When developing mobile apps using Apache Cordova, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest Gradle versions. This is especially true when new plugin or Cordova versions require upgraded Gradle dependencies. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of updating and reverting your Gradle version for Windows and MacOS, ensuring a smooth development experience.
Updating Gradle for Apache Cordova: A Step-by-Step Guide
To successfully update your Gradle version and rebuild your Cordova app, follow these crucial steps:
Stopping the Gradle Daemon
The first step is to stop any active Gradle services. Run the following command:
`
gradle --stop
`
This ensures that you're not working with an outdated or cached version of Gradle.
Deleting the Gradle Cache
Next, delete the Gradle cache folder:
`
Unix: %USER_HOME%\.gradle\caches\
Windows: C:\Users\
`
Clearing the cache helps free up space and ensures that you're working with a fresh version of Gradle.
Downloading a New Gradle Version
Instead of jumping straight to the latest Gradle version, choose one compatible with your desired Android plugin. For instance, you might opt for Gradle 5.1.1. Download the chosen version from the official Gradle Distributions site.
Unzipping the Downloaded File
Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file and place them in a directory of your choice (e.g., C:\gradle\gradle-5.1.1).
Adding the Bin Path to Environment Variables
To update your environment variables, you can use Rapid Environment Editor or the built-in editor provided by Microsoft. Set the CORDOVA_ANDROID_GRADLE_DISTRIBUTION_URL system variable to the URL of the downloaded Gradle ZIP file:
`
https://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-5.1.1-bin.zip
`
Add the location you used in step 4 (e.g., C:\gradle\gradle-5.1.1\bin) to the Path system variable, then save your changes.
Closing Open Command Prompts and IDEs
Close any active command prompts or IDEs to ensure that your new environment variables take effect. Restart your NetBeans, Visual Studio, or other IDE you're using.
Verifying the New Version
To confirm that the new version was installed correctly, run the following command:
`
gradle -v
`
This will display information about your current Gradle version.
Re-Adding the Android Platform
Re-add the android platform to your app by running:
`
cordova platform rm android cordova platform add android
`
Cleaning Your Project (Optional)
If you're feeling extra cautious, run the following commands to clean your project and rebuild:
`
cordova prepare cordova clean
`
Checking Your Project's Dependencies
Finally, check for any dependency conflicts by running:
`
gradle app:dependencies
`
This command will help you identify any issues with your app's dependencies.
Troubleshooting Cordova Build Errors
If you encounter build errors after updating your Gradle version, be sure to check out our article on common Apache Cordova build errors with Android. Additionally, switching Gradle versions can also help resolve plugin-related errors.
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