Dynamic

Android API Level 21 vs Android API Level 24

Developers should learn and use Android API Level 21 when building apps that require modern Android features such as Material Design components, improved notification systems, or support for devices from 2014 onward meets developers should learn and target android api level 24 when building apps that require features like split-screen multitasking or enhanced notification systems, as it provides access to nougat-specific apis. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Android API Level 21

Developers should learn and use Android API Level 21 when building apps that require modern Android features such as Material Design components, improved notification systems, or support for devices from 2014 onward

Android API Level 21

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use Android API Level 21 when building apps that require modern Android features such as Material Design components, improved notification systems, or support for devices from 2014 onward

Pros

  • +It is essential for apps targeting a broad user base on Android 5
  • +Related to: android-sdk, material-design

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Android API Level 24

Developers should learn and target Android API Level 24 when building apps that require features like split-screen multitasking or enhanced notification systems, as it provides access to Nougat-specific APIs

Pros

  • +It's essential for maintaining backward compatibility in apps that support older Android versions, and understanding this level helps in managing the Android version fragmentation by setting appropriate minimum and target SDKs in the app's configuration
  • +Related to: android-sdk, android-studio

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Android API Level 21 if: You want it is essential for apps targeting a broad user base on android 5 and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Android API Level 24 if: You prioritize it's essential for maintaining backward compatibility in apps that support older android versions, and understanding this level helps in managing the android version fragmentation by setting appropriate minimum and target sdks in the app's configuration over what Android API Level 21 offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Android API Level 21 wins

Developers should learn and use Android API Level 21 when building apps that require modern Android features such as Material Design components, improved notification systems, or support for devices from 2014 onward

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev