The development of Android, Google’s mobile operating system, involves a combination of hardware and software technologies, as well as contributions from various engineering teams and the open-source community. Here are the key components and technologies involved in building it.

You may also like to read about The Technology that built iOS.

(1) Core OS and Kernel

– Linux Kernel: It is built on the Linux kernel, which provides the foundational layer for hardware abstraction, security, and process management.

– Modified Linux Kernel: While it uses the standard Linux kernel, it includes additional changes and enhancements tailored for mobile devices.

(2) Frameworks and APIs

– Android Framework: This provides APIs for app developers to build apps. It includes libraries for UI, multimedia, graphics, and other core functionalities.

– Java API Framework: Initially, its applications were primarily written in Java, and the Android API framework provides a comprehensive set of APIs for app development.

(3) Programming Languages

– Java: Originally the primary language for Android app development.

– Kotlin: Officially supported by Google since 2017, Kotlin is a modern, statically typed language that enhances productivity and developer experience.

– C++: Used for performance-critical components and some parts of the Android runtime (ART) and core libraries.

(4) Development Environment

– Android Studio: The official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development, based on JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA. It includes tools for coding, debugging, and performance analysis.

– Gradle: A build automation tool used in Android Studio for managing project builds and dependencies.

(5) User Interface Design

– Material Design: Google’s design language for Android, providing guidelines for creating visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces.

– ML Layouts: It* uses XML files to define UI layouts, separating the UI design from the application logic.

(6) Graphics and Media

– OpenGL ES: A subset of the OpenGL API for rendering 2D and 3D graphics on mobile devices.

– Vulkan: A low-overhead, cross-platform API for high-performance graphics and compute.

– Media Framework: Provides support for audio and video playback, recording, and streaming.

(7) Networking and Connectivity

– Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC: Frameworks for managing wireless communications and connectivity.

– Volley, Retrofit: Popular libraries for handling network requests and interacting with REST APIs.

(8) Security and Privacy

– Sandboxing: Each app runs in its own user space to isolate it from other apps and the system.

– Permissions Model: Apps must request permissions to access sensitive data and system features, which users can grant or deny.

– Keystore System: Provides secure storage for cryptographic keys and other sensitive information.

(9) Testing and Debugging

– Android Debug Bridge (ADB): A versatile tool for communicating with and managing its devices.

– Espresso, JUnit: Testing frameworks for unit tests and UI tests.

– Firebase Test Lab: A cloud-based testing infrastructure for testing apps on various devices and configurations.

(10) App Distribution

– Google Play Store: The primary platform for distributing Android apps, providing a global marketplace for developers to publish and monetize their apps.

– APK: Android Package Kit is the format for distributing and installing applications on its devices.

(11) Runtime and Compilation

– Dalvik Virtual Machine: The original runtime used by Android to execute bytecode in .dex files, optimized for low memory and battery usage.

– Android Runtime (ART): Replaced Dalvik in later versions, using ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation to improve performance and reduce power consumption.

(12) Open Source and Community Contributions

– AOSP (Android Open Source Project): The open-source project led by Google to develop and maintain it, allowing contributions from the global developer community.

– OEM Customizations: Device manufacturers can customize the Android OS to create unique user experiences, adding features and modifying the UI.

These technologies and tools, combined with a vibrant ecosystem of developers and an open-source model, have driven the rapid evolution and widespread adoption of Android as a leading mobile operating system.