Choosing the Android SDK that is downloded from Google

Question

Hi,

This is in relation to the question asked in the forums earlier.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/191019/missing-android-11-in-sdk-manager.html

When we were using Visual Studio 2015 and Visual Studio 2017 we had the option in Tools | Preferences | Xamarin

Choosing the path of the Android SDK, Android NDK and the Java SDK. When all the paths were verified a green tick would appear and then we were able to develop for Xamarin using the above paths. We were also able to save the Android SDK and NDK in any partition on the desktop and use the stand alone Android SDK Manager to update the components of Android or download new versions.

But now I notice that Android SDK and Java SDK are included as part of the setup packages when installing and configuring Visual Studio 2019 Community Edition to develop for Xamarin. This also means that the Android SDK has to be installed in C:\ and it takes up space as well in C:.

What does Full List (Unsupported) mean when selecting the options in Android SDK Manager as part of Visual Studio 2019. How does this impact our development when choosing Full List or Approved List (Recommended). Can we use the earlier option and change the path of the Android SDK that may be in some other partition. Why is Android NDK no longer used in Visual Studio 2019.

Thanks,

Rajesh.

Answer 1

Hello,​

Welcome to our Microsoft Q&A platform!

What does Full List (Unsupported) mean when selecting the options in Android SDK Manager as part of Visual Studio 2019. How does this impact our development when choosing Full List or Approved List (Recommended).

The Full List option is just as the text means that all the platforms are listed on the SDK Manager view. However, you don't install the newest version of Build Tools. In this case, you'll not be able to use the corresponding Platform. The Approved List shows the platforms that is available to be used with the configuration of the VS on your pc.

Can we use the earlier option and change the path of the Android SDK that may be in some other partition.

Yes. If you wish to configure Visual Studio with custom locations for these tools (for example, if you have installed the Java JDK, Android SDK in a different location). Click Change next to a path that you want to change, then navigate to the new location.

Why is Android NDK no longer used in Visual Studio 2019

The NDK is currently only used by the 'Mobile development with C++' workload and 'Android IDE support for Unreal Engine' component. To prevent unnecessary installation of the NDK, it was decided to hide it and only install it for components that need it.

Best Regards,

Jarvan Zhang

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Answer 2

Well actually the NDK is also used when you Archive a project in Release Mode, that as the AOT Compilation selected (it seems to me).
And, by the way, it seems the most recent versions of NDK don't work and give errors when to use AOT Compilation.
I have to select older versions to use AOT Compilation with success.