1. Display Logs Only in Debug Mode
To prevent debug messages from appearing in production:
if (BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
Log.d("DEBUG", "Message visible only in debug mode")
}
2. Enable Debugging Tools
You can enable tools like Stetho or LeakCanary only in debug mode:
if (BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
Stetho.initializeWithDefaults(this)
}
3. Use Test Servers
Avoid sending test data to production by selecting the appropriate server:
val baseUrl = if (BuildConfig.DEBUG) "https://api-staging.example.com" else "https://api.example.com"
4. Enable Hidden Developer Options
if (BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
showDebugOptions()
}
5. Prevent Dangerous Code from Running in Production
For example, preventing database deletion in production:
if (BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
deleteDatabase()
}
6. Apply Additional Security Measures in Production
if (!BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
enforceStrictSecurityPolicies()
}
7. Disable Analytics or Ads in Debug Mode
To prevent Firebase Analytics or AdMob from collecting test data:
if (!BuildConfig.DEBUG) {
FirebaseAnalytics.getInstance(this).setAnalyticsCollectionEnabled(true)
} else {
FirebaseAnalytics.getInstance(this).setAnalyticsCollectionEnabled(false)
}
🚀 Conclusion
Detecting whether an application is in debug mode helps optimize development, enhance security, and prevent production errors.
Use BuildConfig.DEBUG for compile-time optimizations and efficient checks.
Use isDebuggable() if you need a runtime check, especially to detect tampered APKs.
If you haven’t implemented this check in your app yet, now is the time! 🚀