Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) has been evolving rapidly, and one of the
latest updates brings a huge quality-of-life improvement for Android
developers: a new Gradle plugin tailored specifically for KMP projects.
What changed?
Traditionally, when building Android libraries in a KMP setup, we used
the plugin:
plugins {
id("com.android.library")
kotlin("multiplatform")
}
This worked, but it wasn't optimized for multiplatform workflows.
Developers often faced issues like slow builds, confusing android {}
blocks, or having to manually adjust configurations.
Now, Google and JetBrains recommend switching to:
plugins {
id("com.android.kotlin.multiplatform.library")
kotlin("multiplatform")
}
Why it matters
- Faster builds -- the new plugin is optimized for KMP projects.\
- Cleaner configuration -- no more awkward
android {} blocks.\
- Better IDE integration -- Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA
understand the new plugin out of the box.\
- Smarter defaults -- Android instrumented tests are disabled by
default (no more empty test setups you don't need).
In short: your Gradle setup becomes leaner, and your workflow smoother.
Migration example
If you already have a KMP module configured with com.android.library,
just replace it with the new plugin:
Before:
plugins {
id("com.android.library")
kotlin("multiplatform")
}
After:
plugins {
id("com.android.kotlin.multiplatform.library")
kotlin("multiplatform")
}
That's it! No extra boilerplate, no breaking changes.
Final thoughts
This update may look small, but it's a big step toward making Kotlin
Multiplatform easier and more enjoyable for Android developers. If
you're starting a new KMP project, you should adopt the new plugin right
away. For existing projects, the migration is painless and gives you a
smoother development experience.
What do you think about this change? Have you already tried the new
plugin in your projects?
