Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile phones, tablets, and other smart devices. Google developed this operating system, and most of the smart devices in the world use this operating system.
Android has a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily perform many tasks using the touch and gestures of their fingers. Also, Android has various features such as web browsing, email, messaging, running various programs, playing music and video, and making phone calls.
This operating system can develop various applications using various programming languages, including Java, Kotlin, and C++. Besides, tools like Android Studio are used to develop Android applications.
Android is updated regularly, and its new versions are released with new features and capabilities. For example, in recent versions, security and privacy features have increased, and smart features such as facial and fingerprint recognition have been improved.
Overall, Android is a dynamic and powerful operating system that allows users to have a diverse user experience with their smart devices.
Properties
Android is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, with many features, including ease of use, high customization, high security, support for various programs, and upgradeability.
In general, the main difference between Android and other operating systems is that Android is an open-source operating system. In other words, the Android source code is publicly available, and anyone can review and modify it. This feature allows developers to develop a variety of applications for Android and has made Android a popular operating system for many users and developers.
In addition, having high personalization capability, Android allows users to change the settings and appearance of their device as desired. For example, users can change different background images, icons, widgets, and posters according to their tastes.
Besides, Android’s high security is also a prominent feature. Since Google supports Android, it always provides security updates and other improvements for this operating system. In the following, we are going to explain more Specialized information about Android
1- System architecture
Android is designed based on Linux architecture. Indeed, Android consists of the Linux kernel and layers of user interface and programming.
2- Classification of Android versions
Android versions are divided into two main categories: major versions and minor versions. Android 11 and Android 12 have been released with new features and major improvements. Minor versions like Android 11.1 and Android 12.1 are released to improve security and fix smaller bugs.
3- Android platform
The Android platform consists of three main parts: the hardware part, the operating system part, and the application part. In the following, we explain each of these sections.
Hardware section
This section includes all the hardware parts of the Android device, such as the processor, memory, camera, display, and other parts. This part performs hardware operations such as processing, storing, displaying data, and communicating with other devices. For applications to be able to communicate with this section and use them, they must be familiar with how to work with the device’s hardware and use the relevant APIs.
Operating system section
This section includes the Android operating system installed on the device and is responsible for managing and controlling the device and running applications. Android operating system based on Linux
Set and provide an interface for communication between the hardware and application parts. This section includes codes related to devising boot, hardware resource management, network and communication management, security management, energy and battery management, and other operating system-related tasks. In fact, this part of the Android operating system allows applications to communicate with the hardware and access device features such as the camera, GPS, and sensors.
Applications section
This section includes all the applications that are installed on the Android device. Developers can develop applications using various programming languages and tools and publish them to run on Android devices. These applications can perform various tasks such as sending messages, managing calendars, playing music and videos, browsing the web, playing games, etc. Also, applications can access and use the device’s features using Android OS APIs. Applications and developers can also use the SDK and development tools to manipulate and make changes to the functionality of the Android operating system and provide applications with special and varied features. This section acts as an interface between the user and the Android operating system, executing and displaying all the user’s actions.
4- Programming languages
Android apps can be developed using Java and Kotlin programming languages. Also, by using NDK (Native Development Kit), programmers can also use C and C++ languages.
In Android, various programming languages can be used to develop Android applications. In general, programming languages for Android are divided into two categories: Java and non-Java.
Java is the main language for developing Android applications and is supported by Google for developing Android applications. Also, languages like Kotlin and Groovy are used to develop Android applications. Kotlin is a modern and reliable language supported by Google and was introduced as the official second language for Android application development. Groovy is a dynamic programming language used to develop Android applications.
Besides, non-Java languages such as C and C++ are also used to develop Android applications. These languages are used natively and are suitable for developing high-performance programs and special applications such as games.
In addition, languages like JavaScript and Python are used to develop Android applications. In this case, these languages can be used using frameworks such as React Native or Kivy. These solutions help developers develop cross-platform apps for iOS and Android using non-Java languages.
5- Default programs
Android has many default apps provided by Google and various Android device manufacturers. Some of these default programs are:
Messenger
The Android messaging app is Google Messages, installed by default on many Android devices. This application allows users to send text messages, images, videos, and multimedia messages to Android and non-Android users.
Calendar
The Android calendar app is Google Calendar, installed by default on many Android devices. The app allows users to schedule events, meetings, and tasks and use a Google Calendar account to share their plans and events with others.
GOOGLE MAPS
The Android Maps app is Google Maps, installed by default on many Android devices. The app allows users to easily find directions from one point to another, search for locations, view traffic and roads, public transit information, and other travel-related features.
Web browser
The Android web browser application is Google Chrome, installed by default on many Android devices. This program allows users to visit websites, open and close browser tabs easily, use bookmarks and experience other features related to web browsing.
Video player
Google Play Movies & TV is the Android video player app installed by default on many Android devices. This program allows users to stream their movies across the device, play HD and 4K videos, and take advantage of features such as streaming videos through Chromecast and downloading movies for offline viewing.
Camera app
The Android camera app is installed by default on many Android devices. This app allows users to take photos and record videos. Some of the features of this app include filters, manual settings for camera settings, face detection and autofocus.
music program
The Android music app, Google Play Music, is installed by default on many Android devices. This allows users to listen to music, stream songs, create playlists, and enjoy their music experience.
Also, other default Android apps help users use their devices better and more easily. For example, file management programs, e-mail programs, battery status management programs, network management programs, and other programs related to device settings and network communications. All these default programs in Android may differ depending on the operating system’s version and the device manufacturer.
6- Connection with Google services
One of the prominent features of Android is the close connection with Google services. This communication includes using Google Play Services and Google Play Store to download apps and updates, using Google Maps and Google Drive to provide location services and online storage, etc.
In general, Android, one of the most popular operating systems in the world, includes many features that are very attractive and efficient for developers and smartphone users.
Weak Points
With many features, Android is known as one of the most popular operating systems in the world. However, like other operating systems, Android also has its weaknesses, which I will mention below:
1- Security
Security in Android is one of its weak points. Because Android is open source, many developers can develop malicious apps for this operating system. Also, many Android users are interested in rooting their devices, which reduces the operating system’s security.
2- Update
Security updates and new versions of Android are not regularly available for some devices. Also, Android device manufacturers usually provide support for updates for a short period.
3- Slowness and lack of optimal performance
Some Android devices operate slower and with less performance than others. Also, some Android apps face problems due to a lack of optimization and compatibility with all devices.
4- Complexity
Sometimes, Android seems complicated to users unfamiliar with mobile operating systems. Besides, some Android settings and features seem complicated for beginners or non-technical users.
Overall, Android is a powerful and popular operating system that has maintained its place in the smartphone market despite the abovementioned weaknesses.