Difference between target google APIs and target android

Question

I'm developing android with SDK 2.3.3 using Eclipse IDE. As you all know to run my app, I should generate virtual device. From 'create new AVD' window, I can see many targets. There are 2 targets for API level 10 such as 'android 2.3.3' and Google APIs(Google Inc). Among those targets, I'm uncertain which one I should choose.

My question is what's the difference between them.

Thanks in advance Dan

Solution

The Google API includes Google Maps and other Google-specific libraries. The Android one only includes core Android libraries.

As for which one to choose, I would go with the Android API until you find that you need the Google API; such as when you need Google Maps functionality.

Here is a link to the Google API page.

Comments

[allbory]

It's perfect answer. Thanks a bunch.

[MD Sayem Ahmed]

@Zack: So does that mean all the functionality of Android is also included in the corresponding Google API ?

[Zack Marrapese]

From a developer's perspective, yes. The Google API version adds the functionality on top of the regular Android OS.

[Artyom]

@Zach Do you know if the actual Android phones and tablets come with Google API installed?

[Zack Marrapese]

@Artyom: While a device isn't technically required to include the libraries that make up Google's API, it's a de facto standard. I've yet to come across a device which doesn't include them.

[anshumans]

Also from what I've seen, 'Google APIs' target also has ApiDemos package installed as well

[JustAMartin]

That's strange because when I pick Target with Google APIs, I get No system images installed for this target in CPU/ABI dropdown. But if I pick generic Android 7.0 target, I can pick various Google APIs items in the CPU/ABI dropdown, and when I create a AVD with one of them, Google Maps is present and working. So, I'm confused what's the difference between picking Google APIs in Target vs in CPU/ABI.

[JustAMartin]

Oh, I just found out why. See this bug report: code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=210223 It seems, that since some specific SDK version you aren't supposed to select Google APIs as the Target but you should select it as CPU/ABI instead.