Android Development

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Android Platform and Application Development Overview

The Android platform, including the Linux Kernel, native libraries, Android Runtime (ART), and hardware abstraction layer (HAL), is primarily written in C/C++ for efficient system-level performance. The application development layer, on the other hand, primarily uses Java and Kotlin. While Java has been the traditional choice since the platform's launch, Kotlin has gained popularity in recent years due to its modern features, concise syntax, enhanced null safety, and ability to address some of Java's limitations.

Native Android Development

Native Android development involves building Android applications using Google's official Android Software Development Kit (SDK). This approach allows full access to all device features, such as the camera, sensors, GPS, and more, through direct interaction with platform APIs without relying on intermediary middleware. Native development offers maximum flexibility, optimal performance, and unrestricted access to device capabilities, free from compatibility issues with third-party plugins during Android platform updates. It is the recommended approach for complex applications that require deep integration with Android platform features.

Programming languages like Java and Kotlin are primarily used for native development, and their interoperability enables simultaneous usage within the same app. For performance-critical applications, such as gaming engines or drivers, C/C++ can be employed via the Native Development Kit (NDK). Development is typically facilitated by Android Studio, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) known for its robust features, seamless Android platform integration, and strong community support. However, apps can also be developed without Android Studio, depending on specific needs. Applications are distributed through app stores (e.g., Google Play, Amazon AppStore) or directly via web URLs and can be installed and launched without requiring additional tools or browsers.

Hybrid Android Development

An external framework provides plugins and APIs to access Android SDK functionalities, facilitating communication and interaction with the SDK. This approach enables access to specific Android SDK features while alos using additional capabilities and conveniences offered by the external framework.

These apps are termed "Hybrid" as they combine elements of external frameworks (web-based technologies or non-native programming languages and tools) with native app development, blending the strengths of both approaches.

Most common types of Hybrid Android development include:
  • React Native Development: Uses the React JavaScript library. Employs a component-based architecture to render native UI components, achieving a native look and feel. Reduces but doesn’t entirely eliminate platform-specific coding for Android and iOS.

  • Cordova/Ionic Development: Combines web technologies (HTML5, CSS, JS/TS) with plugins like Cordova to access native device features. Custom plugins handle unique requirements, with occasional platform-specific coding for Android/iOS.

  • Xamarin Development: Microsoft framework using C# and .NET. Converts code via Just-In-Time (JIT) or Ahead-Of-Time (AOT) compilation to produce Android-specific bytecode.

  • Flutter Development: Google's SDK using the Dart programming language for single codebase apps, offering native-quality performance and design.

  • Web Applications: Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, these are browser-run apps. Simple and quick to develop but limited in performance and native feature access, though suitable for specific cases.

    • Main Factors Influencing the Choice of Android Development Approach

  1. App Type: The nature of the app (e.g., business, personal) can dictate the choice between native or hybrid development.

  2. Team Expertise: The skills and experience of the development team, as well as their familiarity with tools and technologies, play a significant role.

  3. Native Android SDK Understanding: Regardless of the approach, knowledge of the Android SDK and platform architecture is essential.

  4. Third-Party Tools: While third-party tools offer quicker development and cross-platform capabilities, they may have limitations in accessing specific Android APIs. Apps relying heavily on Android platform updates may require significant refactoring to maintain compatibility.

  5. Business Considerations: Assessing long-term implications like scalability, maintenance, and compatibility with future Android updates is crucial for ensuring smooth operation and alignment with business goals.

  6. Customization: The open-source nature of Android (AOSP) allows businesses to customize the platform, including system services or low-level components. This involves C/C++ programming and Linux expertise, adhering to open-source licensing terms. The entire AOSP source code (framework and system apps) is hosted on Android AOSP source code. For official Android source code and customization guidance, visit the AOSP repository.

Useful Links

Android App Architecture

Android basics with Compose

CodePath Android guide