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Q-2: Explain importance of Android Manifest file in Android application

Marks: 5

Question​

Explain importance of Android Manifest file in Android application

Answer​

The Android Manifest file (AndroidManifest.xml) is a crucial configuration file in every Android application. Here's why it's important:

1. Application Declaration​

  • Declares the application to the Android system
  • Provides essential information about the app before it can be run

2. Component Registration​

  • Activities: All activities must be declared in the manifest
  • Services: Background services registration
  • Broadcast Receivers: Components that respond to system-wide broadcast announcements
  • Content Providers: Components that manage shared app data

3. Permissions Management​

  • Declares permissions the app needs to access protected parts of the system
  • Examples: Camera, Location, Storage, Internet access
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />

4. App Metadata​

  • Application name, version, and icon
  • Minimum SDK version requirements
  • Target SDK version
  • Package name (unique identifier)

5. Intent Filters​

  • Defines how activities can be started
  • Specifies which intents an activity can respond to
  • Enables implicit intent handling

6. Hardware and Software Requirements​

  • Declares required hardware features (camera, GPS, etc.)
  • Specifies software libraries the app uses

7. Application Configuration​

  • Theme and style information
  • Backup settings
  • Installation location preferences

Example Manifest Structure:​

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    package="com.example.myapp">
    
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
    
    <application
        android:allowBackup="true"
        android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher"
        android:label="@string/app_name"
        android:theme="@style/AppTheme">
        
        <activity android:name=".MainActivity">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
            </intent-filter>
        </activity>
        
    </application>
</manifest>

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