CHAPTER 45

Beginning Mobile Development for

Android

IN THIS CHAPTER

Introduction    to  Android

Installing  Android Studio

Creating    Your    First   Application

References

Many Linux users have embraced not only smart phones but specifically

those based on Android. Android, owned by Google and based on the Linux
kernel, is one of the best-selling platforms for smart phones and tablet
computers. The Android platform includes the operating system, middleware,
and several key applications. Middleware and application examples include
an integrated web browser based on WebKit, optimized graphics libraries,
media support for most formats, and structured data storage with SQLite. It
also includes software for hardware-dependent functions such as GSM,
Bluetooth, 3G, Wi-Fi, camera, GPS, and more.

Most of the Android source code is freely available and licensed using the
Apache License. Google operates an online app store called Google Play,
where users of Android phones or tablet computers can download free and
for-payment applications to extend the functionality of their devices. Other
third-party sites exist for the same purpose, thereby creating many paths for
making software available to Android users.

This chapter helps you get started writing software for Android on your
Ubuntu machine by describing how to find and set up the development tools
you need. It discusses the basic details you need to know as you consider
whether you want to develop programs for the Android platform and, if so,
whether you want to try to get those programs uploaded to and made available