What is the operating environment for android application

Illustration with collage of pictograms of computer monitor, server, clouds, dots" />

Android development is the process of creating applications for devices running an Android operating system. Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for native Android.

Are you considering Android app development? Discover the advantages of Android and learn about key resources that can help you improve results.

Tap into extensive APIs to overcome mobile device limitations

Thinking about developing a new Android app? You’re in good company. Since starting in 2003 as an open source project based on the Linux kernel, Android has become the world’s most popular mobile operating system. Android currently runs on over two billion devices worldwide, and developers have published nearly four million apps. Many of the major manufacturers use Android on their phones, including HTC, Huawei, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, and Sony.

Whether or not you have prior Android development experience, you know that preparation can make a significant difference in the success of your project. Having the right information and resources helps ensure a smooth start and an efficient, productive process.

To explore Android development further, read "How do I make an Android App?"

Connect and integrate your systems to prepare your infrastructure for AI.

Register for the guide on app modernization

Android has several advantages for development:

APIs and cloud services: The Android platform offers a wide variety of APIs that can help you tap into the cloud and overcome the limitations of mobile devices. Which generally have less memory and processing power than other platforms. Developing your mobile application to take advantage of a cloud backend can help you get around those limitations. By keeping your app small and making the most of API calls to services running in the cloud, you can lighten the memory and compute load on the mobile device. Google regularly announces the addition of new APIs that can help access cloud services.

Once you’ve chosen Android as your target platform, you need some resources to get started with your project. New developers often start at the Google home page, which leads them to the Android website. Or, you can go directly to the Android developer site (link resides outside ibm.com).

There you can access various resources, including the following:

Sample code to jump-start your development

Before you start, you should install Java and set up the Java development kit (JDK) on your computer. Then, download and install the Android software development kit (SDK), which is required for developing Android apps. It contains APIs you can use or reference to develop your application. The default browser that comes with the operating system when you install it is Google Chrome, but you can use other browsers such as Firefox if you prefer.

Install Android Studio, which comes with the SDK. Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for native Android. The IDE is essential to help you with coding, spell checking, error warnings, UI development, and more. Built on JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA software, Android Studio replaced the Eclipse tools that are formerly used as the Android IDE.

C++ is often used to write apps that are geared for high performance and quick reactivity (which is why many game developers choose it). If you want to reuse C++ code for your Android app, download the Android native development kit (NDK). This tool set can help you implement parts of your app by using C or C++ code and libraries.

In addition, software is available to emulate Android on other operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Android emulator works by converting Android files into a format that is recognizable by the other operating systems.

Android follows a material design principle, which is used in many of today’s enterprise apps. Android material design provides a guide for visual, motion, and interaction design so you can create a strong user experience across platforms and devices.

As a mobile developer planning projects today, you want to make your apps as competitive as possible. Consider incorporating services that can enhance the user experience and improve the efficiency of app operation.

Push notifications: Push notifications are an easy way to engage users by sending them relevant information. This information might be in the form of updates, offers, events, how-to tips for using key features, and other material that encourages them to use your app.

Learn how to add intelligence to your mobile experience while using a robust mobile back-end infrastructure and app management tools.

Learn about IBM Cloud® Code Engine, a polyglot functions-as-a-service (FaaS) programming platform based on Apache OpenWhisk.

Ready to develop an Android app? Tap into cloud-based services to overcome mobile platform limitations, speed development, and enhance the user experience.

Learn more What is FaaS (function as a service)?

FaaS makes it easier for cloud application developers to run and manage microservices applications.