As software developers and engineers, it is crucial that we make the most of the tools available to us to minimize mistakes and maintain high code quality. Our time is precious, and we should use it wisely by focusing on resolving complex issues instead of tedious, repetitive tasks. In this article, I will explore three plugins that have helped me improve my coding process without adding extra hassle.

1. Code Quality: SonarLint ✅

When it comes to software development, linters are an incredibly valuable tool for developers. What they do is analyze source code for a variety of potential issues, such as coding style violations, bugs, errors, and other problems. It’s important to note that linters don’t actually execute the code, but they do provide developers with feedback on potential issues that need to be addressed.

The term “linters” actually stems from a historical tool known as “lint,” which was specifically used to check C programming language code. Nowadays, linters are available for a wide range of programming languages and are absolutely crucial for modern software development.

Get the plugin here.

One specific linter tool that’s worth mentioning is SonarLint. It’s a static code analysis tool that is particularly helpful for developers who want to identify and resolve code issues as they write it. It’s part of the larger SonarQube ecosystem, which is known for providing code quality and security analysis for projects.

One of the standout features of SonarLint is that it’s designed to work directly within integrated development environments (IDEs) and code editors, which means it can provide real-time feedback to developers during the coding process. All of this makes SonarLint an incredibly powerful and helpful tool for anyone involved in software development.

2. Code Styling: Ktlint ✅

If you’re working on a Kotlin project, you’ll want to take a closer look at Ktlint. This powerful linter, developed by Pinterest, ensures that your code adheres to the official Kotlin and Android coding standards.

With Ktlint, you can maintain consistency and quality throughout your codebase, making it easier to read, understand, and maintain. It’s an indispensable tool for teams and developers who want to streamline their development process and ensure that their code is top-notch.

Note: If you don’t like seeing warnings in your code due to styling, you may prefer using Android Studio’s built-in code formatter by right-clicking a Kotlin file and selecting “Reformat code” or by performing this operation automatically during committing.

Get the plugin here.

3. ADB Shortcuts: ADB Idea 🚧

The ADB Idea plugin is an extremely useful tool that streamlines Android app development by providing easy access to commonly used ADB commands.

This plugin offers a variety of shortcuts and features that are specifically designed for Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is a command-line tool that is utilized to interact with Android devices and emulators. By using this plugin, you can save time by avoiding the need to constantly type out package and device names.

The following commands are included in the plugin:

ADB Uninstall App
ADB Kill App
ADB Start App
ADB Restart App
ADB Clear App Data
ADB Clear App Data and Restart
ADB Start App With Debugger
ADB Restart App With Debugger
ADB Grant/Revoke Permissions
ADB Enable/Disable Wi-Fi
ADB Enable/Disable Mobile Data

Additionally, if you have multiple devices connected, the plugin will display a window that allows you to select the device that you want to execute the command on. Overall, the ADB Idea plugin is an excellent tool that can help to simplify and improve the Android app development process.

Get the plugin here.

Disclaimer: The cover image is created with AI.