What is Android OS? Merits and Drawbacks

Introduction

Android OS is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is based on the modified version of Linux kernel. Android is useful for building android apps.

Android is a mobile operating system (OS) first developed by a Silicon Valley company by the name of Android Inc. A collaboration spearheaded by Google in 2007 through the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) gave Android an edge in delivering a complete software set, which includes the main OS, middleware, and specific mobile application, or app.

Android’s initial release date was on Sept 23, 2008.  It is free and open-source software. Android OS can be modified and customize easily for each phone. Every year google releases new update on android operating system. Android is mostly useful in android smartphones. Like Samsung, Lenovo, Sony, HTC and many other popular phones.

Android OS comes with built in applications and third party applications. There are more than one billion devices that are using android.  Stock android is the pure version of android. Android is using programs like C, C++, Java, XML, assembly language, Python, shell script, Go, Make…etc. The latest release is Android 10 OS. It is not built only for mobile, android TV, wear OS etc.

Many different versions of android os available today. Android OS has large community for discussion on problems. All the instructions are providing in their official websites. Developers can build android applications using free android SDK. SDK refers to android software development kit. Android studio is an IDE which is a platform for developing android application.

Go to the official website of developer android. You can down the android studio installer and install it on your device. This installer installs everything automatically. It lets you to create your own emulator for software testing. Android has their own sets of libraries. The IDE has very necessary features required for development. It has user-friendly interface.  Android has its own market platform which is Google Play Store.

In this platform users and developers can sell their applications. You can buy or install free applications. Some are paid and some are free. Google play store provides applications like books, music, games and many more. They can install necessary application on their device. There are billions application in the google play store. The advantage of having an android phone is accessing the store.

Android System Architecture: