# Setting Up Compose Hotswan

Use this skill to install and verify Compose HotSwan end to end so a developer goes...

- Repository: https://github.com/skydoves/compose-performance-skills (524 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-06-16
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add skydoves/compose-performance-skills --skill setting-up-compose-hotswan -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add skydoves/compose-performance-skills --skill setting-up-compose-hotswan -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add skydoves/compose-performance-skills --skill setting-up-compose-hotswan -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add skydoves/compose-performance-skills --skill setting-up-compose-hotswan -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Use this skill to install and verify Compose HotSwan end to end so a developer goes from zero to working sub-second hot reload on a real device or emulator in one session. Covers the JetBrains IDE plugin install, the `com.github.skydoves.compose.hotswan.compiler` Gradle plugin wiring, the canonical `hotSwanCompiler { enabled = true; debugOnly = true }` DSL block, the HotSwan tool window flow, and the first save-to-reload verification. Trigger when the user mentions HotSwan, Compose hot reload, instant UI update, "save and see", "no rebuild", live edit on device, fast Compose iteration, or already has the JetBrains plugin installed and asks how to apply the Gradle compiler plugin.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Setting Up Compose HotSwan: zero to sub-second reload on a real device

Compose HotSwan is a JetBrains IDE plugin plus a Gradle compiler plugin that swaps changed Kotlin classes into a running Compose app on a real device or emulator in under one second, preserving navigation, scroll, and `remember` state. This skill installs both pieces, wires the canonical Gradle DSL with `debugOnly = true`, and verifies the first save-to-reload round-trip. Sibling skills cover what does and does not hot-reload (`../understanding-hot-reload-limits/SKILL.md`), state preservation across reloads, and the AI-driven iteration loop.

> Versions verified at the time of authoring. Confirm against the current release notes for newer minors.

## When to use this skill

- The developer mentions HotSwan, hot reload, instant UI update, "save and see", "no rebuild", live edit, or fast Compose iteration on device.
- The developer has the HotSwan JetBrains Marketplace plugin installed and asks how to apply the Gradle compiler plugin.
- A team is onboarding a new project to HotSwan and wants the canonical `libs.versions.toml` + root build + app build wiring.
- The developer just installed the IDE plugin and the tool window status is stuck before `WATCHING`.

## When NOT to use this skill

- The question is about JetBrains' own Live Edit or Apply Changes features. HotSwan and those are separate products with different boundaries; do not conflate.
- The question is about Compose Preview rendering inside the IDE. HotSwan targets the running app on a real device or emulator, not preview canvases.
- The question is about which changes hot-reload vs force a rebuild. See `../understanding-hot-reload-limits/SKILL.md`.
- The question is about preserving complex state across reloads. See the state-preservation sibling skill (out of scope here).

## Prerequisites

The rest: https://github.com/skydoves/compose-performance-skills/blob/HEAD/hot-reload/setting-up-compose-hotswan/SKILL.md