Chapter 1
Hello, Android
What's in this Chapter?
A background of mobile application development
What Android is (and what it isn't)
An introduction to the Android SDK features
Which devices Android runs on
Why you should develop for mobile and Android
An introduction to the Android SDK and development framework
Whether you're an experienced mobile engineer, a desktop or web developer, or a complete programming novice, Android represents an exciting new opportunity to write innovative applications for an increasingly wide range of devices.
Despite the name, Android will not help you create an unstoppable army of emotionless robot warriors on a relentless quest to cleanse the earth of the scourge of humanity. Instead, Android is an open-source software stack that includes the operating system, middleware, and key mobile applications, along with a set of API libraries for writing applications that can shape the look, feel, and function of the devices on which they run.
Small, stylish, and versatile, modern mobile devices have become powerful tools that incorporate touchscreens, cameras, media players, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, and Near Field Communications (NFC) hardware. As technology has evolved, mobile phones have become about much more than simply making calls. With the introduction of tablets and Google TV, Android has expanded beyond its roots as a mobile phone operating system, providing a consistent platform for application development across an increasingly ...
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