Where should a file be saved on Android devices?

Engines, Libraries and Tools
#1

I have a small txt file that I’m using to store saved game information. Right now I’m saving it to the root of the SD card(no folder). Should I create a folder(with the name of my game) if one doesn’t exist and then save the file in the folder?

Is there a folder that is typically used for these files(kind of like how Windows has the ‘Program Files’ folder)?

#2

Use Shared Preferences. Android will save everything for you. You can store almost anything inside and it is easy and fast to save/load.
Check this oficial guide for more information.

Save:

String lvl_name = "level 2";
int lvl_id = 2;
SharedPreferences.Editor saveLevel = getSharedPreferences("levels", 0).edit();
saveLevel.putString("level_name", lvl_name);
saveLevel.putInt("level_id", lvl_id);
saveLevel.commit();

Load:

SharedPreferences loadOptions = getSharedPreferences("levels", 0);
int lvl_id = loadOptions.getInt("level_id", 0);
String lvl_name = loadOptions.getString("level_name", "name");
#3

One of the most important reasons to use preferences is that they are per-user. In Android 4.4 (could be earlier, too) devices like tablets can have multiple users. If you just write to an external directory they will all share the same save game data.

#4

Thanks to both of you for answering.

What about Apple IOS? Is there also a Shared Preferences?