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Android
Unit 1

1. What is Mobile application?

A mobile application, commonly known as a mobile app, is a software application designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. Mobile apps are designed to perform a specific set of tasks, such as providing entertainment, enabling social networking, facilitating communication, providing access to information, and much more. Mobile apps are generally downloaded from app stores like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, although some apps may be pre-installed on devices by manufacturers or carriers.


2.What is Mobile application development?

Mobile application development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The development process typically involves writing code in a programming language such as Java or Kotlin for Android, or Swift or Objective-C for iOS, and utilizing development tools such as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Android Studio and Xcode.

Mobile application development requires a deep understanding of the mobile platform, user experience design, and coding best practices. Developers must also consider the different device types, screen sizes, and resolutions, as well as the various operating systems and versions that their application may run on.

The development process typically involves several stages, including ideation, planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. Mobile app development can be a complex process, but it offers the opportunity to create innovative solutions that can transform the way people interact with technology on a daily basis.


3. What is Android?

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as smartwatches, TVs, and other devices. Android is based on the Linux kernel and is designed to be open-source, meaning that developers can modify and customize the operating system as they see fit.

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, with a market share of around 75% as of 2021. It supports a wide range of applications and services, including Google Play Store, which is the official app store for Android, as well as various other app stores and third-party app marketplaces.

Android offers a range of features and capabilities, including multi-tasking, voice commands, and support for a wide range of sensors such as GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. It also supports a range of programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, and C++, making it a popular platform for mobile application development.


4. Enlist future of Android OS?

  1. Foldable and flexible devices: Android will continue to evolve to better support the use of foldable and flexible devices. This will require new APIs and features to support the unique form factors and display characteristics of these devices.
  2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Android devices will likely continue to become more intelligent and adaptive, with the integration of machine learning and AI technologies. This will enable more personalized and contextual experiences for users.
  3. 5G: Android will continue to adapt to the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity, as 5G networks become more widely available. This will enable new use cases and applications that require low latency and high bandwidth.
  4. Enhanced Privacy and Security: Google has made significant strides in improving privacy and security features in Android in recent years, and this trend will likely continue. Future versions of Android may include additional features such as better encryption, more granular control over app permissions, and improved biometric authentication methods.
  5. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Android devices will continue to evolve to better support augmented and virtual reality experiences. This will require new APIs and frameworks to support the development of AR/VR applications, as well as improvements to the hardware capabilities of Android devices.

5. State advantages and disadvantages of Android OS?

Advantages:

  1. Open-source: Android is an open-source operating system, which means that developers can access the source code and customize it to their needs. This has led to a large ecosystem of apps, frameworks, and tools that have contributed to the success of the platform.
  2. Large user base: Android has the largest market share of any mobile operating system, with over 2 billion active devices as of 2021. This provides a large user base for developers to target with their apps.
  3. Customizability: Android allows users to customize their devices in a way that is not possible on other platforms. This includes the ability to install custom ROMs, customize the user interface, and install third-party apps.
  4. Integration with Google Services: Android provides seamless integration with Google services such as Google Search, Gmail, and Google Maps. This makes it easy for users to access and use these services on their mobile devices.

Disadvantages:

  1. Fragmentation: Android is available on a wide range of devices from different manufacturers, which can lead to fragmentation of the platform. This can result in compatibility issues and delays in receiving updates for older devices.
  2. Security: Android's open-source nature can also make it more vulnerable to security threats such as malware and viruses. Google has made significant efforts to improve security features in recent years, but the platform is still more susceptible to security risks than closed systems like iOS.
  3. User Experience: The user experience on Android can vary widely depending on the device and manufacturer. This can make it difficult for developers to create apps that work seamlessly across all devices.
  4. Bloatware: Android devices are often pre-loaded with bloatware, which are unwanted apps that take up storage space and can slow down the device. This can be frustrating for users who have to manually remove these apps to free up space on their device.

Overall, Android is a popular and powerful platform for mobile devices, but it also has its share of drawbacks that users and developers should be aware of.


6. Describe architecture of Android diagrammatically.

architecture

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 Libraries: On the top of linux kernel, their are Native libraries such as WebKit, OpenGL, FreeType, SQLite, Media, C runtime library (libc) etc.

The WebKit library is responsible for browser support, SQLite is for database, FreeType for font support, Media for playing and recording audio and video formats.

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. It provides a lot of classes and interfaces for android application development.

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.


7. What is OHA?

OHA stands for Open Handset Alliance. It is a consortium of technology and mobile companies, including Google, HTC, Samsung, and LG, that was formed in 2007 with the goal of promoting open standards for mobile devices and advancing the Android operating system.

The OHA works to develop and promote open standards for mobile devices, software, and services, with the aim of improving interoperability and user experience across different devices and platforms. The OHA also provides a forum for members to collaborate on the development of the Android operating system and related technologies.

One of the key benefits of the OHA is that it allows members to access the Android source code and contribute to its development. This has helped to drive innovation and improve the quality of the Android platform.


8. Explain the term Android ecosystem in detail.

The Android ecosystem refers to the interconnected network of hardware and software components that make up the Android platform, including devices, apps, services, and developers.

Here are some components of the Android ecosystem:

  1. Android Devices: The Android platform is used on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and TVs. These devices are manufactured by a variety of companies, from major players like Samsung and LG to smaller, more specialized manufacturers.
  2. Google Play Store: The Google Play Store is the primary app store for Android devices, providing users with access to millions of apps, games, and other digital content. Developers can submit their apps to the Play Store and reach a large audience of Android users.
  3. Android OS: The Android operating system is a key component of the ecosystem, providing the foundation for apps and services to run on Android devices. The Android OS is open source, which allows developers to customize it to their needs and contribute to its development.
  4. Google Services: Android devices come with a range of Google services pre-installed, including Google Search, Google Maps, and Gmail. These services provide users with powerful tools for communication, navigation, and productivity.
  5. Third-Party Apps: In addition to the apps available on the Google Play Store, Android users can also download apps from third-party app stores or directly from developer websites. This provides a wide range of options for users to customize their devices and find the apps that best meet their needs.
  6. Developers: The Android ecosystem is supported by a large and diverse community of developers, who create apps and services for the platform. Google provides a range of tools and resources for developers, including the Android SDK, Android Studio, and the Google Play Developer Console.

9. What are the features of Android? Enlist any six of them.

  1. Customizable User Interface: Android allows users to customize the look and feel of their devices through the use of widgets, wallpapers, and themes. This provides a high level of personalization and allows users to make their devices truly their own.
  2. Multitasking: Android allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously, switching between them with ease. This is made possible by the use of a task manager and the ability to view running apps in a carousel-like interface.
  3. Notifications: Android provides a robust system for notifications, allowing users to see alerts for incoming messages, emails, and other important events. Notifications can be customized to appear in different formats, such as banners or pop-ups, and can be dismissed or acted upon directly from the notification center.
  4. Google Integration: Android devices come with a range of Google services pre-installed, including Google Search, Google Maps, and Gmail. This provides users with powerful tools for communication, navigation, and productivity.
  5. Open Source: Android is an open-source operating system, which means that it is freely available for anyone to use and modify. This has helped to drive innovation and make Android a popular choice for developers.
  6. App Ecosystem: The Android app ecosystem is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, with millions of apps available on the Google Play Store. This provides users with a wide range of options for customization, productivity, entertainment, and more.

10. Describe various Android versions with their features.

  1. Android 1.0 (2008) - This was the first release of Android and had basic features like a web browser, email support, and support for third-party apps.
  2. Android 1.5 Cupcake (2009) - This version introduced on-screen keyboards, support for widgets, and improvements to the camera app.
  3. Android 1.6 Donut (2009) - This version added support for CDMA networks, improved the search functionality, and added new camera features.
  4. Android 2.0 Eclair (2009) - This version introduced a new user interface, support for multiple email accounts, and improvements to the camera app.
  5. Android 2.2 Froyo (2010) - This version added support for Adobe Flash, introduced tethering and portable hotspot features, and added new security features.
  6. Android 2.3 Gingerbread (2010) - This version introduced a new user interface, improved the keyboard, and added support for Near Field Communication (NFC).
  7. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (2011) - This version introduced a new user interface, added support for face unlock, and added new features to the camera app.
  8. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (2012) - This version introduced Google Now, improved the keyboard, and added support for multiple user accounts.
  9. Android 4.4 KitKat (2013) - This version introduced a new design language, improved performance, and added support for wireless printing.
  10. Android 5.0 Lollipop (2014) - This version introduced Material Design, added support for 64-bit processors, and introduced new notification features.
  11. Android 6.0 Marshmallow (2015) - This version introduced a new permission model, improved battery life, and added support for fingerprint sensors.
  12. Android 7.0 Nougat (2016) - This version introduced split-screen multitasking, improved notifications, and added support for virtual reality.
  13. Android 8.0 Oreo (2017) - This version introduced picture-in-picture mode, improved battery life, and added support for autofill.
  14. Android 9.0 Pie (2018) - This version introduced gesture navigation, improved battery life, and added support for notch displays.
  15. Android 10 (2019) - This version introduced a system-wide dark mode, improved privacy features, and added support for foldable devices.
  16. Android 11 (2020) - This version introduced new chat bubbles for messaging apps, improved media controls, and added support for wireless Android Auto.
  17. Android 12 (2021) - This version introduced a new design language called Material You, improved privacy features, and added new camera and gaming features.

11. Explain need of Android OS.

Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world. It was created by Google and is used on a wide variety of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Here are some reasons why Android OS is needed:

  1. Open source: Android is an open-source platform, which means that anyone can access and modify its source code. This has led to a large community of developers creating apps, features, and customizations for Android devices.
  2. Compatibility: Android is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and smart TVs. This means that users can access a wide range of apps and services on their Android devices.
  3. Customizability: Android provides users with the ability to customize their device's UI, wallpaper, icons, and more. Users can also install custom ROMs and mods to add features or improve performance.
  4. App Store: Android has its app store called Google Play, which provides users access to millions of apps and games. The app store is easy to navigate, and there is a wide range of free and paid apps available.
  5. Security: Android OS has advanced security features such as Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware, and the ability to download and install security updates automatically.
  6. Integration with Google services: Android OS is deeply integrated with Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Drive, providing users with seamless access to these services.
  7. Multitasking: Android allows users to multitask, meaning that they can switch between apps quickly and easily, and run multiple apps at the same time.

12. How to install and setup Android Studio?

  1. Go to the official Android Studio download page at https://developer.android.com/studio (opens in a new tab).
  2. Click on the "Download Android Studio" button for the latest stable version of the software.
  3. Choose the appropriate download for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  4. Once the download is complete, run the installer file.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to accept the terms and conditions and choose the installation location.
  6. Select the components you want to install, such as the Android SDK and virtual devices.
  7. Choose the theme and UI settings you prefer, or leave them as the default settings.
  8. Once the installation is complete, click on the "Start Android Studio" button to launch the IDE.
  9. On the Welcome screen, select "Configure" and then "SDK Manager" to download any additional SDK components or system images.
  10. Finally, create a new project or import an existing one to start developing your Android application.

13. What is Android studio? How to create an application on it?

Android Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) for creating Android applications. It is the official IDE for Android development and is developed by Google. Android Studio is based on the IntelliJ IDEA platform and is specifically designed for Android development.

To create an Android application using Android Studio, follow these steps:

  1. Install Android Studio on your computer and open it.
  2. Click on the "Start a new Android Studio project" option on the welcome screen.
  3. In the "New Project" dialog box, enter the name of your project and choose the location where you want to save it.
  4. Choose the type of project you want to create. For example, if you want to create a basic app, choose "Empty Activity". If you want to create an app with predefined templates, choose "Basic Activity" or "Fullscreen Activity".
  5. Customize your project settings by choosing the minimum SDK version, the target SDK version, and other options as per your requirements.
  6. Click on "Finish" to create your new Android project.
  7. Once the project is created, you can start writing your code and designing your app's user interface using Android Studio's tools and features.
  8. To run your app, connect an Android device or emulator to your computer and click on the "Run" button in Android Studio.
  9. Android Studio will build your app and install it on the connected device or emulator, and you can see your app in action.

14. Explain the following terms:

  1. Android Application:

An Android application, also known as an Android app, is a software application that is designed to run on the Android operating system. Android apps are typically written in Java or Kotlin programming languages and are compiled into an Android Package (APK) file, which can be installed on Android devices.

Android applications can be downloaded and installed from the Google Play Store, which is the primary source for Android apps. However, Android apps can also be installed from third-party app stores, or directly from the APK file.

Android applications can provide a wide range of functionalities, including productivity tools, entertainment, social networking, communication, and gaming. Android app developers can use a variety of tools and frameworks to create apps, such as Android Studio, Eclipse, and React Native.

  1. Android Kernel:

The Android kernel is the core of the Android operating system, providing the basic functions that are required for the device to operate. The kernel is responsible for managing the device's hardware resources, such as the processor, memory, and input/output devices.

The Android kernel is based on the Linux kernel, which is a popular open-source operating system kernel. However, the Android kernel has been customized to include additional features and optimizations that are specific to the Android platform.

The Android kernel is responsible for managing processes and threads, memory management, and input/output operations. It also includes device drivers for the various hardware components, such as the display, camera, and Wi-Fi.

The Android kernel is continuously updated and improved to provide better performance, stability, and security for Android devices. Google releases regular security updates for the Android kernel to address any vulnerabilities that may be discovered.


15. What are the tools required for developing Android application?

  1. Java Development Kit (JDK) - This is a software development kit that includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), the Java Compiler, and other tools necessary for developing Java applications.
  2. Android Studio - This is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development. It's based on IntelliJ IDEA and comes with all the necessary tools and libraries for building Android apps.
  3. Android SDK - This is a collection of software development tools that includes Android-specific tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge), Android Emulator, and others.
  4. Gradle - This is a build automation tool that's used by Android Studio to build, test, and deploy Android applications.
  5. Android Virtual Device (AVD) - This is a virtual mobile device that can be used to test Android applications on different screen sizes, resolutions, and Android versions.
  6. XML Editor - Android apps use XML to define layouts and resources, so an XML editor is necessary to create and modify these files.
  7. Third-Party Libraries - There are many third-party libraries available that can be used to add additional functionality to Android apps. Some popular libraries include Retrofit for networking, Glide for image loading, and ButterKnife for view binding.

By installing and setting up these tools, you can start developing Android applications using Java.


16. OHA with the help of diagram.

Untitled


17. Enlist and explain any 4 features of Android.

1. Customizability - Android is known for its high level of customizability, allowing users to tailor their device to their preferences. This includes the ability to customize the home screen with widgets, app icons, and live wallpapers, as well as the option to install third-party launchers, icon packs, and more. Additionally, developers can create their own custom ROMs (modified versions of the Android operating system) that offer additional features and functionality. 2. Multitasking - Android offers powerful multitasking capabilities that allow users to switch between apps seamlessly. With the recent versions of Android, you can have multiple apps running in the background, and you can easily switch between them by swiping up from the home button. You can also use split-screen mode to use two apps side by side. 3. Google Play Store - Android devices come with the Google Play Store, which is a massive library of apps, games, movies, TV shows, books, and music. The Play Store offers a wide range of apps across different categories, including productivity, entertainment, education, and more. Users can browse, download, and install apps from the Play Store with ease, and developers can easily publish their apps to the store. 4. Google Assistant - Google Assistant is an intelligent virtual assistant that's built into many Android devices. It can help users with a wide range of tasks, including setting reminders, making phone calls, sending texts, and searching the web. It also has the ability to control smart home devices and integrates with many popular apps and services. Google Assistant can be activated by saying "Ok Google" or by pressing and holding the home button.


18. Compare various Operating systems with Android O.S.

  1. iOS - iOS is the mobile operating system developed by Apple and is the primary competitor to Android. Unlike Android, iOS is exclusive to Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. iOS is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. While it offers less customization options than Android, it is highly optimized for Apple devices, resulting in smooth and stable performance. iOS is also known for its strong privacy and security features.
  2. Windows Phone - Windows Phone is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft, but it is no longer being actively developed or supported. Like Android and iOS, Windows Phone had its own app store, but it lacked the same level of app support as the other two platforms. Windows Phone also offered a unique interface that used live tiles instead of icons.
  3. BlackBerry OS - BlackBerry OS is a mobile operating system developed by BlackBerry, but it has been discontinued in favor of the Android-based BlackBerry 10 operating system. BlackBerry OS was known for its strong focus on security and productivity, with features like BlackBerry Messenger and BlackBerry Balance.
  4. Tizen - Tizen is a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Samsung. It is used primarily in Samsung's own devices, such as smartwatches and some budget smartphones. Tizen offers a simple and intuitive interface and is highly optimized for low-end hardware.

Compared to these other operating systems, Android is known for its high level of customizability and the sheer number of devices it supports, with devices available at all price points. Android is also highly integrated with Google services, such as Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. However, Android is known for being more fragmented than other mobile operating systems, with different devices running different versions of the operating system and different levels of customization from device manufacturers.


20. Describe the concept of Anatomy of Android Application.


Anatomy of an Android application refers to the different components and elements that make up an Android app. Understanding the anatomy of an Android application is important for developers because it helps them understand how an app works, and how its different components interact with each other.

The following are the key components of an Android application:

  1. Activities - An Activity is a single screen in an app. It represents a user interface (UI) element, such as a login screen, a settings screen, or a dashboard. An Android app can have multiple activities, each representing a different UI screen.
  2. Services - A Service is a component that runs in the background, without a user interface. It is used to perform long-running operations, such as playing music, downloading files, or checking for updates.
  3. Broadcast Receivers - A Broadcast Receiver is a component that listens for system-wide broadcast events, such as a change in network connectivity, battery level, or incoming SMS messages. It allows the app to respond to these events, even when it is not running.
  4. Content Providers - A Content Provider is a component that manages a shared set of app data, such as contacts, calendar events, or media files. It allows other apps to access and modify this data securely.
  5. Intents - An Intent is a message passed between components of an app or between different apps. It is used to trigger an action, such as opening a web page, sending an email, or sharing data between apps.
  6. Manifest - The AndroidManifest.xml file is a configuration file that contains information about the app, such as its package name, permissions, and components. It is a key component of an Android app, as it tells the Android operating system about the app's capabilities and requirements.
  7. Resources - Resources are the non-code elements of an app, such as images, layouts, strings, and colors. They are stored separately from the code, and are used to provide a consistent and localized user interface.

21. Write down the steps is to create a simple Android Application using Android studio.

  1. Open Android Studio and click on "Start a new Android Studio project" on the welcome screen.
  2. Choose the "Empty Activity" template and click on "Next".
  3. Give your application a name and specify the package name, which will be used to identify your app on the Google Play Store and on the device.
  4. Choose the minimum SDK version that your app will support. This will determine the minimum version of Android that users must have installed in order to use your app.
  5. Click on "Finish" to create your new project.
  6. Once your project is created, you will see a default layout file and a default Java file.
  7. Open the layout file (activity_main.xml) and add some UI components to it, such as a TextView or a Button. You can do this using the drag-and-drop interface or by manually editing the XML code.
  8. Open the Java file (MainActivity.java) and write some code to handle the UI components you added in step 7. For example, you can add an onClickListener to a button to perform some action when the button is clicked.
  9. Build and run your app on an emulator or a physical device. You can do this by clicking on the green "Play" button in the toolbar or by going to "Run" > "Run 'app'" in the menu.
  10. Test your app to make sure it works as expected, and make any necessary adjustments to the code or layout.

That's it! These are the basic steps to create a simple Android application using Android Studio. From here, you can continue to build and enhance your app, adding more features and functionality as needed.