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Android

Saphira Linux androidDragon

Android development on Saphira with proper support: apk add android-tools installs ADB, fastboot and the platform tools (37.0.0_p1-r2) from the hatched repository, with Gradle and the JDK completing the build toolchain. Build here; run on the device the app was made for.

Available now from the hatched repository: apk add android-tools

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Install the tools

apk add android-tools
adb --version

One package installs the platform-tools: ADB, fastboot and companions, ready from the terminal. Gradle wires them into the build alongside the JDK (see javaDragon). You work from a terminal, not a GUI IDE, which suits a controlled build host.

ADB and platform-tools

# List attached devices
adb devices

# Install an APK to a connected device
adb install app-release.apk
NoteADB is shown as the tool you would run against a real, attached device or emulator. The device or emulator itself is not provided by Saphira; ADB is the bridge to one that you supply.

Build-tools and Gradle

The build-tools provide the aapt, d8 and related steps that turn compiled code and resources into a package, and Gradle orchestrates them. The JDK (see javaDragon) is the other half of the toolchain: Android builds are Java builds with an Android target, which is why the two dragons share one workstation.