Attribute application@label is also present at

ONLINECAST

2 min read

·

04-09-2024

13

0

Share

Android Manifest Merge Conflicts: Resolving "Attribute application@label..." Errors

Have you ever encountered the frustrating "Attribute application@label..." error in your Android project? This error typically occurs after installing a new library and signifies a conflict between the AndroidManifest.xml file of your app and the AndroidManifest.xml file of the newly added library.

Let's break down this error and explore how to resolve it.

Understanding the Error Message

The error message essentially states that you have a duplicate definition for the android:label attribute within your application's AndroidManifest.xml file. This attribute is responsible for setting the application name, and the conflict arises when both your app and the library you've integrated attempt to define it.

The Solution: tools:replace Attribute

The solution, as suggested by the error message itself, lies in using the tools:replace attribute. This attribute, specifically designed for the Android build tools, allows you to override specific attributes from merged AndroidManifest.xml files.

Here's how to apply it:

1. Locate your AndroidManifest.xml file. This file is usually located in the app/src/main directory of your Android project.

2. Find the <application> tag. This tag is typically present near the beginning of your AndroidManifest.xml file.

3. Add the tools:replace attribute within the <application> tag. The value of this attribute should be the name of the attribute you want to override. In this case, it's android:label.

Your updated <application> tag should look like this:

<application
    android:allowBackup="true"
    android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher"
    android:label="@string/app_name"
    android:roundIcon="@mipmap/ic_launcher_round"
    android:supportsRtl="true"
    android:theme="@style/AppTheme"
    **tools:replace="android:label"**>
    </application>

Explanation:

The tools:replace attribute overrides the default behavior of the android:label attribute. By adding tools:replace="android:label", you are essentially telling the build tools to ignore the android:label defined in the library's AndroidManifest.xml and use the one you have defined in your own project.

Additional Considerations:

• Choosing the correct android:label: When resolving conflicts, ensure you are setting the android:label in your own AndroidManifest.xml to the desired value, whether it's a string resource or a direct text.

• Using tools:targetApi for version-specific overrides: If the conflict stems from a library targeting a specific API level, you can use the tools:targetApi attribute within your AndroidManifest.xml to control attribute merging for different API levels.

Avoiding Conflicts in the Future

• Thoroughly review library documentation: Check the documentation of the library you're integrating to see if it mentions any potential AndroidManifest.xml conflicts or specific instructions on how to customize the library's manifest.

• Use dependency management tools effectively: Utilizing tools like Gradle dependencies, you can specify the library version and potentially manage these conflicts with minimal effort.

Conclusion

The "Attribute application@label..." error, while initially intimidating, is relatively straightforward to resolve with the tools:replace attribute. By understanding the error, applying the correct solution, and being mindful of potential conflicts in the future, you can maintain a smooth and error-free Android development process.

References:

• Stack Overflow Answer: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/53510818/attribute-applicationlabel-value-is-also-present-at

• Android Developer Documentation - Merging Manifest Files: https://developer.android.com/studio/build/manifest-merge