After multiple preview releases, the final release of Android Studio 3.0 is now finally here! The latest version of Android Studio packs in a plethora of new features and tools to Android Development easier and more efficient. Let’s check out what’s new in the 3.0 release.
One of the most notable changes in the 3.0 release is support for Kotlin. In case you’re not aware, Kotlin is a newly-supported programming language for Android development. It was officially announced back at Google I/O 2017 this year and this release of Android Studio comes bundled with Kotlin support. Kotlin is interoperable with Java and developers can easily port their existing projects over to Kotlin using the built-in converting tool without having to completely rewrite or painstakingly edit their code.
The Android Studio 3.0 also brings improved support for Java 8 language features. Back in March this year, Google announced that it would be ceasing the support for Jack toolchain and recommended developers to migrate to Javac based toolchain to fully take advantage of Java 8 language features. With this release, Android Studio now defaults to Javac based toolchain to make it easier for developers to start implementing Java 8 features in their apps. Other notable development related features include the ability to generate adaptive icons for apps, support for downloadable fonts, new templates and module wizard for Android Things platform and more.
Android Studio 3.0 also adds support for Instant Apps and ships with Instant Apps Development SDK to help developers get started with building a modular version of their existing app. In order to speed up app build times and scalability, Android Studio 3.0 also introduces a major upgrade to Android Gradle Plugin, which promises a significant performance boost when working on large, multi-module projects.
One of the most useful tools of Android Studio is the ability to test your apps across a wide range of virtual devices using the built-in Android Emulator. With Android Studio 3.0 now bundling Google Play Services along with the emulator system images, developers can now test their applications on a virtual device just like they would on a physical device with Play Services included.
Finally, Android Studio 3.0 also introduces a whole new set of performance measurement tools to help developers analyze performance-related issues in their apps. There are lots of other changes too in Android Studio 3.0, including APK debugging improvements, faster boot times for Android Emulator, enhancements to Layout Inspector, a new Device File Explorer and more.
For detailed documentation on each of these changes, be sure to check out the official announcement post by following the source link below.
Source: Android Developers Blog
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