Building Atomic Services with DevEco Studio: Structure and Step-by-Step Implementation

Read the original article：Building Atomic Services with DevEco Studio: Structure and Step-by-Step Implementation

Generated With AI — Atomic Services in HarmonyOS NEXT

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of Atomic Service in the HarmonyOS Next ecosystem and how it addresses the evolving needs of mobile users.

Traditional mobile apps are usually full-screen and offer many features. However, today’s users want faster, simpler, and more focused experiences. This is where the concept of Atomic Service comes in.

Atomic Service is a lightweight and independent micro-app in the HarmonyOS Next ecosystem. It is not a full app, but more like a “mini service” designed to do just one task. It allows users to interact quickly without opening the entire app.

What Is Atomic Service Used For?

Simplifies user experience: Users can complete tasks without fully opening the app.
Saves time: Fast access for quick actions like scanning a QR code, checking the weather, or placing a food order.
Supports modular design: Developers can build small task-focused parts instead of one big app.
Works in many scenarios: Can be accessed from widgets, search suggestions, service panels, smartwatches, or voice assistants.

Where Is It Used?

Direct access from the HarmonyOS Launcher
Cross-device usage: On smartwatches, TVs, car systems, and more
Smart assistant or search screen suggestions
Widget-like quick tasks: Viewing the weather, adding to a shopping cart, creating a calendar event, etc.

Atomic Services are great for today’s world, where micro-interactions matter. They bring many benefits for both users and developers.

How to Create an Atomic Service Application

1. Choose Atomic Service Template

In the first step, we start by selecting the Atomic Service template from the Ability Template section.
We choose the Empty Ability option to begin with a blank Atomic Service structure.

Atomic Service Template

2. Register Your Atomic Service in AppGallery Connect

To continue, we need to register our Atomic Service in AppGalleryConnect.
If we don’t have an App ID, we click on “Register App ID” to create one.

3. Fill in App Details in AppGallery Connect

We are now redirected to the AppGallery Connect page.
Here, we enter the App Name and choose the appropriate App Category, then proceed by clicking Next.

App Details AppGallery Connect

4. Enter Project Name

In this step, we are asked to provide a Project Name.
We type the name we want for our project and move forward.

Check if the board changed

5. Select the Application in DevEco Studio

Finally, we return to DevEco Studio, and our new application now appears in the list.

We select our application and continue with the setup.

Select the Application And finally, our project is ready to be created

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to add visual markers and shapes on the map using MapKit components in HarmonyOS Next. These functions offer powerful tools if you want to provide the user with spatial information, highlight areas, or guide them in your application.