When should you use AndroidManifest

The AndroidManifest.xml file is an essential part of any Android application. It serves several key purposes, which include:

  • Declaring the components of the application (Activities, Services, Content Providers, Broadcast Receivers).
  • Setting the permissions that the application requires.
  • Defining the API levels required by the application.
  • Specifying the application's launch mode and theme.
  • Defining hardware and software features the app depends on.

Here are some scenarios when you should use the AndroidManifest:

  • When introducing a new Activity to your application.
  • When you need to request permissions such as accessing the internet or camera.
  • When you want to define services or broadcast receivers.
  • When configuring application settings like themes and application name.

Here’s a simple example of what an AndroidManifest.xml file might look like:

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" package="com.example.myapp"> <application android:allowBackup="true" android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher" android:label="@string/app_name" android:roundIcon="@mipmap/ic_launcher_round" android:supportsRtl="true" android:theme="@style/AppTheme"> <activity android:name=".MainActivity"> <intent-filter> <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" /> <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" /> </intent-filter> </activity> </application> </manifest>

AndroidManifest Android Application Android Development App Components Application Permissions