Android is an operating system for mobile devices like cellphones and internet tablets. The OS was initially developed by Android inc and was later bought by Google and then extended to open Handset Alliance. The OS is based on Linux Kernel and GNU programming language. The Android operating system software stack consissts of Java applications running on a Java based object oriented application framework on top of Java core libraries running on a Dalvik virtual machine featuring JIT compilation.
T-Mobile G1 was the first phone ever to feature the Android OS and since then Google has consistently tried to make its mobile OS better. Android gets regular updates so that the cellphone user can access all the best features. Android first version was released on February 9 2009 and since then many Android versions like 1.5 Cupcake, 1.6 Donut, 2.0 Eclair and the latest 2.2 Froyo have been made available for Android users.
The first Android 0.9 SDK was released along with extended API, improved development tools and an updated design for the home screen. The Android Market is fast approaching the 1,00,000 apps mark and is believed to further increase as more and more mobile handset companies come in to the business. This is possible because of a unique software development kit provided by Google for developers. The Android SDK has a big set of tools which include debugger, libraries, emulators, documentation, sample codes and few tutorials. The SDK itself forms a tutorial cum development tool.
The Android operating system has grown significantly,and a lot of the most popular internet sites and services have created native social applications like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. More than 1 billion downloads have been recorded so far. In order to become an Android developer one must know Java platform thoroughly and should be skillful enough in using the tools. Also graphic and user interface design are also crucial parts of any app development process. This is because the application should be easy to use and be visually appealing too. If you have any application idea it is a good thing to approach Android Application Developers to make your idea come in to reality.
