dev-notes/Android/Gradle & Building.md

Gradle & Building

build.gradle (Module)

android {

    defaultconfig{

        applicationId <string>  // app package name

        minSdkVersion <int>  // min API version
        targetSdkVersion <int>  // actual API version

        versionCode <int>  // unique code for each release
        versionName "<string>"
    }
}

Distributing the app

APK vs Bundle

• APK: android executable, contains all assets of the app (multiple versions for each device). The user downloads all the assets.
• Bundle: split the assets based on device specs. The users downloads only the assets needed for the target device.

APK generation & App Signing

• Key store path: location where the keystore file will be stored.
• Key store password: secure password for the keystore (to be remembered).
• Key alias: identifying name for the key (to be remembered).
• Key password: secure password for the key (to be remembered).

The keystore identifies the app and it's developers. It's needed for APK generation and releases distribution.