What Is Android
Android is an open source and Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
The Android operating system (OS) is based on the Linux kernel. Unlike Apple s iOS, Android is open source, meaning developers can modify and customize the OS for each phone. Therefore, different Android-based phones often have different graphical user interfaces GUIs even though they use the same OS. Android is the nick name of Andy Rubin given by coworkers because of his love to robots.The open nature of Android means developers and manufacturers can work with the platform for free and change it to their own designs.
History of Android
Initially, Andy Rubin founded Android Incorporation in Palo Alto, California, United States in October, 2003.The key employees of Android Incorporation are Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Chris White and Nick Sears.Google announces the development of android OS In 2007, and HTC launched the first android mobile Phone in In 2008,
Version of Android
Each version of Android since 1.5 has been developed with a specific codename. These codenames are chosen alphabetically, and have thus far all been dessert items.The following names are used for the currently existing Android releases..
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Cupcake:
- Android 1.5
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Donut:
- Android 1.6
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Eclair:
- Android 2.0
- Android 2.1
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Froyo:
- Android 2.2
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Gingerbread:
- Android 2.3
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Honeycomb:
- Android 3.0
- Android 3.1
- Android 3.2
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Ice Cream Sandwich:
- Android 4.0
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Jelly Bean:
- Android 4.1
- Android 4.2
- Android 4.3
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KitKat:
-Android 4.4
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Lollipop:
- Android 5.0
- Android 5.1
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Marshmallow:
- Android 6.0
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Nougat:
- Android 7.0
Android Architecture
Android architecture is categorized into five parts : Linux kernel ,Native libraries (middleware),Android Runtime,Application Framework and Applications
1) Linux kernel
It is the heart of android architecture that exists at the root of android architecture. Linux kernel is responsible for device drivers, power management, memory management, device management and resource access.
2) Native LibrariesOn the top of linux kernel, their are Native libraries such as WebKit, OpenGL, FreeType, SQLite, Media, C runtime library (libc) etc.
3) Android Runtime
In android runtime, there are core libraries and DVM (Dalvik Virtual Machine) which is responsible to run android application. DVM is like JVM but it is optimized for mobile devices. It consumes less memory and provides fast performance.
4) Android Framework
On the top of Native libraries and android runtime, there is android framework. Android framework includes Android API s such as UI (User Interface), telephony, resources, locations, Content Providers (data) and package managers.
5) Applications
On the top of android framework, there are applications. All applications such as home, contact, settings, games, browsers are using android framework that uses android runtime and libraries. Android runtime and native libraries are using linux kernal.