What does transitive = true in Gradle exactly do (w.r.t. crashlytics)?
Gradle's transitive = true flag instructs the build system to fetch a library and its recursive dependencies. In Crashlytics integration, setting transitive = true ensures all required dependencies are automatically included, preventing potential runtime errors due to missing libraries.
Gradle default behavior and transitivity
Without any specific configuration, Gradle presumes transitive = true for your dependencies. This means when a library is added to your build script, it also fetches all its nested dependencies.
However, if you specify the @aar annotation to only download the .aar file of an Android Archive and exclude its transitive dependencies, declaring transitive = true will ensure the inclusion of these dependencies.
Customizing dependency handling
While the convenience of automatic dependency fetching is unparalleled, sometimes we need more control to prevent potential issues caused by version conflicts or to mitigate the impact of bulky dependencies on application size and build speed.
Granular control with transitive = false
By using transitive = false, you opt to manually define each dependency. Although meticulous, it gives you complete control over what goes into your build.
Debugging dependency errors
In cases of build failures or runtime exceptions caused by misaligned dependencies, thoroughly examining error messages can guide you to a solution. So dust off that magnifying glass and dive into the console output! 🔍🖥️
Balancing Performance and Dependencies
Bear in mind every included dependency grows your APK and prolongs the build process. Tuning your dependency management strikes the balance between a feature-rich app and optimal performance and build speed.
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