Android: What is the folder name of the jar files (LIB or LIBS)?

Question

I am going to create a library project which has several dependencies (jar files). I am confused because I've seen some android projects which has LIB or LIBS folder under project root folder (together with bin,gen,res,src.etc..)

Even I add LIB or LIBS folder, then put the jar files on it. Still need to set the project properties in order to recognize the added jar files by doing Project Properties => Java Build Path => Libraries tab => Add JARs... button.

I am using Eclipse with Android Plugin. When I add LIBS, it will appear the Android logo on the top of the LIBS folder. It is recognized by the plugin but still need to set it in the project properties (same the above adding JARs)

Which is the correct directory structure for Android Project?

Answer 1

If you use the Android command line to create your project, it'll default to libs/. It turns out that the Android Ant tasks are set to look in libs/ by default.

See $ANDROID_HOME/tools/ant/main_rules.xml:

<property name="jar.libs.dir" value="libs" />

If you just care about Eclipse, you can use whatever you want.

In newer revisions of ADT (revision 17 onwards), the Ant-based build system and the Eclipse plug-in are aligned so that they behave the same way. This means, by default, only the jars that are present in the libs folder are included in the final apk file. These jars would automatically appear under "Android Dependencies" in your Eclipse project.

For more details please refer here. http://tools.android.com/recent/dealingwithdependenciesinandroidprojects

Answer 2

It doesn't matter actually. It can be lib or libs. Whether jar files are in lib or in libs, you just need to do right click on project, select "Build path => Add to build path" , thats it.