Android SDK and API levels in Android Kotlin - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the Android SDK?

The Android SDK is a set of tools and libraries that developers use to build Android apps. It includes things like the Android platform, emulator, and build tools.

beginner

What does API level mean in Android development?

API level is a number that represents the version of the Android platform. It helps developers know which features and behaviors are available on a device.

intermediate

Why is it important to set a minimum SDK version in your Android app?

Setting a minimum SDK version ensures your app only runs on devices that support the features you use. It prevents crashes on older devices.

intermediate

What is the difference between compileSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion?

compileSdkVersion is the Android version you use to build your app. targetSdkVersion tells the system which Android version your app is designed for, affecting runtime behavior.

intermediate

How can you check the API level of a device programmatically in Kotlin?

You can check the API level using: val apiLevel = android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT. This returns the device's API level as an integer.

What does the API level number represent in Android?

A The number of apps installed

B The version of the Android platform

C The device screen size

D The app's version code

API level corresponds to the Android platform version, indicating available features.

Which SDK version should you set to ensure your app uses the latest Android features during build?

A compileSdkVersion

B targetSdkVersion

C minSdkVersion

D maxSdkVersion

compileSdkVersion defines the Android version used to compile your app.

If your app's minSdkVersion is 21, what does this mean?

A The app supports all API levels

B The app targets API level 21

C The app only runs on devices with API level 21 or higher

D The app compiles with API level 21

minSdkVersion sets the lowest API level your app supports.

What happens if you run an app on a device with an API level lower than minSdkVersion?

A The app crashes or won't install

B The app runs normally

C The app updates the device's API level

D The app runs in compatibility mode

Devices with API levels below minSdkVersion cannot install or run the app.

How do you get the current device API level in Kotlin?

A android.device.apiLevel

B System.getApiLevel()

C Build.VERSION_CODE

D android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT

android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT returns the device's API level.

Explain the roles of minSdkVersion, targetSdkVersion, and compileSdkVersion in Android app development.

Think about compatibility and build process.

Describe why understanding API levels is important when developing Android apps.

Consider how devices differ by Android version.