The message, “module not specified,” encountered within the Android Studio environment, signifies the IDE’s inability to locate or correctly identify the specific organizational unit within a project the user intends to execute or debug. This frequently arises when project configurations are incomplete or corrupted, such as when attempting to run a Gradle task targeting a designated software component, and the system cannot determine the component to which the instruction applies. For example, selecting “Run” without appropriately selecting the pertinent application element in the run configuration will trigger the error.
Correctly defining the aforementioned organizational unit is critical for the proper execution and debugging of applications built using Android Studio. Addressing this issue ensures build processes are directed at the intended sections of the codebase, allowing the developer to test specific app features or fix certain bugs. Historically, this error has stemmed from several root causes including inconsistencies between the IDE settings and the project’s build files. Resolution involves careful review of project structure, specifically the `build.gradle` files, and verification of project dependencies.