Android 2.2 or 4.1?

Question

When creating my new application, should I create against 2.2 or 4.1? I know that 2.2 has 83% of the market right now, but can I build against 4.1 and make min sdk android 2.0?

Answer 1

Set the minimum, maximum and target SDK in AndroidManifest.xml, for example:

<uses-sdk android:maxSdkVersion="16" android:minSdkVersion="8" android:targetSdkVersion="16" /> 

Answer 2

The goal of your build should always be the latest platform (e.g. Jelly Bean API 16). Properties-> Android-> Build Target

In your manifest, you should define something like:

  <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="8" android:targetSdkVersion="16" /> 

Lint will tell you if your code uses something inaccessible in previous versions. You can test your code on any emulator to ensure the correct functionality.

Answer 3

Yes, you can do this, but there are some features that are not available in previous versions of Android. Before using them, be sure to check the OS version, for example:

 if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT > Build.VERSION_CODES.GINGERBREAD) { // only for android older than gingerbread }