Posts Tagged ‘TristanHamilton’
[KotlinConf2025] Code Quality at Scale: Future Proof Your Android Codebase with KtLint and Detekt
Managing a large, multi-team codebase is a monumental task, especially when it has evolved over many years. Introducing architectural changes and maintaining consistency across autonomous teams adds another layer of complexity. In a comprehensive discussion, Tristan Hamilton, a distinguished member of the HubSpot team, presented a strategic approach to future-proofing Android codebases by leveraging static analysis tools like KtLint and Detekt.
Tristan began by framing the challenges inherent in a codebase that has grown and changed for over eight years. He emphasized that without robust systems, technical debt can accumulate, and architectural principles can erode as different teams introduce their own patterns. The solution, he proposed, lies in integrating automated guardrails directly into the continuous integration (CI) pipeline. This proactive approach ensures a consistent level of code quality and helps prevent the introduction of new technical debt.
He then delved into the specifics of two powerful static analysis tools: KtLint and Detekt. KtLint, as a code linter, focuses on enforcing consistent formatting and style, ensuring that the codebase adheres to a single, readable standard. Detekt, on the other hand, is a more powerful static analysis tool that goes beyond simple style checks. Tristan highlighted its ability to perform advanced analysis, including type resolution, which allows it to enforce architectural patterns and detect complex code smells that a simple linter might miss. He shared practical examples of how Detekt can be used to identify and refactor anti-patterns, such as excessive class size or complex methods, thereby improving the overall health of the codebase.
A significant part of the talk was dedicated to a specific, and crucial, application of these tools: safely enabling R8, the code shrinker and optimizer, in a multi-module Android application. The process is notoriously difficult and can often lead to runtime crashes if not handled correctly. Tristan showcased how custom Detekt rules could be created to enforce specific architectural principles at build time. For instance, a custom rule could ensure that certain classes are not obfuscated or that specific dependencies are correctly handled, effectively creating automated safety nets. This approach allowed the HubSpot team to gain confidence in their R8 configuration and ship with greater speed and reliability.
Tristan concluded by offering a set of key takeaways for developers and teams. He underscored the importance of moving beyond traditional static analysis and embracing tools that can codify architectural patterns. By automating the enforcement of these patterns, teams can ensure the integrity of their codebase, even as it grows and evolves. This strategy not only reduces technical debt but also prepares the codebase for future changes, including the integration of new technologies and methodologies, such as Large Language Model (LLM) generated code. It is a powerful method for building robust, maintainable, and future-ready software.