Android `templateMergeStrategy` in strings.xml

Question

What does the templateMergeStrategy property mean in an Android resource?

e.g. in Google Maps API key file

Answer 1

Well, I have found the following in Google Code

Following commit in Google code states

Uses this to overwrite the instructions in the Google Maps template. Subsequent runs of the template always update the instructions with the user's current keystore credentials.

Answer 2

From change log

Uses this to overwrite the instructions in the Google Maps template. Subsequent runs of the template always update the instructions with the user's current keystore credentials.

Also changed the Maps instructions to deep link into a Google developer console flow, which allows for easier key generation.

Answer 3

It means Android Studio template engine will preserve this line when a new Google Maps Activity is created, so you don't loose your key.