Unit_1

Unit I: Introduction to Android and Development Tools

Page 1

• Overview of Android development tools and environment

Page 2: What Are Mobile Applications?

• Definition: Software designed for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables)

• Types of apps:

  • Native (specific platform)

  • Web-based (browser access)

  • Hybrid (combines both)

Page 3: Characteristics of Mobile Applications

• Portability:

  • Designed for on-the-go use

  • Example: Accessing Google Maps on a smartphone

• User-Friendly Interfaces:

  • Intuitive designs with touch gestures

  • Example: Instagram's swipe feature

• Network-Dependent:

  • Many apps require internet access

  • Examples: WhatsApp, Netflix

Page 4: Additional Characteristics

• Platform-Specific:

  • Native apps use specific programming languages (Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOS)

• Efficient Use of Hardware:

  • Utilize device features (GPS, camera)

  • Example: Fitness apps track activity

• Customizable Notifications

• Offline Functionality (Partial)

  • Example: Google Docs

• Regular Updates to improve features and compatibility

Page 5: Use Cases of Mobile Applications

• E-Commerce: Amazon

• Healthcare: MyFitnessPal

• Education: Duolingo

• Gaming: Candy Crush

• Navigation: Google Maps

Page 6: What is Android?

• A mobile operating system developed by Google

• Based on the Linux kernel; open-source and flexible

Page 7: Key Features of Android

• Open-source: Customizable code for developers

• Extensive Developer Support: Resources through SDK and Android Studio

• Wide Device Compatibility: Supports various devices and configurations

Page 8: More Key Features of Android

• Customizability: Extensive device personalization

• Google Ecosystem Integration: Seamless access to Google services

• Frequent Updates and Security Enhancements

Page 9: Android's Market Share

• Over 70% of global mobile OS market

• Popular due to affordability and wide device options

Page 10: Why is Android Popular?

• Affordability on various price ranges

• Flexibility for Manufacturers to tailor Android

• App Availability: Millions on Google Play Store

• Global Reach: Available in many countries

Page 11: Basics of Kotlin

• Why Kotlin?: Google's supported language for Android

• Key Features:

  • Null Safety

  • Interoperability with Java

  • Functional Programming support

Page 12: Setting Up Development Environment

• Install Android Studio: Includes SDK tools and emulator

• Install Java Development Kit (JDK): Necessary for development

• Set Up Android Emulator: Create virtual devices

• Connect a Physical Device: Enable developer mode

Page 13: Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM)

• DVM: Optimized for Android to execute .dex files

• Uses register-based architecture for efficiency

• Replaced by ART (Android Runtime) for better performance

Page 14: Android Application Structure

• Core Components:

  • MainActivity contains logic

  • layout.xml defines UI

• Directory Overview:

  • res/: resources

  • src/: source code

  • AndroidManifest.xml: app config

Page 15: Dalvik Debug Monitor Server (DDMS)

• DDMS: Debugging tool in Android Studio

• Key Functions:

  • Log viewing, simulate calls and messages, network & battery monitoring

Page 16: Android Manifest File

• Purpose: Essential app information description

• Key Elements:

  • Permissions, Component declarations, App metadata

Page 17: Gradle

• What is Gradle?: Build tool for automating Android development tasks

• Key Features:

  • Manages dependencies, builds multiple APKs

  • Example of build script

Page 18: Android Permissions

• What Are Permissions?: Rules for accessing device features

• Types:

  • Normal: Automatically granted

  • Dangerous: Require user consent

• Runtime Permissions: Introduced in Android 6.0 for safety

Page 19: APK (Android Package File)

• Definition: Compressed installation file

• Structure:

  • classes.dex, resources.arsc, AndroidManifest.xml

• Creation: Compiled by Gradle

Page 20: Basic Building Blocks of Android

• Activities: Screen with UI

• Services: Background tasks without UI

• Broadcast Receivers: Respond to broadcasts

• Content Providers: Share data between apps

Pages 21-27: Android Architecture

• Applications: Top layer with native and third-party apps

• Application Framework: Classes for app development, manages UI

• Android Runtime: Core libraries, DVM, enables app functionality

• Platform Libraries: Support libraries for various functions

• Linux Kernel: Core of the system, manages drivers and memory

Pages 28-31: Activity Life Cycle

• Lifecycle Events:

  • onCreate(), onStart(), onResume(), onPause(), onStop(), onDestroy(), onRestart()

• Purpose: Manages the state transitions of an activity throughout its lifecycle.