Android Manifest merge error when removing package name for namespace

When developing Android applications, managing the package attribute in the AndroidManifest.xml has evolved with the introduction of the namespace property in the build.gradle file. This change aims to streamline package management, but it can lead to manifest merge errors if not handled correctly. This article explores the relationship between the package attribute and the namespace property, common issues that arise during the migration, and best practices to ensure a smooth transition.

Understanding the package Attribute and namespace Property

Traditionally, the package attribute in the AndroidManifest.xml defined the application’s package name, serving as a unique identifier and determining the namespace for the R class and other generated files. With recent updates, Android’s build system encourages defining the package name in the build.gradle file using the namespace property. This approach centralizes the package definition, aligning it with other build configurations.

Common Issue: Manifest Merge Error

Developers transitioning to the namespace property may encounter the following manifest merge error:

package="org.sample.domain" found in source AndroidManifest.xml: C:\path\to\AndroidManifest.xml.
Setting the namespace via a source AndroidManifest.xml's package attribute is deprecated.
Please instead set the namespace (or testNamespace) in the module's build.gradle file.

This error indicates a conflict between the package attribute in the AndroidManifest.xml and the namespace property in the build.gradle file.

Best Practices for Resolving Manifest Merge Errors

Define the namespace in build.gradle:

In your module-level build.gradle file, specify the namespace property:

android {
    namespace 'com.your.unique.package.name'
    // other configurations
}

Remove the package Attribute from AndroidManifest.xml:

After defining the namespace in the build.gradle file, remove the package attribute from the <manifest> tag in your AndroidManifest.xml:

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
    <!-- Manifest content -->
</manifest>

Ensure Consistency Across Modules and Libraries: If your project includes multiple modules or external libraries, ensure that each module’s build.gradle file defines the appropriate namespace. This practice prevents conflicts during the manifest merging process.

Utilize the Merged Manifest View in Android Studio: Android Studio provides a “Merged Manifest” view to help identify and resolve merge conflicts:

Open your AndroidManifest.xml file.

Click on the “Merged Manifest” tab at the bottom of the editor pane.

Review the merged manifest for any errors or warnings and address them accordingly.

Conclusion

Transitioning to the namespace property in the build.gradle file enhances the organization and management of your Android project’s package naming. By removing the deprecated package attribute from the AndroidManifest.xml and defining the namespace in the build.gradle file, you can prevent manifest merge errors and maintain a clean, efficient build process. Regularly utilizing tools like the Merged Manifest view in Android Studio further aids in identifying and resolving potential conflicts, ensuring a smooth development experience.