Maximum Android version that Freepascal + Lazarus + LAMW actually support

[Delphino]

Hi Pals,

Does anyone know the highest Android version that can be reached using FreePascal + Lazarus + the LAMW package set?

ChatGPT says it's Android 7, but this version is deprecated mainly due to security restrictions.

If one wants to release an Android app, it should at least be compatible with Android 13.

Thanks and best regards.

[jmpessoa]

Does anyone know the highest Android version that can be reached using FreePascal + Lazarus + the LAMW package set?

I think that 13, 14, 15 ..... are good!

ChatGPT says ....

Well, it's clear that he doesn't know anything about Lazarus!

but you can try:

chat.qwenlm.ai

Code: [Select]

Does anyone know the highest Android version that can be reached using FreePascal + Lazarus + the LAMW package set?

Result:

The highest Android version that can be reached using **Free Pascal + Lazarus + LAMW (Lazarus Android Module Wizard)** depends on several factors, including the versions of the tools you're using and how well they are maintained.

### Key Considerations:
1. **Free Pascal Compiler (FPC)**: The Free Pascal compiler must support modern Android APIs. FPC has been improving its support for Android over time, but it often lags behind the latest Android releases.
   
2. **Lazarus IDE**: Lazarus is an open-source IDE built around Free Pascal. Its compatibility with newer Android versions will depend on both the Lazarus version and the underlying FPC.

3. **LAMW (Lazarus Android Module Wizard)**: LAMW provides a framework to create Android applications using Lazarus and Free Pascal. It generates Java bindings and integrates them with Pascal code. The supported Android API levels largely depend on how up-to-date the LAMW project is in terms of supporting new Android SDKs and NDKs.

4. **Android NDK/SDK Versions**: Android development relies heavily on Google's Native Development Kit (NDK) and Software Development Kit (SDK). Newer Android versions may require updated NDK/SDK versions that might not yet be fully compatible with Free Pascal or LAMW.

### Current Status (as of 2023):
- **Android API Levels**: Recent versions of **LAMW** have been able to target Android versions up to **API level 33** (which corresponds to Android 13). However, this may vary depending on your specific setup.
 
- **Free Pascal Version**: To achieve better compatibility with newer Android versions, you'll want to use the latest stable release of Free Pascal (3.2.x as of late 2023), though some users experiment with development snapshots to get access to even newer features.

- **LAMW Updates**: LAMW developers actively work on updating the framework to keep pace with newer Android versions. Check their [GitHub repository](https://github.com/jmpessoa/lazandroidmodulewizard) for the most recent updates and documentation regarding supported Android versions.

### Steps to Ensure Maximum Compatibility:
1. **Update Your Tools**: Make sure you're using the latest versions of Free Pascal, Lazarus, and LAMW.
   
2. **Use Latest Android NDK/SDK**: Download and configure the latest Android NDK and SDK through the Android Studio SDK Manager. This ensures that you have access to the most recent Android APIs.

3. **Check LAMW Documentation**: Refer to the official LAMW documentation and GitHub page for any specific instructions on targeting higher Android versions. They often provide notes about which Android versions are officially supported.

4. **Test on Physical Devices**: Emulators may sometimes behave differently from physical devices. Test your application on real hardware running the desired Android version to ensure full compatibility.

### Limitations:
- While LAMW is quite powerful, it may still lag behind mainstream Android development environments like Android Studio (Java/Kotlin) or Flutter/Dart when it comes to cutting-edge Android features.
 
- Some advanced Android APIs may not yet be fully supported by LAMW or may require custom Java bindings, which could add complexity to your project.

### Conclusion:
As of 2023, **LAMW with Free Pascal and Lazarus** should allow you to target Android versions up to at least **Android 13 (API level 33)**, provided you are using the latest versions of all components (Free Pascal, Lazarus, LAMW, Android NDK/SDK). Always check the LAMW GitHub repository for updates and potential improvements in Android version support.