Android L (API 21) - java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Service Intent must be explicit

Android new version - "Lollipop" (API 21) brings quite a few changes with it, but it comes with some price if you wish to target your app to that API.

When we started adapting our apps to the new API, one of the first problems we've encountered is the `IllegalArgumentException: Service Intent must be explicit`

Automatic versioning and increment using Git tags and Gradle

How do you set versions for you Android app? There are many ways at it. At the manifest, at the gradle in a "def", in a version.properties file... But, if you are looking for a cleaner way where you don't have to actually change a file, and it will continuously increment after each commit - here it is.

GCM (push notification) testing

One of the better efficient ways to communicate messages to your app is via Google's GCM service. This post is about how to test your GCM once you had it set up in your project

Inspection (lint and Intellij rules)

A developer should always check his code for Lint warnings/errors and intellij rules, and seek to minimize the amount of warnings/errors. As a team we will use a unified set of Lint rules, that will help us set the base rules for Lint checker.

Android Studio logcat - tips

The logcat is probably your best friend during development and debugging. Here's a few tips to make it more accessible:

Android Studio Recommended Plugins

New to the Android Studio IDE? Spoil yourself with some plugins to custom your environment like a glove.

ProGuard

ProGuard is a must. We will never release a version without turning it on.

3rd party libraries and Using maven

When using 3rd party open source libraries, we usually get the choice either to download the JAR/project files or to use Maven to fetch them. We should always try and use Maven for better maintenance and version control.