Major changes include:
Code:
- In Android Studio 2.4 Preview 1 we upgraded the base IDE from IntelliJ 2016.2 to 2017.1 EAP, which adds a number of new features in 2016.3 and 2017.1 -- including parameter hints, semantic highlighting, instant results in search, and much more.
- Many new lint checks
Instant Run:
- Instant Run Debug Issue 234401 should now be resolved. If a program is paused on breakpoint, app restarting is expected. But if the app is not paused on a breakpoint, it shouldn’t restart and hot swap should work when you only make a method implementation change.
Build:
- Incremental dex’ing. Dex’ing is now done at a per class level. This allows for more incrementality and will result in faster incremental builds. You should also expect improved build speeds for applications using legacy multi-dex (minSdkVersion < 21).
- Dependency resolution at execution time. In previous versions, dependency resolution occurs during Gradle configuration time. By moving dependency resolution to execution time, you should expect improved configuration times for large projects.
IDE:
- Android Studio on the mac will now be called “Android Studio 2.4 Preview.app” to make it easier for you to run 2.3 stable with the new previews side by side.
- Device File Explorer - Seamlessly view, modify and interact with device filesystems directly in Android Studio. This feature replaces device filesystem interactions previously accomplished through DDMS (Dalvik Debug Monitor Server)
Known Issues:
- If you check for updates it will tell you there is a new version of Android Studio 2.4 Preview 1 (build 171.3804684). This is the same build you already have installed. Please don't try to download it again. We will have a fix included in Android Studio 2.4 Preview 2.
- Mac builds may prompt you saying it can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer. The zip appears to signed, but has issues. We will update it in Preview 2. If you want to try it in preview 1, please right click and select open.
