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ANDROID OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION TO ANDROID

Android is a powerful, open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. Developed by Google, Android has become the most popular mobile operating system globally, powering billions of devices with a seamless user experience and a robust ecosystem of applications.





1. Linux Kernel

Definition: The Linux kernel is the core of the Android platform, providing essential system services such as process management, memory management, security, networking, and power management.

Importance: Leveraging the Linux kernel offers Android robust security features, stable performance, and wide compatibility with hardware drivers, making it easier for manufacturers to integrate various hardware components.

Key Components:

  • Process Management: Manages application execution and CPU allocation.
  • Memory Management: Optimizes RAM usage and virtual memory.
  • Security: Implements user permissions and SELinux for enhanced security.
  • Networking: Manages network connections and protocols.
  • Power Management: Optimizes battery life by managing power states of hardware components.

Examples of Drivers:

  • Display Driver: Manages screen rendering.
  • Audio Driver: Handles sound input/output.
  • Bluetooth Driver: Enables Bluetooth communication.
  • Camera Driver: Interfaces with camera hardware.
  • Power Management Driver: Enhances battery efficiency.

2. Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)

Definition: HAL provides standardized interfaces to expose hardware capabilities to the higher-level Java API framework, allowing consistent hardware interaction across different devices.

Importance: HAL ensures a uniform API for hardware components, simplifying development and ensuring that applications can run on various hardware without modification.

Key Features:

  • Standardization: Provides consistent APIs for hardware interaction.
  • Modularity: Composed of multiple modules, each tailored to specific hardware.
  • Ease of Development: Abstracts hardware specifics, making it easier for developers to build applications without worrying about underlying hardware details.

Examples of HAL Modules:

  • Camera HAL: Manages image capture and video recording.
  • Bluetooth HAL: Facilitates Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Sensors HAL: Interfaces with sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes

3. Native Libraries:

Definition: Native libraries are C/C++ libraries that provide low-level functionalities.

They support various features like graphics rendering, data storage, and web browsing. They enhance performance by providing optimized implementations of critical functions.These libraries are invoked by the Android runtime and application framework to perform tasks efficiently.

Example: The OpenGL library allows Android applications to render 2D and 3D graphics smoothly.

 4.   Android Runtime (ART)

Definition: ART is the runtime environment where Android applications execute.

It translates the app code into native machine code for the device. It improves performance and memory management compared to its predecessor, Dalvik. ART uses ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation to convert bytecode into native code before the application runs.

Example: When you install an app, ART compiles it, ensuring faster and more efficient execution when you use it.

5. Android Framework 

Definition: The Android framework is a collection of Java classes, interfaces, and precompiled code upon which Android apps are built. It provides core functionalities and services used by apps.

 Example: An email app that allows users to read, compose, and manage emails. This app relies on the Android framework for UI components (e.g., displaying emails in a list), data storage (e.g., saving email drafts).

6. Applications

System Apps: Essential for basic phone functions (e.g., calling, messaging).

 Privileged Apps: Pre-installed with extra permissions (e.g., security tools, carrier apps). 

Device Manufacturer Apps: Extra features from the phone maker (e.g., special camera features, brand-specific services).

 

 

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