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health-connect

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Comprehensive guide for Health Connect Jetpack SDK development. Includes AOSP workflow, feature implementation, naming standards, testing, and release phase requirements (Alpha/Beta/Experimental). Use when adding or modifying any Health Connect APIs in AndroidX.

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Health Connect Jetpack SDK Development

Overview

This skill defines the end-to-end workflow for developing Health Connect features in the AndroidX repository (frameworks/support/health/connect/).

1. Development Environment & Workflow

  • Root Directory: Always work from frameworks/support/.
  • Git Strategy:
    • Start a new branch: repo start <branch_name> .
    • First commit: git commit
    • Subsequent changes: git commit --amend
    • Upload for review: repo upload --cbr -t .
  • Sync to google3: Submission in AOSP triggers a "Safe Review" CL in Piper via Copybara. Approval in Piper triggers auto-submit and TAP.

2. Feature Implementation Workflow

Step 1: Platform API Availability

  • Ensure backing platform APIs are available. If not, perform a self-service prebuilt drop (go/androidx/playbook/update_sdk).
  • Map the version in HealthConnectFeatures.kt (e.g., Baklava/Android 37 or specific U/V extensions).

Step 2: Define Feature & Versioning

  • Add FEATURE_* constant to HealthConnectFeatures.kt.
  • Update FEATURE_TO_VERSION_INFO_MAP.
  • Access Control: Annotate every new public symbol with @RestrictTo(RestrictTo.Scope.LIBRARY) during development to prevent unintentional release.

Step 3: Implement Models & Client

  • Model Packaging: Create required Request/Response classes in a feature-specific package (e.g., androidx.health.connect.client.<feature_name>). This is the preferred approach for modularity and clarity.
  • Add methods to HealthConnectClient.kt.
  • Intent Constants: Descriptive internal constants (e.g., ACTION_HEALTH_CONNECT_MATCHMAKING) should be used for platform delegation.

Step 4: Logic & Delegation

  • Platform-Only Implementation: New features are developed for the platform (Android U+ / API 34+) using the system service. Do not add new feature logic to the legacy APK-based path (HealthConnectClientImpl.kt).
  • Implement logic in HealthConnectClientUpsideDownImpl.kt.
  • Check platform API availability before calling platform methods; throw UnsupportedOperationException if unavailable.
  • Note: This architectural shift ensures features leverage the system service and modern OS extensions.

3. Release Phases (Alpha vs. Beta)

Alpha Release

  • Remove @RestrictTo(RestrictTo.Scope.LIBRARY).
  • If the API is still evolving or not ready for final stable release, mark with an experimental annotation (e.g., @ExperimentalMatchmakingApi).
  • Submit for API review (go/hc-jetpack-sdk-review-process).

Beta/RC/Stable Release

  • Experimental Annotation: If the SDK version is Beta, RC, or Stable, new APIs must be marked with an experimental annotation unless they are fully ready for a stable commitment.
  • Remove @RestrictTo only after experimental annotations and API reviews are complete.

4. Critical Commands

TaskCommand
Format./gradlew :ktFormat or ./gradlew :ktCheckFile --format --file <path>
Build./gradlew :health:connect:connect-client:assemble
Update API./gradlew :health:connect:connect-client:updateApi
Unit Test./gradlew :health:connect:connect-client:test
Instrumentation Test./gradlew :health:connect:connect-client:connectedAndroidTest -Pandroid.testInstrumentationRunnerArguments.class=<class>

5. Testing Standards

  • Emulator/Device Tests: Required for platform-delegated APIs. Use real devices or emulators with the latest system images.
  • Suppression:
    • Use assumeTrue(Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= X) for platform release features.
    • Use assumeTrue(SdkExtensions.getExtensionVersion(Build.VERSION_CODES.U) >= Y) for extension features.
  • Fakes: Always update FakeHealthConnectClient.kt for new APIs.