What should my activity extend when application's minSdkVersion is 21?
<p>I am quite new to Android and Android Studio. I have created a new project and I have specified the <code>minSdkVersion as 21</code> and <code>target to 23</code>. </p>

<p>After AS is done with creating the activity I see that <code>MainActivity</code> is extending <code>AppCompatActivity</code> by default.</p>

<p>I read about <code>AppCompatActivity</code>  <a href="http://developer.android.com/intl/es/reference/android/support/v7/app/AppCompatActivity.html" rel="noreferrer">here</a></p>

<p>It says that it is the <strong>Base class for activities that use the <em><a href="http://developer.android.com/intl/es/tools/support-library/index.html" rel="noreferrer">support library</a></em> action bar features.</strong></p>

<p>Now my question is:</p>

<ol>
<li>Since my app's minSdkVersion is 21 why do I need my activity to extend <strong>AppCompatActivity</strong>?</li>
<li><p>Why does AS make my activity extend <strong>AppCompatActivity</strong> by default?</p></li>
<li><p>Is it necessary for my activity to extend <strong>AppCompatActivity</strong> or just extending <strong>Activity</strong> is enough considering my <code>minSdkVerion</code>?</p></li>
<li><p>What would I miss if my actvity don't extend <strong>AppCompatActivity</strong>?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Any explanation would be very helpful. Thanks</p>