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Android Architecture Overview

 
Greenhorn
Posts: 12
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I have been interested in Android development but have had a hard time understanding the big picture. here are a few questions:

What are the major components/layers? i.e. is Android simply a Linux kernel with a custom Java Virtual Machine?

What access do you have to the base linux kernel? How is this linux kernel different than a typical desktop or server linux? Can typical linux service be installed such as CUPS?

How do you handle writing software that will potentially have to run on various hardware platforms with different components i.e. camera, bluetooth, screen size, etc.?
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 136
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Hi James,

I would like to share my knowledge with you about android.

> What are the major components/layers?
-Applications
-Application Framework
-Libraries
-Android Runtime
-Linux Kernel

>Android simply a Linux kernel with a custom Java Virtual Machine?

-Linux Kernal - 2.6 with Dalvik VM

>What access do you have to the base linux kernel?
Applications are written in C and provide Java interface to manage them.

>How is this linux kernel different than a typical desktop or server linux?

It is the linux kernel with a extra few patches on top of it.

PM-Please make comments if I am wrong.

Thanks & Regards
Pratik Goswami
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 140
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nice one Pratik,

for James, i think you should concentrate more on the API's exposed to developers that's it! i mean the source itself is there and from the newly added features from 1.5 sdk it is so good
 
With a little knowledge, a cast iron skillet is non-stick and lasts a lifetime.
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