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Android SDK vs Aura: What are the differences?
Programming Language: One key difference between Android SDK and Aura is the programming language used. Android SDK primarily relies on Java for app development, while Aura utilizes Apex, a strongly typed, object-oriented programming language specific to the Salesforce platform.
Platform Compatibility: Another significant difference is in the platform compatibility. Android SDK is specifically designed for building applications for the Android operating system, whereas Aura is a framework that is platform-agnostic and can be used to develop apps for various platforms, including Salesforce and web applications.
Development Environment: Android SDK incorporates tools like Android Studio for development and testing, providing a comprehensive environment specifically tailored for Android app development. On the other hand, Aura development often takes place within the Salesforce ecosystem, utilizing tools like Salesforce Developer Console and Lightning App Builder.
Deployment Options: Android SDK allows developers to deploy apps directly to the Google Play Store or other distribution channels for users to access and download. In contrast, Aura apps are typically deployed within the Salesforce platform, with the option to integrate them seamlessly with other Salesforce products and services.
Community Support: Android SDK benefits from a large and active community of developers, offering a wealth of resources, forums, and libraries for assistance and collaboration. Aura, being specific to the Salesforce ecosystem, has a dedicated community focusing on Salesforce development, providing support and resources tailored to that environment.
Integration Capabilities: Android SDK is versatile when it comes to integrating with other technologies, allowing developers to interface with a wide range of hardware and software components. Aura, however, is specifically geared towards integration within the Salesforce platform, offering seamless connectivity with Salesforce data and services.
In Summary, Android SDK and Aura differ in programming language, platform compatibility, development environment, deployment options, community support, and integration capabilities.
We actually initially wrote a lot of networking code in Kotlin but the complexities involved prompted us to try and compile NodeJS for Android and port over all the networking logic to Node and communicate with node over the Java Native Interface.
This turned out to be a great decision considering our battery usage fell by 40% and rate of development increased by a factor of 2.
Pros of Android SDK
- Android development289
- Necessary for android156
- Android studio128
- Mobile framework86
- Backed by google82
- Platform-tools27
- Eclipse + adt plugin21
- Powerful, simple, one stop environment5
- Free3
- Больно3
Pros of Aura
- Open source1