chapter1

chapter1

1. Android components

   • A free, open-source operating system for embedded devices
   • An open-source development platform for creating applications
   • Devices, particularly mobile phones, that run the Android operating system and the applica- tions created for it

2. Android SDK

   • Android APIs
     • The core of the SDK is the Android API libraries that provide developer access to the Android stack.
   • Development tools
     • The SDK includes several development tools that let you compile and debug your applications so that you can turn Android source code into executable applica- tions.
   • The Android Virtual Device Manager and emulator
     • The emulator runs within an Android Virtual Device (AVD) that simulates a device hardware configuration.
   • Full documentation
     • The SDK includes extensive code-level reference information detailing exactly what’s included in each package and class and how to use them.
   • Sample code
     • The Android SDK includes a selection of sample applications that demonstrate some of the possibilities available with Android, as well as simple programs that highlight how to use individual API features.
   • Online support
     • android has rapidly generated a vibrant developer community.

3. Software Stack

   • Linux kernel
     • ore services (including hardware drivers, process and memory management, security, network, and power management) are handled by a Linux 2.6 kernel. The kernel also provides an abstraction layer between the hardware and the remainder of the stack.
   • Libraries
     • Running on top of the kernel, Android includes various C/C++ core libraries such as libc and SSL
       • A media library for playback of audio and video media
       • A surface manager to provide display management
       • Graphics libraries that include SGL and OpenGL for 2D and 3D graphics
       • SQLite for native database support
       • SSL and WebKit for integrated web browser and Internet security
   • Android run time