What is Android SDK build-tools, platform-tools and tools?

Question

I know that this is a pretty basic question. But I am new to native android development and I am having trouble wrapping my head around what is what.

I am using the Android Standalone SDK and not using Android Studio so please guide be accordingly.

Let's say that I want to build my app for API level 19. what level of platform tools and build tools do I need to install.

This is what I have currently

As I want to build for API 19, which I have installed. Do I need to have version 19 of Android SDK build tools or they can be higher?

Kindly please explain to me what each term means as well in laymen's terms.

-Thanks

Answer 1

Build-Tools is a component of the Android SDK required for building Android apps. It's installed in the /build-tools/ directory

So, build tool is to build your android app. That is like the makefile for C projects. Output is an APK file.

Android SDK Tools is a component for the Android SDK. It includes the complete set of development and debugging tools for Android. It is included with Android Studio.

So, Platform tool is where all the tool to interact with the android device you have, such as fastboot and adb. For example, to install your apk into the devices, run it, debug it, and grep some file from it, you need to first connect your device to adb bridge and run all those command on it.

Let's say that I want to build my app for API level 19. what level of platform tools and build tools do I need to install.

Basically, you should have all the latest thing here. If you are deploying for a API 19 device, you should also have the Android SDK platform 19.

I haven't touch those things in a while, because I install all those things anyway, so I'd appreciate correction.