ndkbuild

ndkbuild is a build system used with the Android NDK (Native Development Kit). It leverages Makefiles to configure and build native C/C++ code for Android applications. Its primary purpose is to simplify the process of compiling native libraries that can be linked into Android applications, enabling developers to leverage existing C/C++ codebases or achieve performance improvements through native code.

The core of ndkbuild functionality lies in its Android.mk files. These files, written in a Make syntax, specify the source files, modules, and compilation flags for native libraries. ndkbuild then uses these Android.mk files to invoke the NDK toolchain, which includes compilers and linkers, to produce the final shared libraries (.so files) or static libraries (.a files) compatible with Android devices.

Key features of ndkbuild include its ability to define multiple modules within a single project, manage dependencies between native libraries, and support cross-compilation for different Android architectures (like ARM, x86, and MIPS). It also integrates with the Android build system, allowing for seamless inclusion of native libraries into the overall APK build process. While powerful, ndkbuild can have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler build systems. Developers often use it in conjunction with other tools or build system wrappers to streamline their native development workflow.