Build / Gradle

Managing dependencies efficiently is crucial for any Android project, and Gradle Version Catalog makes it much easier. It centralizes dependency versions in one place, simplifies updates, and enhances project maintainability.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What is Gradle Version Catalog?
• Why should we use it?
• How to implement it in an Android project with clear, step-by-step explanations.

Let’s dive in!

What is Gradle Version Catalog?

Gradle Version Catalog is a feature introduced in Gradle 7.0 that allows you to manage all your dependencies in a structured and centralized way using a file called libs.versions.toml.

Traditionally, we define dependencies in build.gradle or build.gradle.kts like this:

dependencies {
    implementation 'androidx.core:core-ktx:1.7.0'
    implementation 'androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-runtime-ktx:2.4.0'
}

With Gradle Version Catalog, these versions are stored separately in a TOML file, making it easier to manage and update dependencies in large projects.

With Gradle Version Catalog

Dependencies are defined in gradle/libs.versions.toml:

[versions]
coreKtx = "1.7.0"
lifecycle = "2.4.0"

[libraries]
androidx-core-ktx = { module = "androidx.core:core-ktx", version.ref = "coreKtx" }
androidx-lifecycle-runtime = { module = "androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-runtime-ktx", version.ref = "lifecycle" }

And referenced in build.gradle.kts:

dependencies {
    implementation(libs.androidx.core.ktx)
    implementation(libs.androidx.lifecycle.runtime)
}

This keeps your project clean and scalable.

Why We Use Gradle Version Catalog?

Centralized Dependency Management: All dependencies and versions are stored in one place (libs.versions.toml), making maintenance easier.

Better Readability: Instead of scattered version numbers across multiple build.gradle files, you have a single version catalog for better readability.

Avoid Version Conflicts: Using a centralized catalog reduces inconsistencies and version mismatches in different modules.

Improved Consistency: Ensures that all modules use the same dependency versions.

Reduced Duplication: No need to repeatedly define dependencies in different module files.

Easier Updates: Updating dependencies is simpler since you only change the version in one file, and it reflects everywhere in the project.

Support for Plugins: Can also be used to manage Gradle plugins efficiently.

How to Set Up Gradle Version Catalog in an Android Project

If you’re using Gradle 8+, Version Catalog is enabled by default. For older versions (Gradle 7+), follow these steps:

1. Enable the Version Catalog

Inside settings.gradle (or settings.gradle.kts):

enableFeaturePreview("VERSION_CATALOGS")

2. Create the Version Catalog File

Inside your project root, create gradle/libs.versions.toml.

3. Define Versions and Dependencies

Example libs.versions.toml:

[versions]
kotlin = "1.8.20"
coreKtx = "1.9.0"

[libraries]
kotlin-stdlib = { module = "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-stdlib", version.ref = "kotlin" }
androidx-core-ktx = { module = "androidx.core:core-ktx", version.ref = "coreKtx" }

[plugins]
androidApplication = { id = "com.android.application", version = "8.0.0" }

4. Reference Dependencies in Build Scripts

plugins {
    id(libs.plugins.androidApplication.get().pluginId) version libs.plugins.androidApplication.get().version
    kotlin("android")
}

dependencies {
    implementation(libs.kotlin.stdlib)
    implementation(libs.androidx.core.ktx)
}

Best Practices for Using Gradle Version Catalog

• Use version references instead of hardcoding values.
• Group related dependencies logically in the TOML file.
• Leverage aliases for clear naming conventions.
• Keep libraries and plugins together for easier maintenance.
• Regularly update dependencies via a single source of truth.

FAQs

Q1: What is the purpose of libs.versions.toml in Gradle?
 It centralizes all dependency versions in one place, making updates easier and preventing conflicts across modules.

Q2: Can Gradle Version Catalog manage plugins?
 Yes. You can declare both library dependencies and Gradle plugins in the TOML file.

Q3: Do I need Gradle 8 to use Version Catalog?
 No. It was introduced in Gradle 7.0. Gradle 8+ enables it by default, but you can enable it manually in Gradle 7 projects.

Q4: Is Gradle Version Catalog mandatory for Android projects?
 No, but it is highly recommended for scalability, especially in multi-module projects.

Q5: How does Gradle Version Catalog improve collaboration?
 By keeping all dependencies in one place, teams avoid mismatched versions across different modules or branches.

Conclusion

Gradle Version Catalog is a must-have tool for modern Android development. It reduces duplication, improves maintainability, and ensures consistent dependency management across projects.

If you’re still hardcoding dependencies in multiple build.gradle files, now is the perfect time to migrate. With libs.versions.toml, your Android project becomes cleaner, more maintainable, and easier to scale.

Dependency management is a crucial aspect of Android development using Gradle. It helps in organizing external libraries, avoiding version conflicts, and improving project maintainability. In this blog, we will explore Gradle dependency management in Android, discuss best practices, and demonstrate its implementation with Kotlin code examples.

What is Dependency Management in Android?

In Android, applications rely on various third-party libraries, SDKs, and modules to add features without reinventing the wheel. These dependencies are managed using Gradle, a powerful build automation tool.

Gradle allows developers to:

• Add dependencies from remote repositories like Maven Central or Google’s Maven.
• Specify versions and update them easily.
• Use dependency constraints to avoid conflicts.
• Create reusable dependency configurations for modular projects.

Producers and Consumers in Dependency Management

In Android development, dependency management is about how libraries and modules interact. Simply put, it’s important to differentiate between producers and consumers in dependency management.

• Producer: When you create an Android library (like a custom UI component or a utility library), you are the producer because you provide this library for others to use.
• Consumer: When you add dependencies in your Android project (e.g., using implementation 'com.squareup.retrofit2:retrofit:2.9.0' in build.g

dependencies {
    implementation("com.squareup.retrofit2:retrofit:2.9.0")
}

This simple line makes your project a consumer of Retrofit while Square (the creator) is the producer.

Understanding Gradle Dependencies in Android

Android projects use Gradle as a build system, and dependencies are added inside the build.gradle.kts (Kotlin DSL) or build.gradle (Groovy DSL) files.

Types of Dependencies in Android Gradle

Gradle lets you manage different types of dependencies, each useful for specific scenarios:

1. Local Dependencies

Include .jar or .aar files placed inside the libs/ folder:

dependencies {
    implementation(files("libs/mylibrary.jar"))
}

2. Remote Dependencies

Fetch external libraries from repositories like Maven Central, Google’s Maven, or JitPack:

dependencies {
    implementation("org.jetbrains.kotlinx:kotlinx-coroutines-android:1.7.1")
}

3. Project Dependencies

Link modules within the same Android project:

dependencies {
    implementation(project(":core"))
    implementation(project(":feature-login"))
}

Best Practices for Dependency Management

To keep your Gradle builds clean, stable, and efficient, follow these practices:

• Use BOM (Bill of Materials): Align versions across related libraries.
• Centralize versions: Store dependency versions in one place (e.g., gradle/libs.versions.toml or buildSrc).
• Handle conflicts explicitly: Use dependencyResolutionStrategy or constraints.
• Avoid duplicate libraries: Regularly check for unused dependencies.
• Prefer api vs implementation wisely:
• Use implementation for internal dependencies (faster builds).
• Use api only when consumers need access to transitive dependencies.

Kotlin Example: Dependency Constraints

Here’s how you can enforce consistent versions across dependencies:

dependencies {
    constraints {
        implementation("com.squareup.okhttp3:okhttp:4.11.0") {
            because("Ensures compatibility across Retrofit and OkHttp usage")
        }
    }
}

This prevents Gradle from pulling in mismatched versions.

Conclusion

Dependency management in Android Gradle is more than just adding libraries — it’s about keeping your app maintainable, efficient, and conflict-free. By using BOMs, centralizing versions, managing conflicts, and understanding producers vs. consumers, you’ll avoid common pitfalls that slow down development.

Mastering Gradle dependency management not only improves build speed but also makes your project easier to scale and collaborate on. The payoff is an Android project that’s stable, consistent, and production-ready.

FAQ: Android Gradle Dependency Management

Q1: What’s the difference between implementation and api in Gradle?

• implementation: Dependency is used internally; faster builds since it’s not exposed.
• api: Exposes the dependency to consumers of your module. Use sparingly.

Q2: How do I avoid version conflicts in Gradle?
 Use dependency constraints, enforce consistent versions with a BOM, and run ./gradlew dependencies to audit conflicts.

Q3: Can I remove unused dependencies automatically?
 Yes, tools like Gradle Lint Plugin or IDE inspections can detect and remove unused libraries.

Q4: What’s the benefit of centralizing dependency versions?
 It ensures consistency across all modules, simplifies upgrades, and prevents subtle runtime issues from mismatched versions.

Q5: Should I prefer local or remote dependencies?
 Prefer remote dependencies from trusted repositories for maintainability. Use local JAR/AAR files only for custom or private libraries not available publicly.

If you’ve worked on an Android project, you’ve definitely dealt with Gradle dependencies. They help bring in external libraries, connect different parts of your project, and even let you add custom files. But not all dependencies work the same way. Some are used for linking modules, others for adding external projects, and some for including specific files. Choosing the right type can make your project more organized and easier to maintain.

In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of Gradle dependencies and when to use each one.

Types of Gradle dependencies

Gradle provides three main types of dependencies: 

• Module dependencies
• Project dependencies
• File dependencies

Each type serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one ensures better project organization, maintainability, and performance.

Module Dependencies: The Standard Approach

Module dependencies are the most commonly used in Android development. They allow you to connect different modules within the same project.

Example use case:

• You have a core module that handles networking and database logic.
• Your app module depends on core to access those functionalities.

In Gradle, this might look like:

implementation project(":core")

Why use module dependencies?

• Encourages modularization, making projects easier to scale.
• Improves build times by allowing Gradle to compile modules separately.
• Keeps your code organized and avoids duplication.

Project Dependencies: Linking External Projects

Project dependencies come into play when you want to include another Gradle project that isn’t part of your main project by default.

Example use case:

• You’re working on a shared internal library that’s used across multiple apps.
• Instead of publishing it to Maven or JCenter every time, you directly link the project.

In Gradle:

implementation project(path: ':shared-library')

Why use project dependencies?

• Great for internal library development.
• Lets you work with multiple projects simultaneously without extra publishing steps.
• Useful in large teams or enterprise-level apps.

File Dependencies: Adding Custom JAR or AAR Files

File dependencies allow you to include JAR or AAR files directly into your project.

Example use case:

• You’re integrating a third-party SDK that isn’t available in a public Maven repository.
• You have a legacy .jar file you need for backward compatibility.

In Gradle:

implementation files('libs/custom-library.jar')

Why use file dependencies?

• Perfect for custom or private libraries.
• Helps when working with offline builds or older dependencies.

Best practice: Use file dependencies sparingly. If a library is available via Maven Central or Google’s repository, prefer that method — it’s easier to update and maintain.

Best Practices for Managing Gradle Dependencies

• Prefer remote repositories (Maven Central, Google) over file dependencies.
• Modularize your project: keep reusable logic in separate modules.
• Use version catalogs (Gradle 7+) to centralize dependency versions.
• Keep dependencies updated to avoid security vulnerabilities.
• Avoid duplication by consolidating commonly used libraries in shared modules.

Conclusion

Gradle dependencies may seem simple, but choosing the right type — module, project, or file — can have a huge impact on your Android project’s structure and maintainability.

• Use module dependencies for modular apps.
• Use project dependencies for shared libraries across projects.
• Use file dependencies only when necessary.

By understanding these distinctions, you’ll write cleaner code, speed up build times, and set yourself up for long-term project success.

FAQ: Gradle Dependencies in Android

Q1: What’s the difference between implementation and api in Gradle?

• implementation: The dependency is only available in the current module.
• api: The dependency is exposed to modules that depend on your module.

Q2: When should I use file dependencies in Gradle?

• Only when the library isn’t available in a Maven or Gradle repository. Otherwise, prefer remote dependencies.

Q3: Can I convert a file dependency into a module or project dependency later?

• Yes. If you gain access to the source code or publish the library internally, you can switch to module/project dependencies for better maintainability.

Q4: Do Gradle dependencies affect build speed?

• Yes. Modular dependencies can improve build times, while excessive file dependencies can slow things down.