Runtime Permissions with PermissionsDispatcher

Introduction

In Android development, runtime permissions play a vital role in granting specific permissions to an app during runtime. This enhances user privacy and control over the sensitive data they share with apps. PermissionsDispatcher, a powerful library, simplifies the process of handling runtime permissions by providing annotations and a code generation mechanism, reducing boilerplate code and improving readability.

Integrating PermissionsDispatcher

1. Add the Gradle Dependency:

   implementation 'com.github.permissionsdispatcher:permissionsdispatcher:4.9.3'
   annotationProcessor 'com.github.permissionsdispatcher:permissionsdispatcher-processor:4.9.3'
   

2. Enable Annotation Processing:
   In your app module's build.gradle file, add the following:

   android {
       ...
       java {
           annotationProcessorOptions {
               arguments = ["debug.mvpDebug": "true", "debug.mvpRelease": "true"]
           }
       }
       ...
   }
   

Using PermissionsDispatcher

1. Annotate Permission Methods:
   Annotate methods that require specific permissions with @NeedsPermission. For example:

   @NeedsPermission(Manifest.permission.CAMERA)
   void takePicture() {
       // Code to take a picture
   }
   

2. Handle Permission Requests:
   PermissionsDispatcher generates a class, typically named YourActivityPermissionsDispatcher, that handles permission requests. Call methods generated by PermissionsDispatcher to request permissions. For example:

   YourActivityPermissionsDispatcher.takePictureWithPermissionCheck(this);
   

Responding to Permission Results:

1. Override onRequestPermissionsResult:
   In your activity or fragment, override onRequestPermissionsResult to receive the results of permission requests.

   @Override
   public void onRequestPermissionsResult(int requestCode, @NonNull String[] permissions, @NonNull int[] grantResults) {
       super.onRequestPermissionsResult(requestCode, permissions, grantResults);
       PermissionsDispatcher.onRequestPermissionsResult(this, requestCode, grantResults);
   }
   

Additional Features

• Request Multiple Permissions:
  Use @NeedsPermissions annotation to request multiple permissions simultaneously.
• Permissions Not Granted:
  PermissionsDispatcher handles scenarios where permissions are not granted gracefully.
• Customization:
  Customize permission logic and error handling by overriding generated methods.

Conclusion

PermissionsDispatcher streamlines the management of runtime permissions in Android applications, ensuring adherence to security guidelines and providing a smooth user experience. Its annotations and code generation capabilities make it a valuable tool for developers, reducing boilerplate code and improving readability.