Android

Android is a open source Linux based operating system. An operating

system is a system software which manages, operates and communicate
with the computer hardware and software.
Android is primarily designed for mobile devices such as smartphones,
tablets, smart TVs and wearables.
It is developed by Google and later the OHA (Open Handset Alliance).
Initially, Andy Rubin founded Android Incorporation in Palo Alto, California,
United States in October, 2003.
In 17th August 2005, Google acquired android Incorporation. Since then, it
is in the subsidiary of Google Incorporation.
The key employees of Android Incorporation are Andy Rubin, Rich
Miner, Chris White and Nick Sears.
Originally intended for camera but shifted to smart phones later because of
low market for camera only.

Android is the nick name of Andy Rubin given by coworkers because of his
love to robots.

In 2007, Google announces the development of android OS.

In 2008, HTC launched the first android mobile.

The billion devices running on Android and becomes most popular mobile
OS.

OHA
OHA stands for Open Handset Alliance.
It is a business alliance created with the purpose of developing open
standards for mobile devices.
The OHA consists of 84 member companies, including Google, HTC, Dell,
Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, and others.
It was established on 5th November, 2007, led by Google.
OHA plays a crucial role in the continuous evolution of Android OS and the
mobile industry.

Android Versions, Codename and API

The code names of android ranges from A to J currently, such
as Aestro, Blender, Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb,
Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat and Lollipop.
 Android Ecosystem
Android Ecosystem is the interdependence between users, developers and
equipment makers.
One can not exist without the other.
 Building block of android ecosystem
1. Android user
2. Equipment maker for android devices
3. Developers

1. User buy devices and applications:

2. Equipment maker sell devices, sometimes bundled with
applications
3. Developers buy devices, then make and sell applications

Features of Android
1. Open source:

- Open source means its source code is freely available to developers.

- This allows manufacturers and developers to modify and customize the

OS as per their needs.
2. Customizable User Interface (UI):

- Android allows extensive customization of the home screen, app

layouts, widgets, and themes.

- Users can personalize their devices to match their preferences.

3. Multitasking:

- Android supports multitasking, enabling users to run multiple apps

simultaneously.

- Features like split-screen mode and picture-in-picture (PIP) enhance

multitasking capabilities.

4. Wide Range of Applications:

- The Google Play Store offers millions of applications across various

categories, including productivity, entertainment, education, and more.

- Users can install apps as per their requirements.

5. Multi-Language Support:

- Android supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users

worldwide.

- Regional and local language support enhances its usability in diverse

regions.

6. Connectivity Options:

Android supports a variety of connectivity options such as:

o Wi-Fi
o Bluetooth
 o NFC (Near Field Communication)
o Infrared
o 4G/5G
o USB Type-C and OTG (On-The-Go).

7. Integration with Google Services

- Android seamlessly integrates with Google services like:

Gmail
o
o Google Maps
o Google Drive
o Google Assistant
o YouTube.
- These services enhance productivity and convenience.

8. Notifications:

- Android provides a rich notification system:

o Notifications can be viewed, managed, and responded to directly

from the notification bar.
o Features like notification grouping and priority control improve
user experience.

9. Hardware Compatibility:

 Android supports a wide range of devices, including:

o Smartphones
o Tablets
o Smart TVs
o Wearables (smartwatches)
o IoT devices.

10. Multi-touch Support:

 Android supports multi-touch gestures, allowing users to perform tasks

like zooming, scrolling, and swiping efficiently.
11. Security Features

 Regular updates provide improved security measures.

 Features like:
o Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition).
o App permissions to control data access.
o Google Play Protect to scan apps for malware.

12. Widgets

 Android allows users to add interactive widgets like calendars, weather

updates, and music players directly to the home screen.

13. Voice Commands

 Android supports voice commands and virtual assistants like Google

Assistant for hands-free operation.

14. File Management:

 Android provides a file management system that allows users to store,

organize, and transfer files easily.

15. Multi-Device Support:

 Features like casting (Chromecast), cross-device syncing, and device

backups ensure seamless integration across multiple devices.

16. Energy Efficiency

 Android includes battery optimization features like:

o Adaptive Battery
o Power-saving modes
o Background app restrictions.

17. Frequent Updates:

 Regular updates introduce new features, improve performance, and

enhance security.
18. Diverse Hardware Options

 Android is not limited to a specific brand, offering users a variety of

devices at different price points.

Need of Android
1. Open source:

- Open source means its source code is freely available to developers.

- This allows manufacturers and developers to modify and customize the

OS as per their needs.

2. Customizable User Interface (UI):

- Android allows extensive customization of the home screen, app

layouts, widgets, and themes.

- Users can personalize their devices to match their preferences.

3. Multitasking:

- Android supports multitasking, enabling users to run multiple apps

simultaneously.

- Features like split-screen mode and picture-in-picture (PIP) enhance

multitasking capabilities.

4. Wide Range of Applications:

- The Google Play Store offers millions of applications across various

categories, including productivity, entertainment, education, and more.

- Users can install apps as per their requirements.

5. Multi-Language Support:

- Android supports multiple languages, making it accessible to users

worldwide.

- Regional and local language support enhances its usability in diverse

regions.

Tools and Software Requirement for developing an

Android Application
1. Development Tools

i) Android Studio: Android Studio is the official Integrated Development

Environment (IDE) for Android application development.
ii) Java Development Kit (JDK):
o Required to compile and run Java-based applications.
o Essential for Android app development since Java or Kotlin is
used.
 iii) Gradle:
o A build automation tool integrated with Android Studio.
o Manages dependencies and builds processes.

2. Programming Languages

i) Java:
o Traditionally used for Android development.
ii) Kotlin:
o Officially supported language for Android, offering concise syntax
and enhanced features.

3. Android SDK (Software Development Kit)

 Includes libraries, APIs, and tools required to build, test, and debug
Android apps.
 Comes bundled with Android Studio.

4. Emulators

 Virtual devices for testing Android applications without physical

hardware.
 Integrated into Android Studio as AVD (Android Virtual Device)
Manager.

5. Operating System

 Compatible OS for development:

o Windows 10/11
o macOS
o Linux (Ubuntu recommended)

6. Hardware Requirements

i) Processor:
o Minimum: Intel i5 or equivalent.
o Recommended: Intel i7 or higher.
ii) RAM:
o Minimum: 8 GB.
 o Recommended: 16 GB or higher for smooth performance.
iii) Storage:
o Minimum: 10 GB of free space (SSD recommended for faster
performance).
iv) Display:
o Resolution: 1280 x 800 or higher.

7. Testing Tools

i) ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

o Command-line tool to communicate with a device.
o Helps in debugging and installing apps.
ii) Espresso:
o For UI testing.
iii) Junit:
o For unit testing.

8. Design Tools

i) Figma/Adobe XD:
o For designing app UI and wireframes.
ii) GIMP/Photoshop:
o For creating and editing graphics.

9. Version Control

i) Git:
oFor version control and collaboration.
ii) GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket:
o Remote repositories for storing and managing code.

10. Cloud Services (Optional)

i) Firebase:
o For backend services like authentication, database, and analytics.
ii) Google Cloud:
o For advanced storage and computing.
11. Additional Plugins

i) Lombok:
o Simplifies Java code in Android projects.
ii) Hilt/Dagger:
o For dependency injection.

📌 2️⃣ Tools Required

1. Android Studio

✔ Official IDE for Android app development.

✔ Supports Java, Kotlin, and XML.
✔ Built-in Emulator, Code Debugger, and Performance Analyzer.

2. Android SDK Tools

✔ Includes ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for debugging.

✔ Provides Build Tools, Platform Tools, and System Images.

3. Gradle Build System

✔ Automates the build process for Android applications.

✔ Handles dependencies and APK generation.

4. Emulator or Physical Android Device

✔ Emulator – Simulates Android devices on a PC.

✔ Physical Device – Connect via USB Debugging for real-time testing.

5. Git Version Control

✔ GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket – For project collaboration and version control.

6. Additional Plugins & Libraries

✔ Firebase – For authentication, database, and cloud storage.

✔ Retrofit / Volley – For network operations.
✔ Glide / Picasso – For image loading.
📌 1️⃣ Software Requirements
1. Operating System

 Windows (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 – 64-bit recommended)

 Mac OS (Mac OS X 10.10 or later)
 Linux (Ubuntu 14.04 or later)

2. Java Development Kit (JDK)

 Required for compiling and running Java-based Android apps.

 Latest Version: [JDK 11 or 17 recommended]

3. Android Studio (IDE)

 Official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android.

 Provides code editing, debugging, and performance tools.

4. Android SDK (Software Development Kit)

 Includes libraries, APIs, and tools to develop Android apps.

 Installed with Android Studio.

5. Android Virtual Device (AVD) / Emulator

 Used to test applications without a physical Android device.

Android Architecture / Android software stack

 Android architecture or Android software stack is categorized
into five parts:

1. Linux Kernel

2. Native Libraries

3. Android Runtime

4. Application Framework

5. Applications

1. Linux Kernel:
- The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system
and serves as the bridge between the software applications and the
underlying hardware.
- The Linux kernel is at the base of the Android architecture, providing
low-level system services and hardware abstraction.
- Functions of Linux Kernel:
  Hardware Abstraction
 Process Management
 Memory Management
 Device Drivers
 Security
 File System Management
 Networking
 Power Management

2. Native Libraries:
- On the top of Linux kernel, there are Native libraries such as WebKit,
OpenGL, FreeType, SQLite, Media, C runtime library (libc), etc.
- The WebKit library is responsible for browser support, SQLite is for
database, FreeType for font support, Media for playing and recording
audio and video formats.

3. Android Runtime:
- The Android Runtime (ART) is the runtime environment in the
Android operating system that executes applications.
- DVM is like JVM but it is optimized for mobile devices. It consumes less
memory and provides fast performance.
- Functions of Android Runtime:
 Executing Applications
 Memory management
 App optimization
 Backward compatibility

4. Application Framework:
- The Application Framework is a set of APIs (Application Programming
Interfaces) and tools provided by Android to developers, enabling them
to build and design applications for the Android operating system.
- It acts as an intermediary between the application layer and the
Android runtime, providing a structured environment for app
development.
- On the top of Native libraries and android runtime, there is android
framework.
- Android framework includes Android API's such as UI (User Interface),
telephony, resources, locations, Content Providers (data) and package
managers. It provides a lot of classes and interfaces for android
application development.

5. Applications:
- On the top of android framework, there are applications.
 - All applications such as home, contact, settings, games, browsers are
using android framework that uses android runtime and libraries
- Android runtime and native libraries are using linux kernal.
- An application (commonly referred to as an app) is a software
program or set of programs designed to perform specific tasks or solve
particular problems for users.
- Applications run on various platforms, including mobile devices,
desktops, and web browsers, and provide an interface for users to
interact with functionalities or services.

Difference between Android and Windows OS

Sr.
No Android OS Windows OS
.
Windows was developed and
Android was developed and
1. owned by Microsoft
owned by Google LLC.
Incorporation.
Android is specifically designed Windows is designed for PC of all
2.
for mobile devices. companies.
Android has a Graphical (Multi-
3. Windows OS Graphical (Metro UI).
touch) user interface.
In Android, the Kernel type is In Windows, the Kernel type is
4.
Linux-based. Hybrid with modules here.
5. It was launched in 2008. It was launched in 1985.
Current stable version is Android Current stable version is Windows
6.
13. 11.
It is free of cost as it is inbuilt is
7. It charges for the original version.
smartphones.
It is the most used operating It is the most used operating
8.
system overall. system in personal computers.
All Android OS are supported for Currently, any Windows phone OS
9.
root access. does not support root access.
Android OS supports ARM, MIPS,
10. Windows OS only supports x86
x86, I.MX.
Android OS uses Java, C, C++ Windows OS uses C, C++
11.
languages. languages.