How to use the command `sdkmanager` (with examples)

The sdkmanager command is a tool provided by the Android SDK to install, update, and uninstall packages for Android development. It is a powerful command-line tool that allows developers to manage the SDK packages efficiently.

Use case 1: List available packages

Code:

sdkmanager --list

Motivation:

Listing available packages is useful when you want to explore the various options and dependencies available in the Android SDK. It helps developers decide which packages to install based on their project requirements.

Explanation:

• --list: This argument is used to instruct the sdkmanager command to list all the available packages.

Example output:

Available Packages:
  Path                                                       | Version      | Description
  -------                                                    | -------      | -----------
  build-tools;28.0.3                                         | 28.0.3       | Android SDK Build-Tools 28.0.3
  build-tools;29.0.2                                         | 29.0.2       | Android SDK Build-Tools 29.0.2
  build-tools;30.0.3                                         | 30.0.3       | Android SDK Build-Tools 30.0.3
  cmdline-tools;latest                                       | 4.1          | Android SDK Command-line Tools (latest)
  emulator;29.3.3                                             | 29.3.3       | Android Emulator 29.3.3
  emulator;30.7.5                                             | 30.7.5       | Android Emulator 30.7.5
  platforms;android-30                                       | 3            | Android SDK Platform 30
  platforms;android-31                                       | 3            | Android SDK Platform 31
  ...

Use case 2: Install a package

Code:

sdkmanager package

Motivation:

Installing a specific package is necessary when you need additional components for your Android development environment, such as specific versions of build tools or platform SDKs.

Explanation:

• package: This argument represents the package name or package reference to be installed.

Example:

sdkmanager build-tools;29.0.2

Use case 3: Update every installed package

Code:

sdkmanager --update

Motivation:

Regularly updating installed packages ensures that you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security updates provided by the Android SDK.

Explanation:

• --update: This argument instructs the sdkmanager command to update all the installed packages to the latest versions.

Example output:

...
- Checking the size of the package update...
- Downloading build-tools;30.0.3
  36% Downloading https://dl.google.com/android/repository/build-tools_r30.0.3-macosx.zip...
- Unzipping build-tools;30.0.3 into SDK...
...
- All packages are up to date.

Use case 4: Uninstall a package

Code:

sdkmanager --uninstall package

Motivation:

Uninstalling a package becomes necessary when you want to remove unnecessary or outdated components from your Android SDK. It helps in managing disk space and keeping the environment clean.

Explanation:

• --uninstall: This argument tells the sdkmanager command to remove the specified package.

Example:

sdkmanager --uninstall build-tools;28.0.3

Conclusion:

The sdkmanager command is a versatile tool for managing the Android SDK packages. Whether you need to list available packages, install a specific package, update installed packages, or uninstall unnecessary components, the sdkmanager command provides a simple and efficient way to accomplish these tasks.