How to make Android project structure backward compatible?

In Android development, ensuring backward compatibility is crucial for maintaining functionality across different versions of the Android operating system. Here are some key strategies for creating a backward-compatible Android project structure:

  • Use AndroidX Libraries: Always use the latest AndroidX libraries which offer backward compatibility.
  • Target SDK Version: Set your target SDK to the latest version while keeping the minimum SDK to the oldest version you want to support.
  • Feature Detection: Implement runtime checks to determine if a feature is available on the device before using it.
  • Resource Qualifiers: Use resource qualifiers to provide alternative resources for different screen sizes, densities, and API levels.
  • Conditional Code: Write conditional code for features that are only available in particular API levels.

Here's a simple example of using feature detection for accessing a specific API:

// Example of feature detection in Android if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.LOLLIPOP) { // Use Lollipop features } else { // Use alternative approach for older versions }

Android backward compatibility Android project structure AndroidX libraries Target SDK version feature detection in Android