Android apps are software applications that run on the Android OS. They can be installed on Android devices like tablets, TVs and phones. They are extremely adept at using the touchscreen, camera and GPS functions on the device. Installing many apps on an Android device can impact battery performance and life.
In order to develop Android apps requires a thorough understanding of the Android platform as well as its design principles and frameworks. It also requires the implementation of an appropriate architecture for apps that separates UI and OS-related code into separate components that share responsibility. The system is able to activate these components asynchronously using the broadcast mechanism, which is activated by intents.
Java is the preferred language for Android development, although Kotlin has gained a lot of attention in recent years. Both are supported by the Android SDK. A large developer community is online to help newcomers to the language and fix issues.
The Android OS is divided into layers. The application layer contains the standard apps included in the OS, in addition to any other proprietary apps that are integrated with specific devices such as a music player or phone dialer. The Android app layer also includes custom firmware such as CyanogenMod and OMFGB, which can be installed on certain devices to alter their functionality.
Another reason that stops certain apps from functioning is compatibility. If an app is created for the US but is not compatible with your European device, it will not work and will be listed in the Play Store as “incompatible”.