In 2026, the Android Developer codelab library is categorized into Modern Android Development (MAD) (Jetpack Compose, Kotlin Multiplatform, and AI integration) and Legacy (XML/View-based) modules. Here's a list of the key active codelabs available on developer.android.com/codelabs
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API 36 (Android 16): Modern codelabs now target API 36 as the "Compile SDK." If you are using a codelab that targets API 33 or lower, it likely contains legacy patterns (like XML or Fragments).
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The "(Deprecated)" Prefix: On the official site, any codelab involving Dagger (not Hilt), DataBinding, or Leanback is explicitly tagged as "Deprecated." These are kept only for developers maintaining apps built before 2023.
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16 KB Page Size Compatibility: A new set of specialized codelabs was added in 2025 to help developers recompile native (C++) code for upcoming high-performance hardware architecture.
This repository serves as a roadmap for mastering Android development in 2026. It focuses exclusively on the Modern Android Development (MAD) ecosystem, intentionally omitting legacy XML, Fragments, and Java-based modules to ensure a future-proof, conflict-free architecture.
The table below lists the essential codelabs and modules available on developer.android.com/codelabs that align with 2026 standards.
| Category | Codelab Topic | Key Technologies | Modern Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| UI & UX | Jetpack Compose Essentials | Compose, Material 3, State | Declarative UI; replaces XML layouts. |
| UI & UX | Adaptive Layouts for Large Screens | WindowSizeClass, Pane Layouts | Native support for foldables and tablets. |
| Architecture | Architecture & State in Compose | ViewModel, StateFlow, UDF | Reactive state management without LiveData. |
| Architecture | Navigation in Jetpack Compose | Compose Navigation, Type-safe | Replaces Fragment Transactions and NavGraph XML. |
| Multiplatform | Get Started with KMP | KMP, Shared Logic, SKIE | Share code between Android and iOS seamlessly. |
| AI & ML | Generative AI with Gemini | Gemini Pro API, AI SDK | Integrated on-device and cloud-based AI. |
| Data & Sync | Room with Coroutines & Flow | Room, Flow, Repository | Asynchronous local persistence; no UI blocking. |
| Performance | Optimizing for Android XR | Compose XR, Spatial Panels | Developing for the 2026 AR/VR hardware ecosystem. Unity App for Android |
| Performance | Compose Performance | Baseline Profiles | Ensuring smooth 120Hz performance on modern chips. |
To avoid conflicting legacy modules, your project directory should follow this modularized structure:
root/
├── composeApp/ # Shared UI and logic (KMP support)
│ ├── src/commonMain # Business logic, Repositories, ViewModels
│ ├── src/androidMain # Android-specific Compose entry points
│ └── src/iosMain # iOS-specific entry points
├── build-logic/ # Kotlin DSL for build management
├── core/
│ ├── network/ # Ktor or Retrofit (Modern config)
│ ├── database/ # Room (No SQLiteOpenHelper)
│ └── designsystem/ # Material 3 Theme & Composable components
└── gradle/ # Version Catalog (libs.versions.toml)
To maintain a codebase free of legacy conflicts, follow these 2026 Modern Standards:
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Language: Use Kotlin 2.1+ with the K2 compiler enabled by default.
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UI Toolkit: Jetpack Compose only. Do not include ConstraintLayout (XML) or CoordinatorLayout dependencies.
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Asynchrony: Use Kotlin Coroutines and Flow. Avoid RxJava or AsyncTask legacy wrappers.
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Dependency Injection: Use Hilt (built on Dagger) for compile-time safe DI that is Lifecycle-aware.
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Multi-Device: Prioritize Adaptive Layouts; 2026 development assumes a variety of form factors (Handheld, Foldable, XR).
This repository contains a curated list of official Android developer codelabs, updated for 2026 standards.
| Codelab Title | Link | Last Updated | Summary | Target API |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android XR Fundamentals: Part 1 | 🔗 | Oct 2025 | Creating spatial panels and 3D orbiters for Android XR devices. | 34+ |
| Android Automotive: Parked Apps | 🔗 | Oct 2025 | Designing video and gaming experiences for car infotainment screens. | 33+ |
| Adaptive Apps with Jetpack Compose | 🔗 | Jun 2025 | Optimizing UI for tablets, foldables, and desktop modes using Window Size Classes. | 31+ |
| Keyboard Focus in Compose | 🔗 | Jun 2025 | Advanced D-pad and keyboard navigation for non-touch devices. | 21+ |
| Compose for Wear OS (Material 3) | 🔗 | May 2025 | Building power-efficient watch faces and apps with M3 Expressive. | 33+ |
| Performance: Macrobenchmark | 🔗 | Jun 2025 | Measuring app startup and frame drops to ensure 120Hz smoothness. | 29+ |
| Build for Matter (Smart Home) | 🔗 | Aug 2024 | Integrating IoT devices using the Google Home Mobile SDK. | 30+ |
| Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) Basics | 🔗 | May 2025 | Sharing business logic and Room databases between Android and iOS. | 21+ |
| Health Connect Integration | 🔗 | Oct 2025 | Reading and writing fitness data to the system-level Health storage. | 28+ |
| Jetpack Compose Basics | 🔗 | Jan 2024 | The entry-level tutorial for declarative UI development. | 21+ |
| Advanced Testing with Gemini | 🔗 | May 2025 | Using Agentic AI to generate and run automated user journey tests. | 30+ |