GuardSquare Blog Evolution of ProGuard/R8 to DexGuard | Guardsquare

In the world of Android development, code optimization and security products play a pivotal role in enhancing app performance and protecting against unauthorized access - reverse engineering, tampering. Guardsquare has been at the forefront of these advancements, pioneering tools like ProGuard and DexGuard. These tools, though related, serve distinct functions that cater to different needs in the Android ecosystem. This article traces the journey from the inception of ProGuard, through the rise of R8, to the specialized capabilities of DexGuard, providing Android developers with a clear perspective on which tool suits their requirements best.