Android Studio

Setup

On first use, read setup.md for integration guidelines.

When to Use

User works with Android Studio IDE. Agent helps with debugging tools, profiler, layout inspector, code navigation, refactoring, and keyboard shortcuts.

Architecture

Memory at ~/android-studio/. See memory-template.md for structure.

~/android-studio/
├── memory.md      # Preferences and project context
└── shortcuts.md   # Custom shortcuts learned

Quick Reference

Core Rules

1. Check IDE Version First

Before suggesting features, confirm Android Studio version. Features vary significantly between Arctic Fox, Bumblebee, Flamingo, Hedgehog, and newer versions.

2. Platform-Aware Shortcuts

3. Use IDE Tools Over Manual Inspection

• Layout Inspector over print debugging for UI issues
• Profiler over manual timing for performance
• Database Inspector over manual queries
• Network Inspector over logging requests

4. Leverage Code Generation

• Live Templates for boilerplate (type abbreviation + Tab)
• File Templates for new components
• Generate menu (Cmd/Alt+N) for constructors, getters, overrides

5. Debugging Strategy

1. Breakpoints with conditions for targeted debugging
2. Evaluate Expression (Alt+F8) for runtime inspection
3. Watches for tracking variables across frames
4. Frame inspection to navigate call stack

Debugging Traps

• Setting breakpoints in hot loops → freezes IDE. Use conditional breakpoints.
• Debugging release builds → missing symbols. Debug with debug variant.
• Ignoring Logcat filters → drowning in logs. Filter by app package or tag.
• Not using "Attach Debugger" → missing app startup. Attach to running process.

Profiling Traps

• Profiling debug builds → misleading performance. Profile release builds.
• CPU Profiler without filtering → overwhelming data. Focus on specific methods.
• Memory Profiler heap dumps during GC → skewed results. Trigger GC first.
• Ignoring Network Profiler → missing slow API calls. Always check network timing.

Essential IDE Features

Layout Inspector

• Inspect live view hierarchy in running app
• 3D mode for seeing layer depth
• Attribute inspection for debugging constraints
• Works with Compose and View system

Database Inspector

• Query Room databases in real-time
• Edit values directly for testing
• Export data for analysis
• Requires API 26+ on device