Android apps are pieces of software that run the Android operating system. They can be installed on Android TVs, tablets, and phones. They are extremely adept at making use of the touchscreen, camera and GPS features on the device. The presence of a lot of apps on an Android phone can, however, affect battery life and performance.
Understanding the Android platform and its design principles is vital in the creation of Android apps. It also requires an appropriate app architecture, which separates UI- and OS-related codes into components that share responsibilities. These components can be activated asynchronously by the system using the broadcast mechanism that is activated by intents.
Java is the preferred language for Android development, though Kotlin has gained popularity in recent years. Both are supported by Android SDK. Online, there is a huge community of developers who can help newcomers learn the language and troubleshoot any problems.
The Android OS is divided into layers. The application layer includes the standard apps that are included with the OS, as well as any custom apps that come bundled with specific devices, for example, a music player or phone dialer. The Android application layer is comprised of custom firmwares, like CyanogenMod or OMFGB. They can be installed to modify the functionality of specific devices.
Another reason that stops certain apps from functioning is compatibility. If an app was launched to the US market, but isn’t compatible with your European device, it will not work on it, and will be displayed as “incompatible” in the Play Store.