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Update build_configuration Android docs #16276

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chromy merged 1 commit into from
Feb 5, 2026
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Update build_configuration Android docs #16276

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15 changes: 13 additions & 2 deletions includes/size-analysis/build-configuration-android.mdx
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Build configuration metadata keeps comparisons scoped to like-for-like builds. For example, on a PR status check, the comparison will only be made for builds with the same build configuration.
Build configuration metadata keeps comparisons scoped to like-for-like builds. For example, on a PR status check, the comparison will only be made for builds with the same build configuration. This is important because `release` and `debug` builds can be drastically different in size due to compiler optimizations, minification (R8/ProGuard), and resource shrinking. Comparing a `debug` build against a `release` build would give misleading results.

The Android Gradle plugin automatically sends the **build variant** as the build configuration. A build variant is the combination of a build type and product flavor:

| Component | Examples | Description |
| --------- | -------- | ----------- |
| Build type | `debug`, `release` | Defines build settings like minification and debuggability |
| Product flavor | `free`, `paid`, `demo` | Defines different versions of your app (optional) |
| Build variant | `debug`, `release`, `freeDebug`, `paidRelease` | The combination of build type + flavor |

For apps without product flavors, the build variant is just the build type (for example, `release`). For apps with flavors, it's the combination (for example, `freeRelease` or `paidDebug`).

If your app flavors are comparable you may want to change the `build_configuration` to be set to the build type alone.

The Android Gradle plugin sends the build variant (for example, `freeDebug` or `paidRelease`).