Content Provider multiple app flexibility
<p>I've been training myself up in Android development. I have an idea for a series of apps that all relate to the same basic data store which stores similar/related hobby data. I suppose in my mind access to this data should be similar to how many apps make use contacts. So I started reading up on content providers but from what I can see they don't actually provide the flexibility I require.</p>

<p>What I want is to create say 4 or 5 hobby related apps that record similar and related data however a customer might decide they only need a specific one to start with. Later they might decide that one or more of the other apps might also be useful. </p>

<p>The data the apps store is very similar, the core data is the same. So the obvious choice is a content provider. However I can't see the providers offer the flexibility I require. Firstly how does the 2nd app purchased figure out that a content provider is already available and if so not install its own (this seems to be hardwired in the manifest and there is no programatic control). Secondly how would an app realise there is no content provider and install one (related to point one). Thirdly a new app installed might have a more up to date provider or an older provider!</p>

<p>So I don't think the providers offer what I need. I also notice that the databases are sandboxed and providers seem to be the only method for apps to share persisted data, or is there something I'm missing. It actually makes me wonder how for none default installed content providers how useful providers are!</p>

<p>I suppose an alternative method would be for a customer to purchase and app and then later ad on extra functionality but I'm not sure if this is possible and if so where the information is.</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Steve</p>
