- Android is an open source software platform and operating system for mobile devices based on the Linux kernel. It allows developers to write managed code using Java and also supports C/C++.
- The Android SDK provides developers with tools like the Android Debug Bridge (adb) and an emulator to help develop and test Android applications. Eclipse IDE with the Android Development Tools plugin can be used to streamline the development process.
- Common Android application components include Activities for screens, Services for background tasks, Intents for communications between components, and Notifications. There is a standard file structure and applications declare their components in the AndroidManifest file.