android-02 Android Fundamentals

android-02 Android Fundamentals

Introduction

  • Android Fundamentals explains the basic concepts of Android application development.
  • It introduces the tools, environment setup, and application creation process.
  • This unit helps beginners understand how Android apps are developed, run, and tested.

Development Tools

  • Android applications are developed using different development tools.
  • These tools help developers in coding, designing UI, testing, and debugging.
  • Popular Android development tools include Eclipse, Kony, Xamarin, and Android Studio.

Eclipse

  • Eclipse was one of the earlier IDEs used for Android development.
  • It required the ADT (Android Development Tools) plugin.
  • Applications were developed mainly using Java language.
  • Eclipse is now discontinued for Android development.

Kony

  • Kony is a cross-platform mobile application development framework.
  • It allows developers to build apps using a single code base.
  • Supports Android, iOS, and web applications.
  • Mostly used for enterprise-level applications.

Xamarin

  • Xamarin is developed by Microsoft.
  • Uses C# and .NET framework for application development.
  • Enables code sharing across multiple platforms.
  • Supports development of Android, iOS, and Windows applications.

Android Studio

  • Android Studio is the official IDE for Android development.
  • Developed by Google and based on IntelliJ IDEA.
  • Supports Java and Kotlin programming languages.
  • Provides built-in tools like emulator, debugger, and UI designer.

Android Environment Setup

To start Android development, environment setup is required Steps include:

  • Installing Java Development Kit (JDK)
  • Installing Android Studio
  • Downloading Android SDK
  • Setting up Android Virtual Device (AVD)

Android SDK

  • Android SDK stands for Software Development Kit.
  • It provides APIs, libraries, and tools required to build Android apps.
  • SDK is used to develop, test, and debug Android applications.
  • Without SDK, Android app development is not possible.

First Android Application

  • Creating the first Android application helps understand the project structure.
  • Android Studio provides ready-made templates for beginners.
  • The first app usually displays a simple screen with text.

Steps to Create First Android App

  • Open Android Studio and select New Project.
  • Choose Empty Activity template.
  • Enter Application Name and Package Name.
  • Select Minimum SDK version and finish project creation.

Android Virtual Device (AVD)

  • AVD is an emulator that simulates an Android device. It is used to test applications without a physical mobile phone.

AVD supports different:

  • Android versions
  • Screen sizes
  • Device configurations

Android Project – Core Files

An Android project contains important files:

  • MainActivity.java / MainActivity.kt – main program file
  • activity_main.xml – UI layout file
  • AndroidManifest.xml – application configuration
  • Gradle files – build and dependency management

AndroidManifest.xml

AndroidManifest.xml is a mandatory configuration file, It declares:

  • Application components
  • Permissions
  • App name and icon
  • (Android system reads this file before running the app.)

Running Android Application

  • Application can be run using:
    • Emulator (AVD)
    • Physical Android device
  • Click the Run button in Android Studio.
  • App is installed and launched automatically.

Debugging Android Application

  • Debugging is used to find and fix errors in the app.
  • Logcat shows system messages and error logs.
  • Breakpoints pause execution to inspect program behavior.

Android Documentation

  • Android documentation is provided by Google.
  • It includes:
    • Tutorials
    • Guides
    • API references
  • Documentation helps developers learn and solve problems.

Emulator

  • Emulator is a virtual Android device.
  • Used for testing applications during development.

Simulates:

  • Phone calls
  • Messages
  • GPS
  • Network conditions

DDMS (Dalvik Debug Monitor Server)

  • DDMS is a debugging tool used in Android development.

Provides features like:

  • Log monitoring
  • File explorer
  • Screenshot capture
  • Helps analyze application performance.

ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

  • ADB is a command-line tool.
  • Used to communicate between computer and Android device/emulator.

Functions include:

  • Installing apps
  • Debugging apps
  • Accessing device shell

Resource Editors

  • Resource editors manage application resources.

Used for:

  • Strings
  • Colors
  • Layouts
  • Helps maintain UI consistency.

UI Designer

  • UI Designer provides drag-and-drop interface.
  • Helps design layouts visually.
  • Automatically generates XML layout code.
  • Useful for beginners.

Hierarchy Viewer

  • Hierarchy Viewer shows the structure of UI components.
  • Helps analyze layout performance.
  • Used to optimize UI design.

Summary

  • Android Fundamentals introduce tools and development environment.
  • Learned about SDK, emulator, debugging tools.
  • Understood first Android application creation process.
  • This unit builds a strong foundation for Android development.

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