Section 2: Understanding Java Versions for Android Studio
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The Two Java Versions You May See
Android Studio uses a JDK to run Gradle and build the Robot Controller app. The Java version used by that build process is different from the language level accepted by FTC team code.
The current official FTC project:
- Supports Android Studio Ladybug 2024.2 or later.
- Can use Android Studio's bundled JDK for Gradle.
- Keeps
sourceCompatibilityandtargetCompatibilityat Java 8 so Android Studio and OnBot Java code remain compatible.
This means you should not change the project to JavaVersion.VERSION_17. That setting would make the project inconsistent with the official SDK.
When a Separate JDK Is Useful
A separate JDK can still be useful for unrelated Java projects or a team-specific build system. If your team's repository documents a required version, follow that repository. Otherwise, start with Android Studio's bundled JDK.
To see the Java runtime selected by Android Studio, open:
Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Build Tools → Gradle → Gradle JDK
Leave the selected runtime unchanged unless the official FTC README or your team's repository says otherwise.
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