Fabric not accepting @string/... reference for its API key in manifest.xml

Question

I'm trying to hide my fabric API key from source control by putting the key in an un-tracked string resource XML file. But for some reason, fabric is not accepting the key vie @string/FABRIC_API_KEY reference in the manifest.

The XML file is as follows -

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<resources>
    <string name="NASA_API_KEY">abcd</string>
    <string name="FABRIC_API_KEY">xyz</string>
</resources>

The reference in the manifest -

<meta-data
    android:name="io.fabric.ApiKey"
    android:text="@string/FABRIC_API_KEY" />

And, here is the error I get on an attempt to build -

Error:Execution failed for task ':app:fabricGenerateResourcesDebug'. Crashlytics Developer Tools error.

I have tried accessing the API key via BuildConfig and it still does not work.

Answer 1

According to Fabric,

You should stop adding this key field in AndroidManifest.xml. Instead you should add it in fabric.properties.

Basically fabric library will automatically merge this key later in your merged AndroidManifest.xml.

REF : https://docs.fabric.io/android/fabric/settings/working-in-teams.html#android-projects

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

In build.gradle add manifestPlaceholders:

defaultConfig {
    manifestPlaceholders = [
        FABRIC_API_KEY:"Your Key"
    ]
}

Use it in AndroidManifest.xml like

<meta-data
    android:name="io.fabric.ApiKey"
    android:value="${FABRIC_API_KEY}"
/>