Why are build types distinct from product flavors?

Question

Preface: this is not a question about how to use build types and product flavors in an Android app. I understand the basic concepts involved. This question is more about

Answer 1

Build Types configure the packaging of our app:

• shrinkResources
• proguardFile
• etc.

Product Flavors configure different classes and resources:

• in Flavor1 your MainActivity can do something, while in Flavor2 it can have a different implementation
• different app name
• etc.

Each product flavor can have its own values of the following properties, among others, which are based on the same properties from defaultConfig:

• applicationId
• minSdkVersion
• targetSdkVersion
• versionCode
• versionName