Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that runs on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. It is based on the Linux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices, with a user interface that is optimised for use with a finger or stylus.
Open source
One of the key features of Android is its open nature. The source code for Android is available under an open source license, allowing anyone to view and modify the code. This has led to a large and active developer community that has contributed to the development and evolution of the operating system.
Kernel
Android is built on top of the Linux kernel, which provides a foundation for the operating system. The kernel handles tasks such as networking, security, and memory management, and it provides a hardware abstraction layer that allows Android to be used on a wide range of devices.
On top of the kernel, Android includes a number of libraries and frameworks that provide the foundation for the operating system’s features and capabilities. These include the Android Runtime (ART), which provides the core Java libraries and the Dalvik virtual machine that is used to run Android apps; the Android framework, which provides the APIs used by Android apps; and the Android system services, which provide functions such as location services, telephony, and media playback.
Components
One of the key components of Android is the Google Play Store, which is the primary source for Android apps. The Play Store is pre-installed on most Android devices and provides access to a wide range of apps, including games, productivity tools, and social media apps.
User base
Android has a large and active user base, with over 2 billion monthly active devices as of 2021. It is used on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, and it is constantly being updated with new features and improvements.
Overall, Android is a powerful and versatile mobile operating system that is widely used around the world and continues to evolve and improve over time.
