Android apps are software applications that run on the Android OS. They can be installed on Android tablets, TVs and phones. They are very good in using the touchscreen, camera and GPS functions on the device. A lot of apps installed on an Android phone however, could affect the battery’s life and performance.
Understanding the Android platform and its design principles is essential for the development of Android apps. It is also about implementing an appropriate app architecture that can be separated from UI and OS-related code into separate components that share responsibility. The system can trigger these components asynchronously through an asynchronous broadcast mechanism that is triggered by desires.
Java is the preferred language for Android development, although Kotlin has gained a lot of attention in recent years. Both languages are supported by Android SDK. A large community of developers is online to help newcomers to the language and resolve issues.
The Android OS itself is divided into layers, with the app layer comprising the default standard apps that ship with the operating system, as well as proprietary applications that are included with a particular device, like the music player or phone dialer. The Android app layer includes custom firmware, like CyanogenMod or OMFGB. These can be installed to customize the functionality of specific devices.
Compatibility is another factor that stops certain apps from working. If an application is created for the US but isn’t compatible with your European device, it won’t function and will be displayed in the Play Store as “incompatible”.