externalNativeBuild

externalNativeBuild is a Gradle plugin used in Android development to integrate and manage native build systems like CMake and ndk-build. It allows developers to incorporate C and C++ code into their Android projects, leveraging the performance benefits of native code. The plugin automates the process of configuring and invoking these external build tools, simplifying the workflow for developers who need to compile native libraries for their Android applications.

When using externalNativeBuild, developers typically define their native build configuration in separate files, such as CMakeLists.txt for CMake or Android.mk for ndk-build. These files specify the source files, libraries, and build settings for the native code. The externalNativeBuild plugin then reads these configuration files and orchestrates the build process. This includes invoking the appropriate native compiler toolchain and ensuring that the compiled native libraries are correctly packaged into the Android application.

The primary advantage of externalNativeBuild is its ability to streamline the integration of existing native codebases or the development of new native components. It abstracts away much of the complexity of setting up and managing native build environments within the Android Gradle project. This allows developers to focus more on writing and optimizing their native code, rather than on the intricacies of cross-compilation and build system integration. The plugin provides hooks for configuring compiler flags, linking libraries, and other essential build-time settings.