Migrate from buildscript to plugins block

[lydiasama]

Why

While setting up the Firebase dependency, I found that we could not follow the Firebase setup step. So we need to read the Troubleshooting & FAQ for Android and Firebase

Currently, we are using buildscript to setup the plugin dependency on our project.
Google has suggested us to migrate from buildscript to plugins block to make it easier to apply plugins, and it works well with version catalogs.

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages:

Pros of migrating to the plugins block:

1. Simplicity and readability: The plugins block provides a more declarative syntax that is easier to read and understand. It simplifies the configuration of plugins by removing the need to specify repository and version information separately.

2. Convention over configuration: The plugins block follows the convention-over-configuration principle. Gradle automatically applies the necessary plugins based on the ID provided in the block, reducing the need for manual configuration.

3. Improved plugin management: The plugins block introduces a plugin DSL that allows you to define plugins and their configurations in a more structured way. This helps with version management, dependency resolution, and plugin compatibility.

4. Better dependency resolution: The plugins block uses the Gradle Plugin Portal as the default repository, which provides a centralized location for hosting and discovering plugins. This simplifies the process of finding and using plugins without the need to specify repository URLs.

Cons of migrating to the plugins block:

1. Compatibility with older Gradle versions: The plugins block was introduced in Gradle 2.1, so if you have an older Gradle version, you may need to upgrade to use the plugins block. This could introduce additional complexities, especially if your project has dependencies or custom plugins that are not compatible with the newer Gradle version.

2. Limited flexibility: While the plugins block simplifies plugin configuration, it may not provide the same level of flexibility as the buildscript block. Some plugins may require additional customization or configuration that is not available in the plugins block DSL. In such cases, you may still need to use the buildscript block.

3. Dependency ordering: With the plugins block, Gradle automatically manages the ordering of plugin resolution and configuration. This can be advantageous in most cases, but if you have specific requirements for the order in which plugins are applied or configured, it may be more difficult to achieve with the plugins block.

4. Migration effort: Migrating an existing project from the buildscript block to the plugins block requires modifying the build files and updating the syntax. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, this migration effort can be significant and may introduce new issues or require changes to the build configuration.

In summary, migrating to the plugins block offers improved readability, simpler plugin management, and better dependency resolution. However, it may require upgrading Gradle, limit flexibility in certain cases, and involve some migration effort. Consider the specific requirements and constraints of your project before deciding to migrate from the buildscript block to the plugins block.

Who Benefits?

Android developers

[luongvo]

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