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Android
Unit 2

What is OS? Explain OS requirements for Android.

OS stands for Operating System. An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The Android operating system is based on the Linux kernel and is designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The minimum operating system requirements for developing Android apps depend on the Android version you are targeting. For example, the minimum Android version for developing apps with the latest version of Android Studio is Android 6.0 (API level 23).


What is JDK?

JDK stands for Java Development Kit. It is a software development environment used to develop Java applications. The JDK includes a compiler, runtime environment, and other tools required for developing Java applications. The JDK is necessary for developing Android applications using Java because Android applications are typically written in Java and compiled to run on the Android platform.


What is SDK?

SDK stands for Software Development Kit. An SDK is a collection of software development tools and resources that developers use to create software for a specific platform or operating system. The Android SDK is a collection of tools and libraries that developers use to create Android applications. The Android SDK includes the Android Studio IDE, Android Emulator, and other tools and resources required for developing Android applications.


How to install Android Studio?

  1. Download the latest version of Android Studio from the official website at https://developer.android.com/studio (opens in a new tab).
  2. Open the downloaded file to start the installation process.
  3. Choose the components to install. You can choose to install the Android Studio IDE, the Android SDK tools, and the Android Virtual Device (AVD) manager.
  4. Choose the installation location and click "Next."
  5. Select the start menu folder and click "Install."
  6. The installation process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed and computer specifications.
  7. Once the installation is complete, click "Next" and then "Finish."
  8. When you launch Android Studio for the first time, you will be prompted to download additional components, such as the Android SDK and build tools. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install these components.
  9. After the installation is complete, you can create your first Android project in Android Studio.

That's it! Once you have completed these steps, you will have successfully installed Android Studio on your computer.


Describe DVM with diagram.

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The DVM is a virtual machine used by the Android operating system to execute Android applications. It is designed to be memory-efficient and optimized for mobile devices. The DVM is similar to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) used for executing Java programs but with some key differences.

The DVM executes code that has been compiled into a special format called Dalvik bytecode, which is generated from the original Java bytecode. The Dalvik bytecode is optimized for mobile devices and is stored in files with the .dex extension. The DVM is designed to execute multiple instances of the virtual machine in a single operating system process, which reduces the overall memory footprint of running Android applications.


What is JVM? Compare JVM and DVM.

JVM stands for Java Virtual Machine. It is a virtual machine used to execute Java programs. The JVM is a crucial component of the Java platform, which allows developers to write Java code once and run it on any device that has a JVM installed.

DVM stands for Dalvik Virtual Machine. It is a virtual machine used by the Android operating system to execute Android applications. The DVM is designed to be memory-efficient and optimized for mobile devices. The DVM is similar to the JVM used for executing Java programs but with some key differences.

Here are some of the main differences between JVM and DVM:

  1. Bytecode format: The JVM executes Java bytecode, which is generated from Java source code. The DVM executes Dalvik bytecode, which is generated from Java bytecode using the dx tool.
  2. Memory footprint: The DVM is designed to be memory-efficient and optimized for mobile devices. It executes multiple instances of the virtual machine in a single operating system process, which reduces the overall memory footprint of running Android applications. In contrast, the JVM is designed to be more general-purpose and does not prioritize memory efficiency to the same degree.
  3. Garbage collection: Both the JVM and DVM have garbage collection, which automatically frees up memory used by objects that are no longer needed. However, the garbage collection algorithms used by the DVM are designed to be more efficient and optimized for mobile devices.
  4. Security: The DVM is designed with security in mind and uses a sandboxed execution model, which restricts an application's access to the device's system resources. This helps to prevent malicious applications from accessing sensitive user data. The JVM does not have this level of security built-in.

In summary, the JVM and DVM are both virtual machines used to execute code. The JVM is used for executing Java programs and is designed to be more general-purpose, while the DVM is used for executing Android applications and is optimized for memory efficiency and mobile devices. The DVM also has additional security features to help protect user data.


Explain the term emulator detail.

An emulator is a software program or hardware device that enables a computer system to behave like another computer system. In the context of mobile app development, an emulator is a software program that enables a computer system to behave like a mobile device.

Developers use emulators to test their mobile applications on different devices and operating systems without the need for physical devices. This can save time and money, as it eliminates the need to purchase and maintain a wide range of physical devices for testing purposes.

Emulators typically simulate the hardware and software environment of a specific mobile device. For example, an emulator for an Android device will simulate the hardware components of an Android device, such as the CPU, RAM, and storage, as well as the Android operating system and any installed applications. This allows developers to test their applications on different versions of the Android operating system and to simulate different device configurations, such as screen size and resolution.

Emulators may be included as part of an integrated development environment (IDE) like Android Studio or may be downloaded and installed separately. In addition to emulators, developers may also use simulators, which simulate only the software environment of a mobile device, without simulating the hardware components. However, emulators are generally considered to provide a more accurate representation of a real device and are preferred for testing purposes.


What is AVD?

AVD stands for Android Virtual Device. An AVD is an emulator configuration that enables developers to test their Android applications on different virtual devices with different configurations, such as screen size, resolution, and Android operating system version.


What is ADT? Describe in detail.

ADT stands for Android Development Tools, which is a plugin for the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows developers to create, debug, and test Android applications. ADT was the primary development tool for Android until it was replaced by Android Studio in 2014.

ADT provided a range of features that made it easier for developers to develop Android applications. Some of the key features of ADT include:

  1. GUI-based layout editor: ADT provided a graphical user interface (GUI) editor for creating user interfaces for Android applications. This made it easier for developers to design the layout of their application without having to write code.
  2. Code completion: ADT provided code completion and code navigation features that made it easier for developers to write Java code for their Android applications.
  3. Debugging: ADT provided a range of debugging tools that allowed developers to debug their Android applications directly from Eclipse.
  4. Build and packaging tools: ADT included tools for building and packaging Android applications, which made it easier for developers to create APK files that could be installed on Android devices.
  5. Integration with Android SDK: ADT was integrated with the Android SDK, which meant that developers could download and install the SDK directly from Eclipse.

Differentiate between JDK and SDK.

JDK stands for Java Development Kit, while SDK stands for Software Development Kit. Both JDK and SDK are related to software development, but they are used in different contexts and for different purposes.

JDK is a set of software tools that developers use to develop and run Java applications. It includes a compiler, libraries, and tools for debugging, profiling, and testing Java applications. The JDK is used to create Java applications that can run on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed.

On the other hand, SDK is a broader term that refers to a set of software tools that are used to develop any type of software application. An SDK may include libraries, APIs, sample code, documentation, and tools for developing software applications for a specific platform, such as Android or iOS.

While JDK is specific to Java development, an SDK may be platform-specific or cross-platform. For example, the Android SDK is a platform-specific SDK that includes tools for developing Android applications, while the AWS SDK is a cross-platform SDK that includes tools for developing applications for the Amazon Web Services platform.

In summary, JDK is a subset of SDK that is specific to Java development, while an SDK is a more general term that can refer to any set of software development tools for a specific platform or for cross-platform development.


Explain how to configure Android studio and SDK.

  1. Install Android Studio: Download the latest version of Android Studio from the official website and run the installation wizard to install it on your computer.
  2. Install the Android SDK: Once you have installed Android Studio, launch it and navigate to the SDK Manager. From here, you can download and install the Android SDK and any additional components that you may need for development.
  3. Configure the Android SDK path: After installing the SDK, you need to configure the SDK path in Android Studio. Navigate to File > Project Structure and select SDK Location. Here, you can specify the path to the Android SDK that you installed in the previous step.
  4. Create a new project: Once you have configured the SDK path, you can create a new Android project in Android Studio. To do this, navigate to File > New > New Project and follow the steps in the New Project wizard.
  5. Configure project settings: After creating a new project, you may need to configure additional settings, such as project name, package name, minimum SDK version, and target SDK version. You can do this by navigating to File > Project Structure and selecting the appropriate settings.
  6. Configure emulator or physical device: To test your application, you need to configure an emulator or a physical Android device. To configure an emulator, navigate to Tools > AVD Manager and create a new virtual device. To configure a physical device, connect it to your computer via USB and enable USB debugging in the Developer Options menu on the device.

Once you have completed these steps, you should be able to develop, debug, and test Android applications in Android Studio using the Android SDK.


Define the terms:

  • JDK: JDK stands for Java Development Kit, which is a software development kit used by developers to create and run Java applications. It includes a Java compiler, libraries, and other tools for developing, debugging, and testing Java programs.
  • SDK: SDK stands for Software Development Kit, which is a collection of software development tools that are used to create applications for a specific platform or framework. An SDK typically includes a set of libraries, APIs, documentation, and other tools that help developers build software applications for a specific platform, such as Android or iOS.
  • AVD: AVD stands for Android Virtual Device, which is an emulator that allows developers to test their Android applications on a virtual Android device without having to use a physical device. Developers can create and configure different AVDs with various device configurations, such as screen size, Android version, and hardware specifications.
  • ADT: ADT stands for Android Development Tools, which is a plugin for the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows developers to create, debug, and test Android applications. ADT provided a range of features that made it easier for developers to develop Android applications, including a GUI-based layout editor, code completion, debugging tools, build and packaging tools, and integration with the Android SDK. However, ADT has been replaced by Android Studio as the primary development tool for Android.

Describe the concept of Android SDK.

Android SDK, or Android Software Development Kit, is a collection of software tools, APIs, and libraries that developers use to create Android applications. The Android SDK includes a range of tools that allow developers to create, test, and deploy Android applications on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

The Android SDK includes various tools, including:

  1. Android Debug Bridge (ADB): A command-line tool that allows developers to communicate with an Android device or emulator. It can be used to install and debug applications, and transfer files between a computer and a device.
  2. Android Emulator: A virtual device that allows developers to test their applications without the need for a physical device. The emulator simulates different Android devices and allows developers to test their application's compatibility with different configurations.
  3. Android Studio: An integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a range of tools and features for developing Android applications. It includes a code editor, a visual layout editor, debugging tools, and a build system that compiles and packages the application.
  4. Android APIs and Libraries: The Android SDK includes a range of APIs and libraries that developers can use to build applications that access the device's hardware and software features, such as camera, sensors, GPS, and other sensors.

Explain the term ADT with different tools.

ADT (Android Development Tools) is a plugin for the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that provides a range of features to help developers create, debug, and test Android applications. The ADT plugin includes several different tools that are useful for Android development, including:

  1. Layout Editor: The ADT layout editor is a visual tool that allows developers to create and modify the user interface of their Android applications using drag-and-drop components. The layout editor supports a range of UI components, including text fields, buttons, images, and more.
  2. Code Editor: The ADT code editor is a text editor that provides syntax highlighting, code completion, and other features that make it easier to write Java code for Android applications.
  3. Android Virtual Device Manager: The ADT Android Virtual Device Manager allows developers to create and manage Android Virtual Devices (AVDs), which are emulators that allow developers to test their applications on different Android devices without the need for physical devices.
  4. Build and Packaging Tools: The ADT includes build and packaging tools that allow developers to build and package their Android applications into an APK (Android Package) file that can be installed on an Android device.
  5. Debugging Tools: The ADT provides a range of debugging tools that allow developers to debug their Android applications, including the ability to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through code.

Explain AVD in detail.


Define the role of Emulator in Android application development.

An emulator is an essential tool in Android application development that allows developers to test and debug their applications on virtual devices without the need for a physical device. Emulators are software programs that simulate a real device and create an environment where developers can test their application.

The role of an emulator in Android application development is as follows:

  1. Application testing: The emulator allows developers to test their applications in a simulated environment that is similar to a physical device. This enables them to identify and fix issues that may arise in different configurations of Android devices.
  2. Application debugging: The emulator provides a debugging environment where developers can test and debug their applications. They can set breakpoints, debug their code, and inspect variables to identify and fix issues in their application.
  3. Device compatibility testing: Emulators allow developers to test their applications on different configurations of Android devices. This ensures that their application is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating system versions.
  4. Performance testing: Emulators also provide performance testing capabilities that enable developers to evaluate the performance of their applications under different conditions. This includes testing the application's response time, battery consumption, and memory usage.

In summary, emulators are an essential tool in Android application development that provide developers with a simulated environment for testing, debugging, and evaluating the performance of their applications on a wide range of virtual devices.


Explain the importance of DVM.

DVM (Dalvik Virtual Machine) is the virtual machine used by Android to execute compiled code in the form of dex files. DVM is an important component of the Android operating system, and its importance lies in the following aspects:

  1. Memory Management: DVM has a unique memory management system that allows Android to run on devices with limited memory. DVM uses a technique called "garbage collection" to manage memory, which automatically frees up memory space when it is no longer in use.
  2. Security: DVM provides a layer of security for Android applications. Each application runs in its own instance of the DVM, which ensures that an application cannot interfere with other applications or with the operating system.
  3. Optimization: DVM is optimized for the limited processing power of mobile devices. It uses a technique called "just-in-time" (JIT) compilation, which compiles code on the fly to make it faster and more efficient.
  4. Portability: DVM is designed to be portable, which means that it can run on a variety of hardware and operating systems. This allows Android to be run on a wide range of devices, from smartphones to tablets to smartwatches.
  5. Compatibility: DVM ensures compatibility with Android applications by providing a runtime environment that allows applications to run on different hardware and software configurations. This ensures that Android applications can run on a wide range of devices without any issues.

In summary, DVM is an important component of the Android operating system that provides memory management, security, optimization, portability, and compatibility for Android applications.


Differentiate between JVM and DVM.

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and DVM (Dalvik Virtual Machine) are both virtual machines used to execute code in different platforms. However, there are several key differences between JVM and DVM, including:

  1. Programming Language: JVM is designed to execute Java bytecode, while DVM is designed to execute code compiled from Java source code or from other languages that have been converted to Dalvik executable format.
  2. Memory Management: JVM uses a technique called "garbage collection" to manage memory, which automatically frees up memory space when it is no longer in use. DVM also uses garbage collection but with a different approach, called "concurrent garbage collection", which allows garbage collection to occur while the application is still running.
  3. Just-In-Time Compilation: JVM uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation to improve performance, which means that code is compiled on-the-fly as it is executed. DVM also uses JIT compilation, but only for selected parts of the code, while the rest of the code is compiled ahead of time.
  4. Operating System: JVM can run on any operating system that has a Java Virtual Machine installed, while DVM is specific to the Android operating system.
  5. Architecture: JVM is based on stack architecture, while DVM is based on register architecture. This means that JVM uses a stack to store variables and intermediate results, while DVM uses registers.

In summary, while both JVM and DVM are virtual machines used to execute code, they differ in terms of the programming language, memory management, just-in-time compilation, operating system, and architecture.


Enlist the system requirements for Android Studio installation.

The system requirements for installing Android Studio on a computer vary depending on the operating system being used. Here are the minimum system requirements for installing and running Android Studio:

For Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
  • 3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended
  • 2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (not including space required for the Android SDK)
  • 1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

For Mac:

  • Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher, up to macOS 11 (Big Sur)
  • 3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended
  • 2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (not including space required for the Android SDK)
  • 1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

For Linux:

  • GNOME or KDE desktop
  • GNU C Library (glibc) 2.19 or later
  • 3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended
  • 2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (not including space required for the Android SDK)
  • 1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

It's important to note that these are the minimum system requirements, and for optimal performance, higher specifications may be required depending on the complexity of the Android app being developed.


Explain how to configure Android studio and SDK.

  1. Download and install Android Studio: Visit the official Android Studio website and download the latest version of Android Studio for your operating system. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts to install Android Studio.
  2. Install the required SDK packages: After installing Android Studio, open it and navigate to the SDK Manager. This can be accessed via the "Welcome to Android Studio" window or by going to File > Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Android SDK. In the SDK Manager, select the required SDK packages for the Android versions you want to target in your app.
  3. Set up a virtual device: To test your app, you can set up a virtual device, also known as an Android Virtual Device (AVD). In the AVD Manager, create a new virtual device and choose a device definition, system image, and other settings as per your requirements.
  4. Configure Gradle: Gradle is a build automation tool that is used to build Android apps. In Android Studio, Gradle is used to manage dependencies and build configurations. To configure Gradle, open your app's build.gradle file and add the required dependencies and configurations.
  5. Configure your project settings: In Android Studio, navigate to File > Project Structure and configure the project settings as per your requirements. This includes settings such as the app's name, package name, build types, flavors, and more.
  6. Run and test your app: After configuring the settings, run and test your app on the virtual device. You can use the Android Studio debugger to identify and fix any errors or issues.

By following these steps, you can configure Android Studio and the SDK for your Android app development project.