How can I set the minSdk just for androidTest?

Question

I'd like to increase the minSdk to 21 just for androidTest. Is this possible without introducing a product flavor?

Note: Using Android Gradle Plugin 3.0, and my app's minSdk needs to be 16.

Answer 1

You can try as this post suggests creating a new Manifest in the folder where you run your test adding the attribute

uses-sdk

as per documentation

Also is indicated to play in gradle with some if statements in the gradle file, but they are ugly. Anyway you could use it as a plan B solution:

if (gradle.startParameter.taskNames.contains(":app:assembleDebug")) {
        minSdkVersion 21
    }else{
        minSdkVersion 14
    }

Answer 2

You can add the minSdk in either the projects gradle file or manifest. When adding the minSdk it means that you are specifying the minimum sdk level that you have designed and tested your app. You also would want to add the targetSdk. A google support link which may interest you https://developer.android.com/training/basics/supporting-devices/platforms.html

In the manifest it would look like

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" ... > <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="14" android:targetSdkVersion="21" /> ... </manifest>

In your gradle file

defaultConfig {
    applicationId "com.project.projectName"
    minSdkVersion 14
    targetSdkVersion 21
}