Unrecognized Attribute Name MODULE Error in Android Builds

Problem Statement

When updating Android projects to target Android 12 (API level 31) or higher, developers may encounter a build error with the message:

unrecognized Attribute name MODULE (class com.sun.tools.javac.util.SharedNameTable$NameImpl)

This error occurs during the Kotlin Annotation Processing (kapt) task and manifests as an InvocationTargetException with the specific AssertionError about the unrecognized MODULE attribute.

Root Cause

The error arises from a compatibility issue between:

• compileSdkVersion 31+ (Android 12 or later)
• JDK 8 (Java Development Kit version 8)
• Code containing lambda expressions or certain annotations

Android's build toolchain has evolved to require JDK 11 when targeting newer Android API levels, as the Android SDK now includes features and bytecode that are incompatible with JDK 8.

Solutions

Primary Solution: Upgrade to JDK 11

The most effective solution is to upgrade your Java Development Kit to version 11 or later.

Android Studio Configuration

Manual JDK Setup

// In your project's build.gradle
android {
    compileSdkVersion 31
    
    kotlin {
        jvmToolchain(11) // Use JDK 11
    }
    
    compileOptions {
        sourceCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_11
        targetCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_11
    }
}

Kotlin Options

kotlinOptions {
    jvmTarget = '11'
}

IDE Settings

1. Android Studio:

   • Go to File → Project Structure → SDK Location
   • Under Gradle Settings, set Gradle JDK to version 11
   • Alternatively, use the dropdown to download JDK 11 directly

2. Visual Studio (Xamarin/MAUI):

   • Install JDK 11 from Microsoft's distribution
   • Update path in Tools → Android → Android SDK Manager → Locations

CI/CD and Build Server Configuration

For automated build environments, ensure JDK 11 is configured:

Environment Variable

# Set JAVA_HOME to JDK 11 path
export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/jdk11

AppCenter CI

# For Azure AppCenter builds
environment:
  JAVA_HOME: $(JAVA_HOME_11_X64)

Docker Container

# Docker-based builds
FROM openjdk:11-jdk

Alternative Approach: Downgrade Target SDK (Temporary Fix)

If immediate JDK upgrade isn't feasible, temporarily target Android 11:

android {
    compileSdkVersion 30 // Instead of 31
    // Note: This is not recommended for production long-term
}

Verifying the Solution

After making changes, verify your configuration:

1. Clean your project: ./gradlew clean
2. Check Java version: java -version (should show version 11+)
3. Verify Gradle JDK setting in Android Studio
4. Rebuild your project

Common Pitfalls and Additional Considerations

WARNING

Multiple JDK Installations: Ensure all parts of your project use the same JDK version. Mixed versions can cause persistent issues.

WARNING

Legacy Dependencies: Some older libraries may not be compatible with JDK 11. Check for updates or alternatives.

If you continue to experience issues:

1. Invalidate Caches: In Android Studio, use File → Invalidate Caches / Restart
2. Check Kotlin Version: Ensure Kotlin plugin is updated (1.7.10+ recommended)
3. Review Build Scripts: Remove deprecated settings:
   • Remove jcenter() repositories
   • Update Android Gradle Plugin to 7.0+
   • Remove obsolete ProGuard settings

Migration Diagram

Conclusion

The "unrecognized Attribute name MODULE" error is a clear indicator of JDK compatibility issues when targeting newer Android API levels. The definitive solution is upgrading to JDK 11 across all development and build environments. While temporary workarounds exist, keeping your toolchain updated ensures compatibility with current and future Android platform features.