help you find and fix issues in your code. 

#4 Stetho 

Stetho is an open-source debugging platform developed by Facebook and designed for Android applications. One of its standout features is its seamless integration with Chrome’s DevTools, allowing developers to access their app’s data, network, and view hierarchies directly from their desktop browser. 

Mastering Version Control Integration in Android Studio 

Version control acts as a time machine, allowing devs to track changes, revert to previous code states, and collaborate without stepping on each other’s toes. Realizing the power of version control, Android Studio offers integrated support for industry stalwarts like Git and Subversion (SVN). 

#5 Git 

Git is a distributed version control system that allows multiple developers to work on a project concurrently without interference. It keeps a snapshot of every change made, ensuring that no piece of code is ever truly lost. 

#6 Subversion (SVN) 

SVN is a centralized version control system. Unlike Git’s distributed approach, SVN has a single central repository, with developers getting their own working copies for updates and collaboration. 

Unit Testing for Reliable Code 

Unit tests ensure that each piece of code performs as expected. To facilitate this, Android Studio supports an array of testing tools, with JUnit, Mockito, and Robolectric being among the most notable. 

#7 JUnit 

JUnit is a simple and open-source framework to write and run repeatable tests in Java. It’s foundational for Java developers, serving as the gold standard for unit testing in the Java ecosystem. 

#8 Mockito 

Mockito is a popular mocking framework used in conjunction with tools like JUnit. It allows developers to create and configure mock objects, making it easier to isolate units of code for testing. 

#9 Roboelectric 

Robolectric is a framework tailored for Android that allows tests to run inside the JVM on your workstation, bypassing the traditional emulator. 

Profiling Tools for Performance Optimization in Android Studio 

Ensuring that your Android app runs smoothly isn’t just a matter of clean code; it’s about continuous performance optimization. But how can devs pinpoint bottlenecks, memory leaks, or CPU hogs? With profiling tools such as: 

#10 Android Profiler 

Android Profiler is a set of tools integrated directly into Android Studio that provides real-time data about your app’s CPU, memory, and network activity, among others. 

#11 LeakCanary 

LeakCanary is a memory leak detection library for Android and Java that alerts developers when retained objects overstay their welcome, thus eating up precious memory. 

#12 Systrace 

Systrace is a tool that collects timing information from your app and the Android system, helping devs understand the in-depth performance characteristics of their applications. 

Code Review Tools for Collaborative Development 

In the age of collaborative software development, the right code review process is paramount, and leading the pack in this realm are tools like Gerrit and Phabricator. 

#13 Gerrit 

Gerrit is a free, web-based code review tool that integrates seamlessly with Git. Designed to facilitate code reviews for projects using Git version control, it streamlines and manages contributions from multiple team members. 

#14 Phabricator 

Phabricator is an open-source collection of web applications that help software companies build better software. While it includes bug tracking and project management, its Differential tool is extensively used for code reviews. 

Related Read: What Are Four Types of Code Reviews? 

It’s Time to Embark on a Journey Towards Exceptional Code 

As developers, we’re all too familiar with the age-old saying, “Code is more often read than written.” This resonates with the fundamental understanding that our code isn’t just a personal endeavor; it’s a collaborative tapestry that’s constantly evolving, inspected, and built upon.  

Android Studio opens a universe of possibilities. With tools like the ones we discussed, the roadmap to cleaner, more efficient, and more readable code becomes palpable. 

But remember, tools are only as powerful as the hands that wield them. Continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective coding. It’s an ongoing journey, and as you navigate the terrain of Android development, let these tools be your trusted allies. 

Ready to improve your coding? Keep reading Nearsure’s blog for more insights.