SDK Runtime Fundamentals Quiz

The SDK Runtime aims to provide several key benefits to the Android ecosystem. Which of the following are primary advantages emphasized for app and SDK developers, as well as users?

Choose as many answers as you see fit.

Enhanced user privacy and application security through the isolation of third-party SDK code and resources into a separate, restricted runtime process.

Improved app stability and more precise crash accountability by containing SDK operations within their own dedicated process, separate from the host application.

Granting third-party SDKs increased, direct access to the host app's complete set of permissions to maximize their functionality.

A more flexible SDK distribution model, enabling SDKs to be updated independently of app releases through app distribution channels, potentially leading to faster critical fixes.

Mandating that all third-party SDKs utilize a single, shared runtime environment across all apps on a device to optimize system resource usage.

Which statement accurately describes a Runtime-Enabled SDK (RE SDK)?

It runs in the app's process and communicates directly with other in-app SDKs.

It's primarily a translation layer that helps apps migrate to using SDKs in the SDK Runtime.

It runs inside the isolated SDK Runtime process.

It is only used for debugging SDK functionalities within Android Studio.

Considering the new distribution paradigm for Runtime-Enabled SDKs (RE SDKs), which statement best describes how RE SDKs are made available to apps and installed on user devices?

RE SDKs are always compiled directly into the host app's APK, similar to traditional SDKs, but are only activated when the SDK Runtime is present.

RE SDKs can be published to app stores as distinct entities. The app store then manages their installation on the device, and each app loads its required RE SDKs into its own private SDK Runtime process.

All necessary RE SDKs are pre-installed as part of the Android operating system, and apps simply declare which ones they intend to use.

Apps download RE SDKs directly from the SDK provider's servers each time they are needed, ensuring the latest version is always used without app store involvement.

The SDK Runtime fundamentally changes SDK integration by running third-party SDKs in a separate process. How does this process isolation primarily address a key challenge of the traditional, tightly-coupled SDK model?

It ensures that RE SDKs consume significantly less battery power by offloading all their tasks to a low-priority system thread.

It allows RE SDKs to operate with elevated system privileges, bypassing the app's permission model to perform advanced operations.

It creates clear boundaries, limiting an SDK's direct access to the host app's internal data and resources, thereby reducing risks associated with undisclosed data collection and enhancing overall security.

It standardizes the UI components that all RE SDKs must use, ensuring a consistent look and feel across all apps using them.

What is the main purpose of the "shim" generation tools in the context of the SDK Runtime?

To package Runtime-Enabled SDKs into Android SDK Bundles (ASBs).

To enforce permission restrictions on Runtime-Enabled SDKs during compilation.

To abstract low-level Inter-Process Communication (IPC) complexity between the app/Runtime Aware (RA SDK) and the RE SDK.

To provide pre-built UI components for RE SDKs to display advertisements.

When building an RE SDK, what must the SDK developer implement to define the SDK's entry point, which typically extends a shim-generated class?

An Activity that launches the SDK's main functionalities.

A class extending `SandboxedSdkProviderCompat` (or a shim-generated derivative based on `@PrivacySandboxService`) and overriding its `create*` method.

A BroadcastReceiver that listens for SDK load requests from the app.

A ContentProvider to share initial configuration data with the app.

When debugging an RE SDK on a device or emulator where the SDK Runtime is active, to which process must the debugger be attached to inspect the RE SDK's code?

The main client application process.

The `system_server` process.

The `_sdk_sandbox` process.

The Android Studio internal debugging process.

According to the recommended migration phases for an existing SDK to the SDK Runtime, what is typically the first step?

Immediately require all apps to consume the Runtime-Enabled SDK directly without any translation layer.

Build a thin Runtime-Enabled SDK with all existing business logic remaining in a legacy in-app SDK.

Build a transition period Runtime-Enabled SDK alongside a thick Runtime-Aware SDK for incremental migration and A/B testing.

Discontinue the existing SDK and only offer the new Runtime-Enabled SDK from the start.