In Android development, there are two important parameters that specify the Android API level that the app is compatible with: compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion. These parameters are defined in the app’s build.gradle file and affect how the app is built and run on different devices. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for ensuring the app’s functionality and performance.
The compileSdkVersion is the API level that the app is compiled against. This means that the app can use the features and libraries that are available in that API level. The compileSdkVersion does not affect the app’s runtime behavior, but it determines what code can be written and what errors can be detected at compile time. The compileSdkVersion should be set to the latest available API level, as this allows the app to use the most recent features and optimizations. However, this does not mean that the app will only run on devices with that API level or higher. The app can still run on older devices as long as it does not use any features that are not supported by the device’s API level.
The targetSdkVersion is the API level that the app is designed to run on. This means that the app will use the behavior and style of that API level when running on devices with that API level or higher. The targetSdkVersion affects the app’s runtime behavior, such as permissions, notifications, themes, and compatibility modes. The targetSdkVersion should be set to the highest API level that the app has tested and verified to work properly. This ensures that the app will take advantage of the latest features and improvements, while also avoiding any potential issues or bugs that may arise from using newer APIs. However, this does not mean that the app will not run on devices with lower API levels. The app can still run on older devices as long as it handles any compatibility issues gracefully.
The difference between compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion is important for Android development, as it determines how the app is built and run on different devices. The compileSdkVersion specifies the API level that the app is compiled against, while the targetSdkVersion specifies the API level that the app is designed to run on. Both parameters should be set to the highest possible values, as this allows the app to use the latest features and optimizations, while also ensuring the app’s functionality and performance across different devices.
