Add NativeScript Plugins in an MDK App

In the MDK editor, you will create a new JavaScript file called GetCoordinates.js to capture the device location: latitude & longitude.

You can find more details about writing a Rule.

1. Right-click the Rules folder | MDK: New Rule File | select Empty JS Rule.

   

2. Enter the Rule name GetCoordinates, click Next and then Finish on the confirmation step.

   

3. Replace the generated snippet with below code.

   import * as geolocation from "@nativescript/geolocation";
   import { CoreTypes } from "@nativescript/core";
   export default function GetCoordinates(context) {
       var logger = context.getLogger();
       console.log("Current Log Level: " + logger.getLevel());
       // check if geolocation is not enabled
       if (!geolocation.isEnabled()) {
           // request for the user to enable it
           geolocation.enableLocationRequest();
       }
       // Get current location with high accuracy
       return geolocation.getCurrentLocation({
           desiredAccuracy: CoreTypes.Accuracy.high, //This will return the finest location available
           updateDistance: 5, //Update distance filter in meters.
           timeout: 11000 //How long to wait for a location in ms.
       }).then(function (loc) {
           if (loc) {
               console.log(loc);
               console.log('\nCurrent Location: (' + loc.latitude + ',' + loc.longitude + ')');
               logger.log(loc.toString());
   
               var locMessage = '(' + "Latitude:" + loc.latitude + ',' + "Longitude:" + loc.longitude + ')';
               logger.log('Current Location: ' + locMessage, 'INFO');
               return locMessage;
           }
       }, function (e) {
           logger.log(e.message, 'ERROR');
       });
   }
   

4. Save your changes to the GetCoordinates.js file.

In GetCoordinates.js file, you referred nativescript-geolocation and tns-core-modules/ui/enums. You now need to list these modules as external references in BAS configuration so when bundling, MDK editor knows not to worry about these references.

1. Navigate File menu | Settings | Open Preferences.

   

2. Search with mdk, click Edit in settings.json.

   

3. Include below references in mdk.bundlerExternals and save the changes.

   "@nativescript/geolocation"
   

   

In order to use the existing NativeScript plugin in MDK client, you will need to first add it in .mdkproject and then create your branded MDK client.

1. Make sure that you have already completed steps 1 to 3 from this tutorial.

2. Open MDKProject.json file and replace existing content with below:

   {
     "AppName": "DemoSampleApp",
     "AppVersion": "1.0.0",
     "BundleID": "Enter your Bundle ID",
     "Externals": ["@nativescript/geolocation"],
     "NSPlugins": ["@nativescript/geolocation"],
     "UrlScheme": "mdkclient"
   }
   

With Google Play services, your app can take advantage of the latest, Google-powered features such as Maps, Google+, and more.

1. Navigate to /DemoSampleApp.mdkproject/App_Resources/Android and create a new file before-plugins.gradle.

   

2. Provide the below information:

   android {  
     project.ext {
         googlePlayServicesVersion = "16+"
     }
   }