In an Android project, the minSdkVersion in the Gradle file specifies the minimum version of the Android API that your application supports. This meaning, your app won’t be able to run on devices with an Android version lower than the one specified by the developer in the gradle scripts. It’s a vital setting because it determines the range of devices your app can be installed on.
for example, if you set your minSdkVersion to 23 (which is equivalent to android 6) then your app cannot be installed in older versions (< 23 ).
the targetSdkVersion is another important parameter that specifies the highest Android API level that the app is tested against. Unlike minSdkVersion, which represents the minimum API level required for the app to run, targetSdkVersion indicates the API level that the app targets for compatibility. (older features defined in lower targetSDK can be still accessed).
This determines the version of the Android SDK against which your app is compiled during the build process. It provides access to APIs, classes, and resources, enabling you to utilize the latest features and optimizations while ensuring compatibility with targeted Android versions.