Is there `hot reload` feature in Android Studio native Java app development?

Question

Does Android Studio have hot reload feature for native Java app development? I am working on somewhat large application and it takes long time to rebuild so I am searching for some way to make it faster.

Answer 1

There is something really similiar called Instant Run for target devices that run Android 8.0 or later. In Android Studio there is a button right next to the run icon and it will apply your changes without rebuilding the entire app from scratch. In newer AS versions the button is simply called Apply Changes.

However, speaking from personal experience this feature is nowhere near as reliable and fast as for instance, Flutters "Hot Reload" and sometimes it will simply not work. In such cases you will have to rebuild the entire app.

Here is the official documentation for Apply Changes.