Define Android Architecture?

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The Android architecture consists of 4 components:

  • Linux Kernal
  • Libraries
  • Android Framework
  • Android Applications

The term “Android Architecture” typically refers to the software architecture of the Android operating system. Android is designed with a layered architecture that includes the following components:

  1. Linux Kernel: At the base of the Android architecture is the Linux kernel, which provides core system services such as process management, memory management, and device drivers.
  2. Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL): This layer provides a standardized interface between the higher-level Android framework and the underlying hardware components. It allows device manufacturers to implement drivers for their specific hardware.
  3. Native C/C++ Libraries: These are libraries like libc (C library), SQLite (database), and others. They provide foundational functions for the Android system.
  4. Android Runtime (ART): ART is the runtime environment used to execute and manage Android applications. It replaces the older Dalvik runtime and includes features like Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation for improved performance.
  5. Java API Framework: This layer consists of the Android API (Application Programming Interface) and the core Java libraries. Developers use these APIs to build Android applications. The framework provides a set of pre-built modules for common functionalities like UI design, resource management, and data storage.
  6. System Libraries: These are additional libraries that provide essential functions for various aspects of the Android system, including graphics, media playback, networking, and more.
  7. Android Application Framework: This framework provides high-level building blocks for creating Android applications. It includes components like activities, services, content providers, and broadcast receivers.
  8. Applications: At the top of the Android architecture are the actual applications that users interact with. These can be pre-installed system apps or third-party apps downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Understanding the Android architecture helps developers and system designers create efficient and compatible applications for the diverse range of Android devices.