How to Resolve 'Execution failed for task :app:mergeLibDexDebug' Error in Flutter with Apache POI?

Learn how to resolve the common 'Execution failed for task :app:mergeLibDexDebug' error when developing Flutter apps using Apache POI on Android.
---
Disclaimer/Disclosure - Portions of this content were created using Generative AI tools, which may result in inaccuracies or misleading information in the video. Please keep this in mind before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the content. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Thanks.
---
How to Resolve 'Execution failed for task :app:mergeLibDexDebug' Error in Flutter with Apache POI?

If you have encountered the error message Execution failed for task ':app:mergeLibDexDebug' while developing a Flutter app that integrates Apache POI, you are not alone. This common error can be frustrating, but with a few steps, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue effectively.

Understanding the Issue

The error typically indicates that there is a problem during the build process, particularly while merging the DEX files. It's often triggered by conflicts between libraries or individual classes within the libraries.

Steps to Resolve the Error

Check for Library Conflicts

One common culprit can be library conflicts between the various dependencies you have added to your Flutter and Android project. Specifically, ensure that the versions of libraries you are using are compatible with each other.

Check for conflicting or redundant library versions.

Adjust the versions or exclude the problematic dependencies.

Modify Gradle Configuration

Another method to resolve this issue is by adding multiDex support to your project. Here’s how to do it:

Enable MultiDex

Add multiDexEnabled true in the defaultConfig section:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Add Dependency for MultiDex

Include the MultiDex library in the dependencies section:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Clean and Rebuild

Once you have made the necessary changes, clean and rebuild your project to ensure that the changes take effect.

Run the following commands in your terminal:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Then, rebuild your project by running:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Encountering the Execution failed for task ':app:mergeLibDexDebug' error can halt your development, but don't let it discourage you. By checking for library conflicts, enabling multiDex in your Gradle configuration, and cleaning your project, you can efficiently resolve this issue. Keep these steps in your toolkit for future reference.

Happy coding!