android what is the difference between Android Support Repository vs Android Support Library vs Google Repository vs Google Play Services

Question

Can somebody explain me please what is the difference between Android Support Repository vs Android Support Library vs Google Repository vs Google Play Services?

My understanding is that Google Repository is identical with Google Play Services just that has separated all the apis (vs the classical play services that is one big jar containing all) and that is better suited to be used in android studio because now you can choose exactly what api you want to compile (eg 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-ads:+') vs relying on proguard to strip away the unneeded apis at build time.

Am I right?

How about Android Support Repository vs Android Support Library?

Answer 1

Google Uses the term repository at the end to specify these are Maven Repository and you should import them using a Gradle dependency like this:

dependencies {    compile "com.google.android.gms:play-services-gcm:8.4.0" } 

But the Gradle build system is only supported in Android Studio, where as Eclipse uses the older Ant build system.

Also mentioned here in google documentation

3. Select the Android Support Library item.

   Note: If you're developing with Android Studio, select and install the Android Support Repository item instead.

so if you're using the Eclipse IDE use these libraries:

• Android Support Library
• Google Play Services

and if you're using Android Studio use these libraries instead:

• Android Support Repository (New name: Local Maven repository for Support Libraries)
• Google Repository

Answer 2

By the SDK Manager:

• Android Support Repository: it is a local Maven repository for libraries of android.support.* (comprise all versions)

• Android Support Library: always the same libraries as above, for android.support.*, just one version, (in the form of a structure of an android project). It is no longer available from the SDK Manager !!!

• Google Repository: it is a Maven repository for some google libraries google.*

• Google Play Services: this is the docs and samples for working with the GooglePlay Service (a kind of app or runtime) running on Android device.