AndroidManifestxml

AndroidManifest.xml is the central configuration file for an Android application. It declares the app’s package name, its components, the permissions it requests, and the hardware or software features it requires. The file is located at the root of the project and is packaged into the APK, where the Android system uses it during installation and runtime to enforce security and enable component communication.

The manifest uses XML syntax. The root element is manifest, with attributes such as package, android:versionCode, and android:versionName. The uses-sdk element specifies the minimum and target SDK versions. The uses-permission elements declare permissions the app requests from the user or other apps. The application element contains the app’s components, metadata, and global attributes like label, icon, and theme.

Within the application element, components include activities, services, broadcast receivers, and content providers. Activities may declare intent-filters that define how they can be started; the launcher activity is identified by an intent-filter with action MAIN and category LAUNCHER. Other components can be exported or restricted with permissions. Services run in the background, receivers handle broadcast events, and providers expose data to other apps.

Additional manifest declarations include uses-feature to declare required hardware features, supports-screens and compatible-screen attributes for device compatibility, and metadata elements for extra information. Permissions are categorized (normal, dangerous, signature) and, for dangerous permissions, runtime approval is typically required starting from newer Android versions.

During development, the Android Gradle plugin can merge manifests from multiple modules and libraries, resolving conflicts and applying placeholders. A typical Gradle project places the manifest at app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml. The manifest is essential for installation, component wiring, and enforcing app permissions.