Valid name for Android Package Name

Valid Name for Android Package Name

The package name is a unique identifier for your Android app. It’s used by the Android system to distinguish your app from others and to organize apps on the device. Choosing a valid and well-structured package name is essential for the smooth functioning and distribution of your app.

Package Name Structure

An Android package name follows the standard Java package naming convention:

[reverse domain name].[app name]

For example, the package name for the official Google Maps app is com.google.android.maps. Here’s how it breaks down:

• com.google.android: The reverse domain name. It’s recommended to use a domain name you own or control.
• maps: The app’s name. This part should be descriptive and easy to understand.

Benefits of a Well-Structured Package Name

• Uniqueness: Using a reverse domain name makes it highly unlikely that another developer will use the same package name, ensuring your app’s unique identity.
• Organization: The hierarchical structure helps organize your app’s code and makes it easier to navigate.
• Compatibility: Adhering to Java conventions ensures compatibility with other Android components and libraries.

Valid Package Name Rules

Here are the rules for creating a valid Android package name:

• Start with a lowercase letter.
• Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores (_).
• Do not use spaces or any other special characters.
• Must be at least two characters long.
• Must be unique across all apps on the Play Store.

Invalid Package Names

Here are examples of invalid Android package names:

com.example App  // Spaces are not allowed
my.app-name   // Hyphens are not allowed
Com.Example   // Must start with lowercase letter

Best Practices for Choosing a Package Name

• Use a unique and memorable reverse domain name.
• Keep the app name concise and descriptive.
• Avoid using generic names.
• Choose a package name that is easy to understand and pronounce.
• Verify that the package name is available on the Play Store.

Example