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.