Cordova project configuration: plugin VS gap:plugin -

what difference between these plugin declarations?

i can't figure out why have them declared in different ways, however, works fine in project.

<gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.device"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.device-motion"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.device-orientation"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.file"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.file-transfer"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.geolocation"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.splashscreen"/> <gap:plugin name="org.apache.cordova.vibration"/> <plugin name="cordova-plugin-whitelist" version="1"/> 

also, i'm not sure why have add plugins using command:

cordova plugin add [plugin_id] 

and keep these references in config.xml.

thanks lot!

specify plugins local environment:

1. install cordova plugin(s) cordova plugin add plugin_name.
2. enter cordova plugin save in cmd.

when open config.xml see installed plugins specified there.

for example when install plugin 'cordova-plugin-camera' , enter cordova plugin save in cmd result in config.xml be:

<plugin name="cordova-plugin-camera" spec="~1.2.0" /> <!-- ~ = cordova-plugin-camera version 1.2.0 or higher if available --> 

specify plugins phonegap build:

1. add plugin specification manually in config.xml.

for example:

<gap:plugin name="cordova-plugin-camera" version="~1.2.0" />