Android is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, having been installed on nearly two billion devices globally. But what is Android actually built with? In this article, we’ll be exploring the different components and technologies that make up the Android platform.
At the core of Android is the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel is an open-source operating system kernel which is used across a variety of devices, from smartphones to servers. It provides the fundamental functions of the system, such as memory management, process management, and device drivers. Android uses a customized version of the Linux kernel, which is optimized for mobile devices.
On top of the Linux kernel is the Android runtime, which is responsible for running applications. The Android runtime is based on the Dalvik virtual machine, which was initially produced for Google’s Java-based mobile platform, Android. Dalvik is an optimized version of the Java virtual machine, and is used to run Android applications.
The Android libraries provide the application framework for Android applications. These libraries provide the building blocks for an Android application, such as user interface components, data storage, and network communication. They also provide access to device-specific features, like the camera, GPS, and accelerometer.
The Android framework is a set of tools and services which are used to develop, deploy, and test Android applications. It includes the Android SDK, a set of development tools, and the Android Studio, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing Android applications. The Android framework also provides APIs for accessing device-specific features, like the camera and GPS.
The Android SDK is a set of development tools used to create Android applications. It includes the Android debug bridge, which is used for debugging applications, and the Android emulator, which is used to test applications on virtual devices. The SDK also includes the Android Native Development Kit (NDK), which is used to develop applications in native code.
Android is an incredibly powerful and popular mobile operating system that is constructed from a variety of components and technologies. At the heart of Android is the Linux kernel, which provides the core functions of the system. On top of the kernel lies the Android runtime, which is in charge of running applications. The Android libraries offer the application framework, and the Android framework offers the development tools and services. Finally, the Android SDK is used for developing and debugging applications. All of these components and technologies come together to form the powerful and versatile Android platform.