WebRTC Framework Generation For Android: AAR (Android Archive) Framework Generation Guide📱✨

WebRTC Framework Generation For Android: AAR (Android Archive) Framework Generation Guide📱✨

Real-time communication lies at the core of modern applications, and WebRTC is a powerful tool for enabling seamless audio, video, and data exchange on the Android platform. Integrating WebRTC into Android projects can be a complex task, but a streamlined approach using a framework generation process can make the process much more accessible.

Android framework development is only supported on Linux.

Requirements:

  • Linux Machine or Ubuntu Machine: The framework generation process is supports only on Linux-based systems. (Ubuntu is best option. But yes you can use on any Linux Machine)
  • Python3 installed.
  • Disk Space — 100GB atleast.

Why Generate Your Own AAR Framework?

1. Changes in Google’s Distribution:

Google has stopped providing precompiled libraries for WebRTC on Android and iOS. Even though they continue using the same codebase for Chrome, Google Meet, and Google Duo, they no longer distribute the mobile libraries. This means developers need to create their own Android Archive (AAR) for up-to-date WebRTC integration.

Source : https://groups.google.com/g/discuss-webrtc/c/Ozvbd0p7Q1Y/m/M4WN2cRKCwAJ

2. Customize and Optimize:

Generating your AAR allows you to make specific customizations and optimizations to the WebRTC framework. This change not only adapts to Google’s new distribution approach but also gives developers the freedom to tailor their WebRTC integration according to their project’s unique needs. It’s an opportunity to take control and enhance project outcomes.

Setting Up the Environment:

1. Download Depot Tools :

The first step is to clone a set of essential tools known as “Depot Tools.” These tools, provided by the Chromium project, are crucial for managing large code repositories, such as the one for WebRTC.

What are Depot Tools?

Depot Tools is a collection of scripts for managing large code repositories, primarily designed for projects hosted on Chromium. It provides utilities for tasks such as fetching code, managing dependencies, and building projects. In the context of WebRTC, Depot Tools simplifies the process of fetching the extensive WebRTC source code and its dependencies.

Open the terminal and run this below commands,

→ Clone Depot Tools.


git clone https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/tools/depot\_tools.git

git clone: Fetches the Depot Tools repository from the specified URL and clones it onto your local machine.

→ Add in PATH Variable

export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/depot\_tools

“export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/depot_tools:” Adds the directory path to the cloned Depot Tools to your system’s PATH variable. This ensures that the tools are easily accessible from any location in your terminal.

For example, “export PATH=$PATH:/home/username/Documents/webrtc/depot_tools”

2. Fetch WebRTC:

Once Depot Tools are cloned and added to your PATH, the next step is to fetch the WebRTC source code tailored for Android:

  • Create a new folder in documents or anywhere you want.
  • Open the terminal in that created new folder and run this below commands one by one,
fetch --nohooks webrtc\_android  
gclient sync

fetch — nohooks webrtc_android: Fetches the WebRTC source code specifically for Android, excluding unnecessary hooks that may slow down the process.

gclient sync: Synchronizes the dependencies and retrieves the specified version of the WebRTC source code along with its dependencies. It ensures that you have the correct versions of all components required for building WebRTC.

By executing these commands, you set the foundation for accessing the WebRTC source code and dependencies, laying the groundwork for the subsequent steps in the framework generation process. The use of Depot Tools simplifies the management of the large and intricate WebRTC codebase, making the integration process more manageable.

3. Navigate to the Source Directory:

cd src

  1. Move into the ‘src’ directory, where the WebRTC source code is located.
  2. Install Build Dependencies:
./build/install-build-deps.sh

Use the provided script to install the required build dependencies tailored for Linux systems.

4. Making Necessary Code Changes (if needed):

Before proceeding with the build process, you can include adjustments to configurations, permissions, or any custom features you want to incorporate.

5. Building the Android Archive (AAR):

The final step in the framework generation process involves executing a Python script that builds the Android Archive (AAR) for WebRTC:

python3 tools\_webrtc/android/build\_aar.py

This Python script automates the build process, handling the complexities of compiling WebRTC for Android. Once executed, it generates the AAR file containing the WebRTC framework, ready for integration.

The duration of the framework generation process can vary, typically taking between 2 to 4 hours, depending on your machine’s specifications. However, there’s no need to be concerned about the time it takes.

Extra Tip :)

If you’re interested in generating the framework for a specific architecture only, you can achieve this by using the following command

python3 tools\_webrtc/android/build\_aar.py --output libwebrtc\_custom.aar --arch arm64-v8a
  • the --arch flag specifies the target architecture as “arm64-v8a.” If you need to support multiple architectures, you might run the command multiple times, changing the architecture for each build. For example, you might have separate builds for arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a, x86, and x86_64.
  • the --output libwebrtc_custom.aarflag specifies the output file name for the generated AAR file. In this case, the AAR file will be named “libwebrtc_custom.aar.”
  • Generated file will be in the “src” folder.

Conclusion:

You’ve conquered WebRTC framework generation for Android on your Linux machine — fantastic work! But the adventure doesn’t end here. Explore more exciting topics in my other blogs in Android development.

Keep Exploring:

Stay curious, embrace challenges, and keep learning. Your potential as a developer is limitless. Discover coding tips, emerging technologies, and more in upcoming blogs.

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Stay connected on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fierydinesh/) — for the latest updates. Let’s continue shaping the future of tech together. Happy coding!

References :

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