Top 15 Android Libraries for Android App Developers in 2024!

Did you know that Android has a market share of roughly 70.5% compared to other operating systems? 

So if you already have a concept for an app, it’s time to turn it into an Android app to impress your consumers. 

The first and most important question you may have is, “What Android libraries should I use to assist me in making this?” 

Numerous high-performing libraries are available, so take a moment to consider your requirements. Do you have any unique requirements? Or are you seeking something more generic? 

Your responses to these topics will influence how you approach library selection.

In this article, I will examine the top 15 Android Libraries that every Android developer should know.

I’ll guide you through assessing library quality, and fit for your project, ultimately helping you make informed decisions for a successful app launch.

So without further delays, let’s begin!

What is an Android Library?

An Android Library, synonymous with an app module, encompasses essential files like source code or manifests. 

For instance, an Android app module can reference a compiled library in AAR format. 

With Android OS commanding a 71% market share in 2023, its dominance in mobile gaming is evident. 

The graph below shows the Global market share held by mobile operating systems from 2009 to 2023 by quarters by Statista:

New Android smartphones receive added features, and users benefit from free updates. 

Android Libraries enable automated updates through recurring notifications, aiding developers in seamlessly incorporating new features. 

While updating across Android platforms presents challenges, the support libraries provide a valuable solution, enhancing app compatibility across different versions.

Benefits of Android Libraries

The benefits of Android libraries are multifaceted:

• Community Support: Many libraries are open-source, fostering collaboration and support from the developer community.
• Reduced Bugs: Well-maintained libraries undergo rigorous testing, reducing the likelihood of bugs in your code.
• Faster Development: Using libraries cuts development time by importing tested code, expediting the process.
• Quality Assurance: Well-maintained libraries feature reliable, high-quality code, ensuring a stable app.
• Easier Maintenance: Modular libraries enhance code clarity, facilitating collaboration and simplifying future upkeep.
• Extended Functionality: Libraries go beyond the core Android framework, enriching apps with advanced features like image caching or social media integration.

Choosing the right library requires careful consideration based on your specific needs and the library’s reputation, documentation, and active community support. 

Significance of Android Libraries

The importance of Android libraries lies in their ability to expedite development processes and enhance efficiency by minimizing the amount of code that needs to be manually written. 

These libraries offer reliable and extensively tested solutions for common challenges, diminishing the likelihood of encountering bugs and crashes.

Constantly updated and well-maintained, these libraries grant developers access to the latest features and advancements. 

To optimize the quality and performance of your app, it’s crucial to employ specific Android frameworks for different purposes, such as:

• Utilizing Retrofit for streamlined network requests.
• Implementing Glide for fluid image loading.
• Leveraging RxJava2 for reactive programming.
• Including Dagger2 for dependency injection.

It’s important to note that regular app maintenance is essential to stay abreast of relevant upgrades and promptly address any bugs that may arise.

Top 15 Android Libraries for Android App Developers in 2024

Libraries, regardless of platform or stack, are revolutionary developments in software development. 

We use libraries to capitalize on the work of other developers to accomplish actions/functions more quickly, effectively, and with less boilerplate code. 

Let’s look at the major 15 Android libraries that can simplify the android app development process in 2024.

1. Dagger 2

Dagger2 is a Java and Android dependency injection framework that is totally static and compile-time. 

It is an update to Square’s previous version (Dagger1), now handled by Google. 

The most recent Dagger version offers Android-specific assistance. Specifically employing a novel code generator and auto-generation of subcomponents. 

Dagger2 is highly intricate and may require beyond the brief sample use for adequate comprehension, but let’s look at it nonetheless.

The following image illustrates how Dagger 2 is used in Android app development:

Features

• Compile-time dependency injection.
• No XML parsing for configuration.
• Simplifies testing of complex dependencies.

Pros

• Efficient object creation.
• Scalable for large projects.
• Robust compile-time validation.

Cons

• Strict adherence to conventions.
• Limited support for Android Studio plugins.
• Requires code generation.

2. Retrofit

A large number of apps for Android rely on talking with an external server or an online database. Retrofit is the most popular. 

Retrofit is an Android and Java type-safe REST client. 

Previously, to initiate a network call, you had to run an AsyncTask class using HttpsUrlConnection to obtain data, which was inefficient when working with APIs that returned big amounts of data. 

This is now resolved by retrofit.

Features

• Type-safe HTTP requests.
• Automatic JSON parsing.
• Support for custom converters.

Pros

• Utilizes annotation processing to generate boilerplate code for handling requests and parsing responses.
• Allows focusing on networking implementation without manual code writing.
• Permits implementation code placement in interfaces or abstract classes without worrying about network requests.

Cons

• Lacks support for Android’s Otto design pattern.
• Performance issues may arise when parsing JSON responses from APIs.

3. Glide

You need to display a list of photographs from a different source, but you’re getting either incorrectly loaded pictures or continuous loading; the remedy is here. 

Glide is a sophisticated image loader that is one of the top recent Android libraries for programmers and one that Google recommends.

Glide supports animated GIFs while handling picture loading and caching, as well as collecting, decoding, and presenting video calls, images, and animated GIFs, among other things.

This library’s primary goal is to make scrolling through any set of images as effortless as possible. 

It is also useful if you need to retrieve, resize, or show an off-site image.

Features

• Automatic memory and disk caching.
• Animated GIF and video support.
• Cross-fade animation.

Pros

• Open-source and backed by Google.
• Active GitHub team.
• Reliable and robust for caching without building it yourself.

Cons

• Sacrifices control over some parts of your code.
• Integration may lead to hidden costs or complications.

4. Picasso

Picasso is yet another excellent Android picture library. 

It was established and is currently operated by Square, which largely relies on and contributes to the open-source community and specializes in image loading and analysis. 

The process of showing photos from other sources is simplified by using Picasso. 

Picasso in an adapter offers complicated image modifications, automated disk caching, ImageView reuse and recycling, and download cancellation.

The library handles each phase of the procedure. It begins by processing HTTP requests and then handles image caching. Just like Glide.

Features

• Image transformations.
• Automatic memory and disk caching.
• Error and placeholder handling.

Pros

• Automatically updates image names from API providers.
• Simplifies downloading and using images from the internet.
• Streamlines tasks such as adding images to the UI, loading from the internet, etc.
• Reduces app load time.

Cons

• Lack of advanced image manipulation features.
• No support for animated GIFs.
• May lead to memory leaks if not used carefully.

Since Glide and Picasso are both renowned as Android libraries for image loading, let’s highlight the core differences and similarities through a table:

Features	Glide	Picasso
Size and Method Count	Has a bigger jar size and more methods.	Has a smaller jar size and fewer methods.
Disk Caching	It downloads the image from the given URL, resizes it to the image view size, and stores it in the disk cache.	It downloads the image and stores the full-size image in the cache.
Memory	More memory efficient.	Less memory efficient as compared to Glide.
Image Load time	Loads slower from remote URLs but faster from the cache.	Vice versa.
Other features	include Animated GIF support, Thumbnail support, Configurations, and customizations	None specified

5. Holo Graph Library

The Holo Graph Library, an open-source Android graphic library, enriches applications with visually appealing charts and graphs. 

Adhering to the Holo style, it offers compatibility with modern applications and supports various graph types.

These qualities make it ideal for developers seeking diverse and aesthetically pleasing data visualizations.

Features

• Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and more.
• Compatibility with modern applications.
• Easy customization.

Pros

• Support for multiple graph types.
• Smooth rendering and animation.
• Lightweight library.
• Extensive customization options.

Cons

• Limited support for complex data visualizations.
• Less active development compared to other libraries.
• Potential compatibility issues with newer Android versions.

6. CAMView

Look nowhere else than Camview if you need a mobile imaging library. 

It is free and open-source software that allows developers to add amazing effects to any image, such as 3D rotational or two-dimensional modification.

It enables users to create several customized animations for each photograph captured with minimal coding work. 

Overall, it’s a terrific choice for those needing to build powerful Android camera apps. 

Features

• Barcode scanning.
• Video preview.
• Real-time processing.

Pros

• Easy to integrate into a wide variety of applications.
• Android-specific library with thorough documentation.
• Constantly evolving with new features added promptly.

Cons

• Requires significant effort to implement.
• Camera options may be buried in settings menus.

7. MPAndroidChart

MPAndroidChart is a robust chart/graph visualization library for Android. 

It offers a variety of displays, including bar, line, bubbles, pie, radars, and candlestick charts, as well as scaling, visuals, and dragging.

This library is simple to integrate and utilize. 

Fully adjustable views and a wide feature set will undoubtedly leave you dumbfounded.

Here is an example of a graph prepared by MPAndroidChart for Android:

Features

• Various chart types.
• Scaling and animation.
• Extensive customization options.

Pros

• Comprehensive charting functionality.
• Smooth rendering and animation.
• Support for large datasets.
• Easy customization of chart appearance.

Cons

• Limited documentation for complex scenarios.
• Potential rendering issues on certain devices.
• Limited built-in support for real-time updates.

8. Espresso

Espresso is a testing framework included in the Android Testing Support Library. 

We may use this test framework to generate user interface testing for our Android apps. 

This means that we can use Espresso to construct tests that check whether the content of a TextView resembles another text. 

Espresso tests are done on real devices and simulators and react as if a real person were using the app.

Two examples of Espresso tests are shown in the following code snippets:

i. For Kotlin:

ii. For Java:

Features

• UI testing automation.
• Integration with JUnit.
• Easy-to-read test code.

Pros

• Eases debugging and speeds up tasks.
• Solidifies routine and provides structured testing.
• Enables fast test execution.

Cons

• Additional dependencies required for testing interactions.
• Inevitably need to write code for non-UI components.

9. Gravity View

Gravity View enhances Android user experiences by utilizing device motion sensors. 

Dynamically tilting images based on device movement allows users to explore content from different angles interactively. 

This unique feature makes Gravity View a valuable addition to applications focusing on visual content and interactive user engagement.

Features

• Image tilting based on device motion.
• Exploration of images from different angles.
• Motion sensor integration.

Pros

• Interactive and engaging user experience.
• Utilizes device hardware effectively.
• Easy integration with image views.
• Suitable for applications with image-centric content.

Cons

• Limited use cases outside image exploration.
• Potential battery drain during prolonged use.
• Limited support for older devices.

10. Mockito

Mockito, a Java-based testing framework, empowers Android developers to create clear and concise unit tests. 

Specializing in mock object creation and behavior simulations, Mockito facilitates isolated testing of individual modules. 

Its simplicity and code readability enhancement make it a valuable tool for precise unit testing in Android app development.

Features

• Mocking of objects and behaviors.
• Test doubles creation.
• Simplified test code.

Pros

• Easy and intuitive mocking.
• Simplifies unit testing.
• Improves test code readability.

Cons

• Potential overuse leading to fragile tests.
• Limited support for testing static methods.
• Limited support for testing Android-specific components.

11. Stetho

Stetho, a library by Meta, is described as a “highly advanced debug gateway for Android applications.” 

The library’s use is not limited to network assessment, database inspection, JS console, and so on; many developers also use it to access the Chrome Developers Tools, a Chrome Browser component. 

Developers can also use an optional dump app tool, which provides a sophisticated command-line interface to the application’s internals.

Features

• Chrome debugging integration.
• Network traffic inspection.
• Layout and database file inspection.

Pros

• Allows higher-quality snapshots of app information on the device.
• Provides flexibility for profiling and development on an active mobile device.
• Enhances visibility into memory use.

Cons

• Some minor performance issues may limit usability for certain applications.
• Potential for unexpected crashes due to memory leaks, especially with native code using STL algorithms.

12. RxJava2

If you’re searching for a library to help you implement reactive programming (build reactive apps), RxJava2 is a great option. 

This library is deemed unmatched by developers of Android applications because, among other things.

It streamlines the process of chaining async activities, enables a clearer way to describe how simultaneous operations should function, and can reveal mistakes faster than other libraries.

Features

• Asynchronous task chaining.
• Error handling through observables.
• Thread management.

Pros

• Takes a functional approach to data streams.
• Simplifies logic setup with custom operators.
• Consistent handling of asynchronous operations across platforms.

Cons

• Potential overuse leading to complex code.
• Debugging can be challenging.
• Limited built-in support for UI updates.

13. Exo Player

Google ExoPlayer is a media player library for Android. 

It is a better alternative to Android’s MediaPlayer API for streaming audio and video (both on your device and over the internet). 

ExoPlayer provides capabilities that Android’s MediaPlayer API does not currently support, such as DASH and SmoothStreaming adaptable playbacks. 

One of ExoPlayer’s most significant advantages is its ease of customization.

Features

• Audio and video playback.
• Smooth streaming.
• Easy customization.

Pros

• Supports a wide range of media formats.
• Efficient streaming playback.
• Customizable UI components.
• Seamless integration with media streaming services.

Cons

• Limited built-in support for video editing.
• May have occasional playback issues on certain devices.
• Larger library size compared to simple media players.
• Limited documentation for complex scenarios.

14. Android Data Binding

Android Data Binding streamlines UI component binding to data sources in Android applications. 

By adopting a declarative format, it enhances code clarity and reduces verbosity in programmatic bindings. 

Addressing issues related to debugging time, code structure clarity, and overall code readability, Android Data Binding is a valuable asset for Android developers.

Let’s take a look at data in Android before and after binding:

Features

• Declarative data binding.
• Binding UI components to data sources.
• Two-way data binding.

Pros

• Reduces boilerplate code.
• Enhances code clarity.
• Minimizes runtime errors.
• Simplifies UI updates.
• Compatible with existing codebases.

Cons

• Limited support for complex data transformations.
• May increase build times.
• Potential issues with data binding expressions.
• Limited support for non-Android projects.

15. Zxing

ZXing (Zebra Crossing) is a multi-format open-source 1D/2D barcode image analysis library for Java and Android. It can read and analyze various barcode types, such as QR codes, UPC-A, EAN-8, and others.

The library provides developers with an intuitive and simple-to-operate API for integrating barcode scanning features into their programs. 

It also allows developers to create barcode pictures, allowing them to make barcodes in various forms.

Features

• QR code and barcode scanning.
• 1D and 2D barcode support.
• Image processing.

Pros

• Lightweight with few dependencies.
• Supports multiple types of barcodes and allows the creation of personal QR codes.
• Enables personal identification and promotion.

Cons

• Takes up space on users’ phones.
• Uses a flash, draining battery power faster.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Android Library

Selecting the ideal Android library depends on addressing specific needs, with options like dependency injectors, networking, image loading, and more. 

Consider the following factors to determine the perfect Android library for your project:

• Popularity: Choose libraries well-received by developers and free from severe issues.
• Author Reputation: Assess an author’s credibility through GitHub following and successful libraries.
• Quality: A clear README file and organizational structure indicate easy feature integration.
• License: Check for usage restrictions to ensure compliance with your app.
• Open Source: Transparency is crucial; evaluate performance and troubleshoot with access to library code.

8 Best Kotlin Libraries for Android Developers

Kotlin has quickly emerged as the preferred language for Android development, offering a compelling combination of concise syntax, enhanced null safety, and seamless integration with existing Java code. 

Its advantages include reduced boilerplate code, improved readability, and enhanced developer productivity. 

To amplify the power of Kotlin in Android app development, let’s introduce you to the 8 top Kotlin libraries that can elevate your experience:

1. FlexboxLayout

FlexboxLayout is a powerful layout manager that streamlines the creation of dynamic and responsive user interfaces. 

It provides a flexible box model that can allow you to arrange widgets in rows, columns, or any custom layout pattern, ensuring a consistent user experience across various screen sizes and orientations. 

2. Anko

Anko is a comprehensive Kotlin library that offers a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) specifically tailored for Android development. 

This DSL approach simplifies and enhances the development of Android UI components, intent handling, and asynchronous operations. 

Anko’s expressive syntax and powerful abstractions will allow you to write concise and maintainable code, reducing the need for boilerplate code and repetitive tasks.

3. Kotlin Coroutines

Kotlin Coroutines is a powerful concurrency framework that revolutionizes asynchronous programming in Android. 

It provides a lightweight, non-blocking, and efficient way to manage background tasks, network requests, and other asynchronous operations without the complexity of traditional threads. 

Coroutines can enable you to write asynchronous code sequentially and straightforwardly, improving code readability and maintainability and reducing the risk of concurrency issues.

4. KBinding

KBinding emerged as a data-binding library specifically designed for Kotlin, seamlessly integrating with Kotlin’s type system to ensure data integrity and eliminate the need for manual UI updates.

It simplifies UI development by automatically updating UI elements in response to data changes, reducing the amount of boilerplate code, and promoting cleaner and more maintainable code. 

KBinding’s type-safe approach minimizes the risk of runtime errors and enhances code reliability.

5. RxKotlin

RxKotlin stands as a Kotlin wrapper for the popular RxJava library, empowering developers to harness the power of reactive programming in their Android apps. 

Reactive programming provides a declarative and functional approach to handling asynchronous events, enabling developers to easily subscribe to data streams, process data reactively, and handle complex data flows. 

RxKotlin’s integration with Kotlin will allow you to leverage reactive programming while maintaining the benefits of Kotlin’s expressive syntax and type system.

6. KAndroid

KAndroid offers a set of Kotlin extensions that streamline common Android development tasks, providing a collection of utility functions and extensions for activities, fragments, views, and other Android components. 

These extensions reduce the need for repetitive boilerplate code and facilitate more concise and idiomatic Kotlin coding. 

KAndroid’s abstractions and features can enhance your productivity, saving time and effort while allowing you to focus on the core logic of your app.

7. Ktlint

Ktlint stands out as a Kotlin linter that enforces coding style and best practices, ensuring consistency and maintainability across the codebase.

It can help you adhere to consistent code formatting, naming conventions, and linting rules, promoting code readability and reducing the risk of inconsistencies and potential bugs. 

Ktlint’s integration into the development workflow streamlines the code review process and collaboration among developers like you, ensuring that the code adheres to established style guidelines.

8. Klaxon

Klaxon is a lightweight JSON parser library for Kotlin, providing a simple and intuitive API for parsing JSON data into Kotlin objects and serializing Kotlin objects into JSON. 

It simplifies JSON processing and eliminates the need for complex manual JSON parsing, saving you time and effort. 

Klaxon’s lightweight nature makes it suitable for projects with limited memory or storage constraints, making it a valuable tool for handling JSON data efficiently.

Popular Categories of Android Libraries for Efficient Coding

Android app development relies on many libraries to simplify tasks, enhance functionality, and optimize performance. 

These libraries can be categorized into distinct groups based on their primary purpose:

1. Image Loading Libraries

Image loading libraries play a crucial role in handling the process of loading, caching, and displaying images within Android applications.

They streamline the process of fetching and displaying images, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.

• Prominent examples include: Glide and Picasso.

2. Video Libraries

Video playback and management are essential features for modern Android apps. 

Video libraries simplify video handling, including streaming, playback, and buffering. 

• Notable examples include: ExoPlayer, MediaPlayer, and LibVLC.

3. Networking Libraries

Networking libraries facilitate seamless communication with remote servers, enabling Android apps to fetch data, send requests, and manage network operations.

• Notable examples include: OkHttp, Retrofit, and Volley.

4. Dependency Injection Libraries

Dependency injection libraries promote modularity and maintainability by managing dependencies within Android applications. 

• Notable examples include: Dagger 2, Butterknife, and Hilt.

5. Reactive Programming Libraries

Reactive programming libraries handle asynchronous data streams effectively, enabling Android apps to handle complex data flows and interactions reactively. 

• Notable examples include: RxJava2 and RxAndroid.

6. Testing Libraries

Testing libraries ensure the quality and reliability of Android apps by enabling thorough testing of various aspects of the application. 

• Notable examples include: JUnit, Mockito, and Espresso.

7. Security Libraries

Security libraries play a crucial role in protecting Android apps from malicious attacks and ensuring user data privacy. 

Notable examples include: OkHttp Interceptors, Retrofit Annotations, and ProGuard.

By judiciously selecting and integrating appropriate libraries, Android developers can create powerful, efficient, and secure applications that meet user needs and exceed expectations.

Underused Android Libraries Worth Exploring

While popular Android libraries receive much attention, several underused gems offer significant value and deserve exploration. 

These lesser-known libraries provide unique functionalities and can greatly simplify development tasks. 

Let’s spotlight these underused Android libraries:

• ButterKnife: ButterKnife offers a concise way to bind views and handle click events in Android apps, reducing boilerplate code and enhancing code readability.
• AndroidAnnotations: This library takes dependency injection to the next level by providing a comprehensive set of annotations and code generation tools, reducing the need for manual configuration.
• EventBus: EventBus simplifies communication between different components of an app, offering a lightweight event bus framework for decoupling and organizing cross-component interactions.
• OkHttp: OkHttp is a powerful HTTP client that offers advanced features such as connection pooling, caching, and interceptors, enabling efficient network communication in Android apps.
• ActiveAndroid: ActiveAndroid is an object-relational mapping (ORM) library that simplifies database operations by mapping Java objects to SQLite tables, reducing the need for manual SQL queries.
• LibStreaming: LibStreaming offers painless video streaming capabilities, enabling developers to incorporate real-time video streaming functionality into their apps easily.
• LeakCanary: LeakCanary is a powerful memory leak detection library that automatically detects and helps troubleshoot memory leaks in Android apps, facilitating efficient memory management

How Can Core Devs Help You with Android App Development?

Core Devs is a premier app development company that creates apps that unlock many Android benefits. 

Our expertise extends from providing app development consultations to crafting high-quality apps with seamless multi-platform deployment. 

Final Thoughts

We’ve seen how Android libraries drastically minimize the repetitive code needed to perform certain activities while programming for Android. 

Knowing which libraries are the best will help us enhance the caliber of our apps and deliver more in fewer hours. 

So, knowing about and employing these libraries results in a win-win situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Android Libraries

1. What is the purpose of using Android libraries in app development?

Android libraries are pre-written code modules that developers can integrate into their applications. They streamline development, offering ready-made solutions for common tasks like image loading, networking, and database operations. 

Utilizing libraries enhances efficiency, reduces development time, and ensures best practices.

2. Why should I use Android libraries?

There are several benefits to using Android libraries:

1. Libraries can save developers time by providing pre-written code for common tasks. This can save developers from repeatedly writing the same code, which can free up their time to focus on more complex features.

2. Libraries are often written by experienced developers who have carefully tested and optimized the code. This means that libraries are typically of higher quality than code developers write themselves.

3. Libraries can help to ensure that all of the code in an Android application is consistent and follows best practices. This can make it easier for developers to maintain and update the application.

4. Libraries can provide access to new features and functionality that would be difficult or time-consuming to implement from scratch. This can help developers to create more powerful and innovative applications.

3. Are all Android libraries compatible with the latest Android versions?

While many libraries are updated to support the latest Android versions, checking each library’s documentation is essential. 

Developers often update libraries to maintain compatibility, but it’s crucial to ensure that the chosen library aligns with the targeted Android version for your app.

4. How do I find Android libraries?

You can find Android libraries in many places:

• The Android Open Source Project (AOSP): The AOSP includes many open-source and is available for use in your applications.
• The Google Maven Repository: The Google Maven repository includes some libraries that Google and its partners develop.
• Third-party Libraries: Several third-party libraries are available for Android, which can be found on websites such as GitHub and Maven Central.

5. Can I use multiple Android libraries in a single project?

Yes, you can use multiple libraries in a single Android project. However, it’s essential to manage dependencies carefully to avoid conflicts. 

Gradle, the build system for Android, allows you to declare and manage dependencies efficiently, ensuring a smooth integration of multiple libraries.

6. How do I avoid common pitfalls when using Android libraries?

Here are a few things to remember when using Android libraries:

• Make sure that the library is compatible with your version of Android.
• Test the library thoroughly in your application before releasing it to production.
• Be careful not to overuse libraries, as this can make your code less maintainable.
• If you use a third-party library, ensure it is well-maintained and has a good track record.

7. How do I install Android libraries?

The process for installing Android libraries varies depending on the library and the development environment that you are using. 

However, most libraries can be installed using Gradle or Maven.