Mobile Applications Development 1: Android Overview

Introduction to Mobile Applications Development 1

• Course: Mobile Applications Development 1
• Semester: First
• Academic Year: 2021/2024

What is Android?

• Android is an open-source operating system based on Linux, using a Java programming interface.
• It's designed for mobile devices like smartphones (touch screen) and tablets.
• Developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), led by Google.
• OHA is an association of companies (Samsung, Sony, Intel, and others) to provide and deploy Android-based handsets.
• Source code is freely available on various platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow.
• Google publishes most of the associated code under the Apache License version 2.0.

Android Features

• Open-source, customizable OS based on requirements.
• Connectivity support for GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, etc. for various communication and data transfer functions.
• Supports making and receiving calls/SMS messages, and data transfer across mobile networks.
• Supports pairing with other devices via Wi-Fi technology.
• Multitasking capabilities.
• Location-based services such as GPS are integrated.
• Data storage through lightweight SQLite database.
• Wide range of media support (AVI, MKV, FLV, MPEG4, etc.) and image formats.
• Multimedia hardware, camera, and microphone support extensive playback/recording actions.
• Integrated web browser to support HTML5 and CSS3 standards.
• Reusable components, and native application replacement capabilities.
• Support for 2D and 3D graphics; access to hardware components (Camera, GPS, Accelerometer).

Android History

• Android, Inc. initially developed Android in 2005.
• Google later acquired and took over development.
• First version released November 5, 2007.
• Subsequently, Google introduced many versions with codenamed desserts (Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Jellybeans, Kitkat, Lollipop, marshmallow, etc.), making improvements and additions.

Questions

• What is the latest version of Android available now?
• List some of its key features.

Android Version Market Share

• (Chart showing market share trends for various Android versions over time)

Android Architecture

• A software stack of components supporting mobile device needs:
  • Applications
  • Android Framework
  • Android Runtime
  • Platform Libraries
  • Linux Kernel (primary component)

Android Architecture Components

• Linux Kernel: Base layer, managing device drivers (display, camera, Bluetooth, etc.), memory, power management, and resource access.
• Platform Libraries: Various C/C++ and Java-based libraries (SSL, libc, Graphics, SQLite, WebKit) providing core support for Android development. Includes libraries for media playback/recording, display management, 2D/3D graphics, database support, and internet security.
• Android Runtime (ARE): An essential component containing core libraries and the Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM), powering applications. DVM is a register-based, efficient virtual machine optimized for use on Android devices.
• Application Framework: Provides classes for creating Android applications; offers a generic abstraction for hardware access; manages user interfaces and application resources. This includes services like telephony, location, notifications, the view system etc required for app development.
• Applications: The top layer where native and third-party apps like contacts, email, music, gallery, and games run. They access functionality provided through the application framework.

Android Development Setup

• Java Development Kit (JDK)
• Android SDK
• Development environment (Android Studio)

Android App/Project Folder Structure

• Key folders and files (manifests, Java, resources, drawable, layouts, etc.) used in Android projects.

Android First Application Example - "Hello World"

• Important files for building a simple Android app:
  • Android Layout File (activity_main.xml)
  • Android Main Activity File (MainActivity.java)
  • Android Manifest File (AndroidManifest.xml)

Running the Project

• Methods for running the example Android project:
  • Method 1: Using a physical Android device connected using USB. Enabling the developer options and USB debugging.
  • Method 2: Using an Android Virtual Device (AVD) simulated in Android Studio.

Creating an AVD in Android Studio

• Steps to create an Android Virtual Device (AVD) configuration within Android Studio for testing the application.