Unit 1 – Android and Its Tools

Contents:

1.1 Introduction to android, Open Handset Alliance, Android Ecosystem

1.2 Need of Android, Features of Android
1.3 Tools and software required for developing an Android Application
1.4 Android Architecture

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1.1 Introduction to android, Open Handset Alliance, Android Ecosystem

Introduction to android

 Android is an open source operating system based on Linux with a Java

programming interface for mobile devices such as Smartphone (Touch Screen
Devices who supports Android OS) as well for Tablets too.
 It is developed by Google and later the OHA (Open Handset Alliance).
 The android is a powerful operating system and it supports large number of
applications in Smartphones.

Open Handset Alliance

The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is an association whose goal is to develop open
standards for mobile devices, promote innovation in mobile phones and provide a better
experience for consumers at a lower cost.
The OHA is the group that is in charge of the Android smartphones operating system. It
was created by Google.

The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is consortium of multiple companies like Samsung,
Sony, Intel and many more to provide services and deploy handsets using android
platform.

Android Ecosystem

Ecosystem in Market terminology refers to the inter-dependence between demand and

supply.

In the Android ecosystem this translates to inter-dependence between users,

developers, and equipment makers. One cannot exist without the other:

 Users- buy devices and applications

 Equipment makers- sell devices, sometimes bundled with applications
 Developers- buy devices, then make and sell applications
1.2 Need of Android, Features of Android

Need of Android

There are so many reasons you should choose Android platform for mobile application
development.

1. Affordable development

With Android OS, developers can easily launch their app in android market without paying
costly development fees. Application environments are free to use.

2. Open Source

The Android OS is an open-source platform based on the Linux kernel and multiple
open-source libraries. In this way developers are free to contribute or extend the
platform as necessary for building mobile apps which run on Android devices.

3. Multi-Platform Support

In market, there are a wide range of hardware devices powered by the Android OS,
including many different phones and tablet. Even development of android mobile apps can
occur on Windows, Mac OS or Linux.

4. Open Distribution Model

Android Market place (Google Play store) has very few restrictions on the content or
functionality of an android app. So the developer can distribute theirs app through
Google Play store and as well other distribution channels like Amazon’s app store.

Features of Android

There are numerous features of android. Some of them are listed below:

1. Connectivity: Android supports connectivity technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,

NFC, and more. This ensures seamless communication and data transfer across various
networks.

2. Media Support: Android supports a wide range of media formats. This ensures
compatibility with a variety of multimedia content, facilitating great accessibility and
enhanced user experience.

3. Storage: Android uses SQLite, a lightweight relational database for storage in mobile
devices. In addition, Android phones have SD card slots for providing expandable storage.

4. Multi-Language: Android supports multiple languages and regional settings, allowing

users to switch between languages easily.

5. Multi – tasking: using this user can jump from one task to another and at the
same time various application can run simultaneously.

6. Beautiful UI: Mobile devices supported by the Android operating system provide a
beautiful and intuitive user interface, making it easier for users to operate through
devices.

7. File management and sharing: Android provides a built-in file manager to browse,
organize, and manage files.
1.3 Tools and software required for developing an Android Application

The android developer tools let you create interactive and powerful application for
android platform.

1. Android Studio
It’s the most basic tool for Android developers. It’s a great tool because it has the support
of Google as well as a large community of developers.

2. Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

Android Debug Bridge is included in Android Studio and it’s basically a line of
communication between Android devices and other computers that developers use for
QA and testing purposes. Android Developers can connect their Android device to their
computer and make necessary changes to both devices at the same time.

3. Android Virtual Device (AVD) Manager

Another great feature of Android Studio is the AVD. This is an emulator that will run your
Android app on your computer so that you have a better inside into what your code looks
like. It’s great for actually seeing the work you’ve done and making any adjustments as
needed.

1.4 Android Architecture

Andriod architecture consists following 5 parts:
1. Linux kernel
2. native libraries (middleware)
3. Android Runtime
4. Application Framework
5. Applications
 Figure: Android Architecture
1) Linux kernel

It is the heart of android architecture that exists at the root of android

architecture. Linux kernel is responsible for device drivers, power management,
memory management, device management and resource access.

2) Native Libraries
Running on the top of the kernel, the Android framework was developed with
various features. It consists of various C/C++ core libraries with numerous of open
source tools. Some of these are:

1. Open GL(graphics library):

This cross-language, cross-platform application program interface (API) is used to
produce 2D and 3D computer graphics.

2. WebKit:
This open source web browser engine provides all the functionality to display web
content and to simplify page loading.

3. Media frameworks:
These libraries allow you to play and record audio and video.

4. Secure Socket Layer (SSL):

These libraries are there for Internet security.
3) Android Runtime

In android runtime, there are core libraries and DVM (Dalvik Virtual Machine) which is
responsible to run android application. DVM is like JVM but it is optimized for mobile
devices. It consumes less memory and provides fast performance.

4) Android Framework

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.

1. Activity Manager:
It manages the activity lifecycle and the activity stack.

2. Telephony Manager:
It provides access to telephony services as related subscriber information, such as
phone numbers.

3. View System:
It builds the user interface by handling the views and layouts.

4. Location Manager
It finds the device’s geographic location.

5) Applications

On the top of android framework, there are applications. This layer includes the apps
installed by users or preloaded by manufacturers.