CODEWITHSUNDEEP
androidcordova
Peter
Peter

Reputation: 3

Min sdk version android - Cordova

I want to create an app for Android and I am using Cordova.

The Android manifest has android:minSdkVersion is 14 (after executing Cordova build android), but I would like a lower value for android:minSdkVersion because of the compatibility. Is it safe if I put 10 or another number in the android:minSdkVersion? Or which is the lowest version that I can put in the android:minSdkVersion in a Cordova project?

Thanks!

Upvotes: 0

Views: 530

Answers (3)

user3255670
user3255670

Reputation:

@Peter,
you got a lot of bad advice, which is not new to SO.

One point seldom reiterated – is that when a compiler (or tool set) advance the version number, the software and hardware tend to be deprecated, and then later non grata.

When software is deprecated, it is to signal to developers that the software is still available, but is NOT favored for use. This is intend as a phasing out stage. It also means that support for this branch has essentially ended. (The rare support that is made is for security reasons, but even this is ending.)

When software becomes non grata, this is the signal to developers that the software is unwelcome, and should NOT be used. This is intended as the final stage, and the removal of the software from general use.

As has been mention in the comments, Android tends to deprecate software on a milestone basis. (Never mind that the milestone is fabricated and biased.) This deprecation also applies to Cordova/Phonegap. In particular, for the Cordova Tool Set 5.x (the current tool set), the lowest android:minSdkVersion is 14.

However, as jcesarmobile (who I believe is on the official mailing list) has pointed out, if you use Cordova Tool Set 4.x you can compile with your target as android:minSdkVersion = 10.

However, this has issues.

  1. You'll have to make sure to use older plugins.
  2. You'll have to make sure to save copies of all your support software. (compilers, plugins, etc.)
  3. You will be on your own with fixing bugs and security issues.

Fortunately, some of the blogs and documentation is still out there. Cordova has not removed old documentation, so all you need to use the pulldown on your top right (which links to older software documentatio).

You will also want to read this old, but very useful post. It will help you get and save older versions of the software you need. - Best of Luck.

Cordova/PhoneGap Version Confusion
http://devgirl.org/2014/11/07/cordovaphonegap-version-confusion/

Upvotes: 1

Steve Kennedy
Steve Kennedy

Reputation: 5402

It's safe to put in 10, but that means your app can't use any features/functionality in higher SDK versions. Meaning, if a user has a device that only supports sdk v10, and you say is the bare minimum your app needs to run, ensure that your app doesn't use 11+ features.

Upvotes: 0

George
George

Reputation: 2422

The minimum sdk you can put is 1, but I seriously do not recommend that. Here is the percentage each sdk version has users: http://developer.android.com/about/dashboards/index.html I recommend making the lowest version to 10. If this stops functionality in your app then choose an sdk that supports your functionality. I personally go with 14.

Upvotes: 0

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