Java.lang.classnotfoundexception: Didn't find class on path: dexpathlist

Diving into the depths

To swim through the stormy seas of java.lang.ClassNotFoundException, let's explore common causes and solutions:

The manifest may be malfunctioning

The culprit could be an incorrect Activity name in your AndroidManifest.xml:

<activity android:name=".YourActivity"/>


Ensure correct usage of dot notation for relative paths or specify the full package name. (Don't worry, . does not signify an existential crisis in this context 😉 )

The project might be improperly set-up

The most common misconfigurations to look out for:

• Warped Java Build Path: verify if libraries and external jars are chilling comfortably under the Order and Export settings.
• Misconfigured main.cpp and Android.mk for NDK usage.
• Path malfunctions after refactoring activities.

Dependency management may be derailed

A gap in dependency management could lead to this issue:

• Double-check dependencies in your build.gradle. (Yes, it needs your attention again 🥺 )
• Use the accurate artifact identifiers and versions.
• Ensured correct input of abiFilters for libraries with native code.

Extra Lifesavers

Checking project structure

Ensure that you follow the standard conventions for Android's project structure:

• src/main/java/ for Java or Kotlin sources. Wondering where the coffee comes in? ☕
• src/main/cpp/ for native C++ sources when using NDK.
• src/main/res/ for resources like layouts, drawables, etc (And no, it doesn't mean rest 🌜 )

Remove build leftovers

• Axe /build folders from the project path manually.
• Use Build -> Clean Project to initiate housekeeping in Android Studio.

Watch out for library conflicts

• Ensure version consistency for libraries under the same family. (They need to get along, just like siblings 😉)
• No two libraries should be fighting over different versions of the same dependency; keep the peace!

Activate multidex configuration

For biggie applications with many methods, activate multidex:

android {
    defaultConfig {
        ...
        multiDexEnabled true
        // no false rumors here 😆
    }
}


Inspect Runtime Shadows

Some classes may be present at compile-time but miss roll-call at runtime due to Proguard rules or build type configurations. Don't skip over your proguard-rules.pro and build.gradle buildTypes inspection!