Large-scale applications are storage hogs as well as annoyances. Users cannot exist without them, and they cannot exist without them. App size is growing in lockstep with mobile storage capacity, which has already surpassed 256 GB. App sizes are certain to grow as Android app development experts add new features, attempt to meet user expectations, and support their apps on numerous screen sizes. Android is used by over 74% of the world’s population, and 70% of users consider app size before installing it.

 

Users in emerging economies may avoid downloading apps that appear to be too huge because their mobile phones connect to irregular 2G and 3G networks or are on pay-per-byte plans. Hence every Android app development company in India must know how to make your app’s download smaller so that more people can download it. The top 8 strategies for shrinking the size of an Android app are discussed in the next section.

Top 8 Strategies to Reduce App Size in Android App Development

#1 Reduce App Size using Android App Bundle

When creating the release version of your Android app, you have the option of using APK or Android App Bundle. The second approach is for Google Play to generate an APK that just has the functionality that a particular user requires. Utilize the Android App Bundle. It is a publishing format that includes your app’s produced code and resources while delaying APK compilation and Google Play signing.

The compressed download size for Android App Bundles is limited to 150 MB. APK expansion files are not supported by the app package. New apps will require publishing on Google Play using the Android App Bundle in the second half of 2022.

#2 Invest in Proguard

Proguard is without a doubt one of the most beneficial solutions for reducing the size of your app’s APK. By directly reducing the source code files, it is possible to minimize the size of the APK file by up to 90%. Use all versions of Proguard whenever possible. While Proguard is utilized in all production versions, it aids in avoiding conflicts over the final APK or package. Since certain data types must adhere to the serialized format, ProGuard is unable to change or delete any of their fields.

#3 Use the Size Analyzer for Android

The Android Size Analyzer tool makes it simple to find and execute a variety of app-size-reduction solutions. It’s available as both a standalone JAR file and an Android Studio plugin. After installing the plugin, 

  • Go to the menu bar 
  • Select Analyze > Analyze App Size to do an app size analysis on your current project.

#4 Image Enhancement

Photographs with higher resolution are always the finest and first choice for attracting people to your website. Given that the latest Android app development has resulted in high camera resolution, lowering the resolution may result in a smaller image size. If you don’t want to sacrifice image quality, convert.jpg or.png images to .webp.

The use of photos without first lowering their size may degrade the app’s quality. Before uploading or using.jpg and.png pictures in your project, convert them to web format. You may use apps like packJPG and Guetzli to work with jpg files. Vector graphics are also an alternative due to their simplicity and effectiveness. 

#5 Removal of Redundant Code

It is critical to understand a code’s footprint within a redundant system where it is automatically created while an Android app development company in India is developing a mobile app. There are other protocol buffer tools, for example, that may generate new methods and classes. These methods and classes have no value to the Android app created. Instead, they just increase the size of the software rapidly. Delete such repetitive scripts if the program’s size is to stay optimal and free of the tyranny of unnecessary components.

#6 Use Least Amount of Library Resources

External libraries are frequently used while designing Android apps to provide maximum usability and adaptability. Google Play Services serves useful in obtaining automatic translations of app content. Also, Android Support Library is used to improve the UX on older devices. These two are the most prevalent uses. Such libraries are intended for servers or desktops and provide a plethora of methods and objects that are irrelevant to the app. However, you may edit the files and keep only the pieces necessary by your Android app.

#7 Use Your Resources Again

Throwing away is considerably greater than reusing. It’s a wonderful approach to maximizing your resources. It provides a smooth scrolling experience. It can aid in the reduction of the overall size of your Android APK. Resources that are just rotated duplicates of other resources should be eliminated. Assume you have the ability to discern differences in the colors and orientation of a picture. You may use the same components for other images as well.

#8 Avoid Using Enumerations 

Enumerations are untrustworthy. Add a single one to an application’s classes.dex file and it accounts for between 1.0 and 1.4 KB. Complex frameworks or common libraries may need a high level of performance. So, what is the best option to correct this issue? ProGuard helps in converting enums to integers, resulting in a more basic application.

Closing Thoughts

Use Android Product Bundles to publish your software to Google Play and assure a small download for your consumers. Since you no longer need to manage several APKs to support different devices, users can benefit from quicker downloads. It is simple to minimize APK files and optimize libraries with features like Proguard in Android app development. Partner with an Android app development company in India that can handle the app size compression in the most professional and right way.

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Nicholas james is the CTO of Pyramidion Solutions who holds expertise in managing the Android app development team. As a solution architect, he suggests the best methodologies and approaches be followed to maintain good user engagement and retention.

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