Re: [android-developers] Using new sdk methods on devices running older sdks?

Mark Wyszomierski wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm using the level 5 sdk to compile my app, but set my target to sdk
> level 3 in my manifest. All is fine.
>
> I may need to use some level 5 classes (ExifInterface) though. What's
> the right way to go about using them while not fouling things up for
> devices running older sdk versions? Do we simply restrict use of the
> newer API methods to completely separate class files? Something like
> this:
>
> // Test.java
> class Test
> {
> public boolean sdkDependentItem() {
> if (Build.VERSION.SDK.equals("5")) {
> return (new sdk5()).getItem();
> }
> else {
> return (new sdk3and4()).getItem();
> }
> }
> }
>
> // sdk5.java
> class sdk5 {
> public boolean getItem() {
> // can use sdk level 5 apis in here ok.
> }
> }
>
> // sdk3and4.java
> class sdk3and4 {
> public boolean getItem() {
> // can use sdk level 3 and 4 apis in here ok.
> }
> }
>
> so as long as the api methods are completely separated into files that
> the older devices won't invoke, we should be ok?

I wouldn't do:

if (Build.VERSION.SDK.equals("5")) {

Instead, parse it to an integer and do a >=5 comparison. After all, most
DROIDs are now on API 6 (i.e., Android 2.0.1). And, once you drop older
SDK support, you can use SDK_INT and skip the parse step.

If you are going to make the request a lot, you might consider having
your two implementations extend a common abstract class or implement a
common interface. Then, you can make the determination of which one to
use once and hold onto that object, calling it by the common interface
as needed.

Otherwise, the notion of "if I don't load the class, there will be no
harm in it referencing newer API capabilities" is sound.

--
Mark Murphy (a Commons Guy)
http://commonsware.com | http://twitter.com/commonsguy

_The Busy Coder's Guide to Android Development_ Version 2.8
Available!

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