Android developers can grab a big update to Android Studio today, if they’re so inclined. Google just announced the availability of Android Studio version 2.2, and it will be bringing with it new – and very necessary – features, including a new visual layout editor, support for all the latest developer features in Android 7.0 Nougat, and so much more.
According to the official blog post about Android Studio 2.2, the release will focus on speed, smarts and support for the new Android Nougat platform. There are more than 20 new features for the release, but here are the highlights. The new and improved Layout Editor includes a new user interface designer, which allows developers to quickly construct the structure of their app UI with the new blueprint mode.
The Constraint Layout is a flexible layout manager for your apps, and this allows devs to create new user interfaces without nesting multiple layouts. This new Constraint Layout is backward compatible and works hand in hand with the new Layout Editor announced in this release.
Lastly, the Instant Run feature will get a boost. Developers have been using this feature and seeing improvements in the edit, build, and run iteration cycles. In Android Studio 2.2, the feature gets increased stability and reliability, helping your developing process get faster. Google knows that Instant Run was probably disabled by developers in the build before, but they are encouraging devs to use it now. More details about the new version via the source link below, and you can download Android Studio 2.2 from the official download page.
SOURCE: Android
