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androidandroid-4.2-jelly-beanandroid-4.4-kitkat

Can I use KitKat app in Jelly Bean?


I am planning to develop an Android app and has been thinking about which version of Android I should choose to develop the app.

I researched a lot of good things about KitKat, but the market occupation of Jelly Bean is still much bigger (13% vs ~60%). If I develop an app in KitKat, can I still use it in Jelly Bean?

Thanks!


Solution

  • In your android project there is an XML file called AndroidManifest.xml. In that file there should be an entry as follows:-

    <uses-sdk
        android:minSdkVersion="16"
        android:targetSdkVersion="19" />
    

    The minSdkVersion setting will allow you to specify that the app requires at least this version of Android to allow its installation. Jelly Bean api levels range from 16 to 18. So if you use the entry above then your app should work on Jelly Bean as well as KitKat. More details about this can be found in the Android Developer documentation here.