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.