Android introduction

          Android!!! Nowadays most of the people are familiar with this word. But what is the Android? Is it a device or something else? No! It’s not a device. It is the most popular and common mobile operating system. Android is an open source project that launched in 2003 led by Google. For the reason of open source project, most of the developers prefer to work with Android. 

Mainly Android operating system is based on Linux kernel. This is the GNU / Linux operating system based structure, which is a Unix type operating system. Unix type operating system is a portable operating system and multitasker where multiple users can operate. The Linux kernel is one of the best examples of free software. Where developers can develop their software with the free hand. An Android developer has no obligation on developing, he has full freedom to design an application. Here he can give any kind of looks or structures and can use any kind of color whatever he wishes.

          Here another operating system exists for a smartphone called IOS. IOS is another popular operating system. Now you might have some question, what is the difference between IOS and Android? Is IOS same as Android? If they are not then which one is better to use? Ok, no problem! Let’s find out the better one.

IOS is created and developed by Apple Inc. Exclusively they have built it for their own devices called iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. 

Not so many differences between iPhone and Android. Android and IOS are capable to do same things. Both can send messages, play videos, connect to wifi, take photos, both have cameras. But the major differences are in their look, feel and interaction on hardware. Most of the applications of Android are free. Android price is cheaper than the iPhone. Android has a much better attractive look. Android is easy to customize. For Android, there are various app stores which provide free apps. Anyone can use an Android phone cause this is easy to use. An important thing is you have many options to choose an Android-based smartphone on the market. Now if you ask which one is better to use then we would like to say it’s up to you. If you prefer to use iPhone then use it, else if you prefer to use Android then use it. It totally depends on you.

Actually, the Android operating system is the media or bridge between hardware and application software. It makes the communication path with application software to the hardware. To start Android developing you must know some Android terms. There are:

ADB: ADB stands for Android Debugging Bridge. It provides access to a Unix shell where developer gives the command lines to communicate with Android from a computer. It’s like a client-server, it provides tools for the debugging. 

APK: APK means Application Package Kit. It used for distribution and install Android applications. It contains app code, resources, and necessary data. 

Application: An Application is a group program that performs functions on the phone to access system.

Bootloading: It allows you to access recovery mode. 

Factory reset: It restores the device to the original settings.

Firmware: It is a permanent software program which attached in a small hardware. It allows hardware to be updated.

Flash: Changing the ROM of a device. 

Kernel: It is the core of the operating system, it controls all over the operating system. It acts as a bridge between applications and the data processing performed at the hardware level. 

Launcher: Launcher gives the user interface. It lets users customize the home screen and theme. 

ODIN: Program to flash a device.

Operating system: This work as a bridge to connect the application software with hardware. 

Recovery mode: A method to install a new ROM and erase previous settings. 

ROM: Stands for “Read only memory” and is a type of storage that stores data permanently on the device. It has the programming to start a device.

Root: It’s a method which allows a user to access all over the setting and hidden files of a device. It helps to change the ROM of a device. 

Widget: It is an icon of an application that you can put on your home screen to quickly access the application.

          Hopefully, this is enough for the beginning. Next time we will show more details and exclusive features. In this course, you will know more deeply and the whole course is covered with Android apps developing tutorial. You are requested to follow the whole course.