Android app Supporting Major android Versions

Question

I already have an android app which supports pre-lollipop devices , but I want to port the android app to support both latest versions up to Marshmallow and early versions up to Jellybean ,Is there any specific guidelines available to support above criteria ?

Answer 1

In your manifest/build.gradle:(depending on what you use)

<uses-sdk
    android:minSdkVersion="14"
    android:targetSdkVersion="23" />

Gradle:

defaultConfig {
    ........
    minSdkVersion 14
    targetSdkVersion 23


}

Set the minSDK to as low as possible. If it is too low, it will show an error. Remember that if you are using any code that requires higher API levels(e.g. when writing xml only writing android:layout_marginStart that requires API 17) you get an error telling you to increase min API level. Now, there are some ways to avoid increasing;

• If possible, add code that also supports lower API levels(e.g. android:layout_marginRight
• Aim your code at lower API levels if no alternatives are available for supporting both.
• Remember the OS distribution and target the platforms with the highest percentage. No need to target practically dead platforms.
• You can run old code on new devices, however new code on old devices is either not possible or requires AppCompat(e.g. material design)
• Even though I say run old code to target old and new platforms, avoid deprecated code! If possible, use AppCompat to use new code on old devices.

To summarize:

When coding XML, use code that supports old and new(if available). When doing normal coding, attempt to use code that supports older versions and new that aren't deprecated. If possible use AppCompat to get new code and new things on old devices.

Answer 2

You can change your support version from gradle file like this

 defaultConfig {

    minSdkVersion 14
    targetSdkVersion 23
    versionCode 1
    versionName "1"
    multiDexEnabled true
}