Android

Android is Google's open-source mobile operating system, powering the majority of the world's smartphones across hundreds of device manufacturers. Android is based on a modified Linux kernel and ships with a rich application framework, multiple SDKs, and a heterogeneous ecosystem of OEM customisations on top.

Core platform pieces

• SDK and languages. Native development uses Kotlin (modern, preferred) or Java (legacy), with Android Studio as the IDE.
• UI frameworks. Jetpack Compose (declarative, modern) and the View system (XML layouts, mature) are the two paths.
• Jetpack libraries. AndroidX libraries for navigation, room database, work scheduling, paging, lifecycle, viewmodel, and more.
• App lifecycle. Activities and Fragments host UI; Services run background work; Broadcast Receivers react to system events; Content Providers expose data.
• Distribution. Google Play is the primary store; sideloading and alternative stores (Samsung Galaxy Store, Amazon Appstore, F-Droid) are supported.

Form factors

Android runs on phones, tablets, foldables, wearables (Wear OS), TVs (Android TV), and cars (Android Auto / Automotive). Material 3 design system unifies the look across these.

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Related Terms Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, iOS, React Native, Flutter

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Further Reading Embedding Flutter Modules into Native Android and iOS Apps