How to Fix 'Error Inflating Class Fragment' in Google Maps for Android?

What causes the 'Error inflating class fragment' in Google Maps for Android and how can I fix it?

The 'Error inflating class fragment' issue occurs in Android applications using Google Maps when there are problems with the XML layout or instantiation of the fragment. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem.

FragmentManager fragmentManager = getSupportFragmentManager();\nSupportMapFragment mapFragment = (SupportMapFragment) fragmentManager.findFragmentById(R.id.map);\nif (mapFragment == null) { \n    mapFragment = new SupportMapFragment();\n} \nfragmentManager.beginTransaction().replace(R.id.map, mapFragment).commit();

Causes

• Incorrect fragment class name specified in the XML layout.
• Missing or incorrectly configured Google Maps API key.
• Fragment not properly registered in the manifest file.
• Incorrectly set up MapFragment or SupportMapFragment in the layout.

Solutions

• Double-check the fragment tag in your XML layout to make sure it references the correct class name and package (e.g., <fragment android:name="com.google.android.gms.maps.SupportMapFragment" .../>).
• Ensure that your Google Maps API key is valid, properly configured, and added to your AndroidManifest.xml file.
• Make sure the fragment is correctly initialized in your Activity or Fragment class with 'getSupportFragmentManager().beginTransaction()...' for SupportMapFragment.
• Upgrade your Google Play Services dependencies in the build.gradle file if they are outdated. Ensure you are using the latest version.

Mistake: Not using the correct fragment class name in the XML layout.

Solution: Ensure that the fully qualified class name is referenced in the layout.

Mistake: Forgetting to add the Google Maps API key in the project's manifest.

Solution: Double-check your application's manifest file to ensure the API key is present.

Mistake: Using the wrong dependency version for Google Play Services.

Solution: Verify that you are using a compatible version of Google Play Services in build.gradle.