Android apps are pieces of software that run the Android operating system. They can be downloaded on Android tablets, TVs, and phones. They are extremely adept at using the touchscreen, camera and GPS features on the device. Installing a variety of apps on an Android device can impact battery performance and life.
Understanding the Android platform and its design principles is vital to developing Android apps. It also requires a proper app architecture, which separates UI- and OS-related codes into components with shared duties. These components can be activated asynchronously by the system using the broadcast mechanism that is activated by the intents.
Kotlin is becoming more popular as a language their explanation for Android development. Both are supported by Android SDK. A large community of developers is available online to assist newcomers to the language and resolve issues.
The Android OS itself is divided into layers, with the application layer containing the standard applications that come with the operating system, as well as proprietary apps that come with a specific device, like the phone dialer or music player. The Android application layer also contains custom firmware, such as CyanogenMod and OMFGB which can be installed on certain devices to modify their functionality.
Compatibility is yet another factor that stops certain apps from working. If an app has been released to the US market, but isn’t compatible with your European device, it will not work on it and will appear as «incompatible» in the Play Store.