Google Android Developer: Important Components of an Android Application
Android is a mobile operating system that is developed by Google. It is based off the Linux Kernel and is predicted to dominate the next generation of mobile phones. Android applications are written in Java programming language and the development of these applications requires the expertise of a Google android developer. The android application development process uses a combination of codes that include Java code bundled by the app tool into an android package. An .apk file makes up an android package. All the codes in a single .apk file constitute one single android application.
Characteristics of an android application
An android application runs in its own Linux process. Android is responsible for starting a process when an applications code requires to be executed. It shuts down the application process when the system resources are required by other applications in the operating system.
Each application process comes equipped with its own virtual machine. The application code runs independent from the code of other applications within the device.
Each android application is assigned with a Linux user ID. Permissions can be set so that the files in that application are made visible only to the user of the application, though there are procedures that can be executed to export all the contents of one application to other applications.
These characteristics are complex and require the expertise and knowledge of a Google android developer to be executed. It is possible for two applications to share the same Linux user ID so that each application can share its files with another.
Components of an Android Application
A useful feature of android applications is that one application can use the features of other applications for as long as these applications allow access. An example of this would be the use of a scroller on another application that needs to display a scrolling list of images. Instead of having a Google android developer develop a scroller for you, you can make use of the other applications features. Instead of fully incorporating the features of the scroller application to another existing application, it simply starts up that feature on the other application when the need for it arises. The user need not worry about the feature being permanently embedded to the other application.
Each android application has its own preset activities. An activity basically refers to the visual user interface and the functions of the application. An application may have one activity or several activities. For example, an application for text messaging can have another activity that display a list of contacts that the user can use to send the messages to. The number of activities that an application has depends highly on the purpose it was designed for. Most android applications come equipped with multiple activities. If you are having an application designed, the Google android developer you hire should be able to incorporate multiple activities to the application as desired. Each activity has its own default window. The window typically fills up the screen, depending on which activity is being used for a particular purpose.
Android applications also have services. A Service, unlike an activity, does not come equipped with a visual user interface. Instead, it runs in the background for a certain period of time. An example of a service is a media player playing songs from a play list. While the music application comes equipped with one or more activities that allow the user to choose songs and play them, the music playback itself does not require an activity, as the user expects the player to remain playing songs even without a specified command. A Google android developer must know how to design applications with appropriate services to allow it to remain running even when it does not appear on the screen.
Broadcast receivers are essential components of android applications that any Google android developer must pay attention to. Broadcast receivers refer to components that are used for the primary purpose of receiving broadcast announcements. Examples include; changes in time zone, warning messages that the battery is low or an indication that a picture has been taken. Applications can initiate broadcasts as well, such as to let other applications know that a download has been completed and is available for use.
A content provider is another essential component of android applications. It is responsible for making a specific set of data available to other applications. This data is often stored in a file system.
The demand for the development of android applications has increased with more and more mobile phones using this mobile operating system. Whether you want an application developed for your personal use or for marketing, hiring the services of a highly experienced Google android developer is necessary. If you are looking for a company that can help you in this area, you may want to consider Dot Com Infoway, as they can recommended a reputable Google android developer who has all the experience and expertise you need.
Dot Com Infoway (DCI) is a CMMI Level 3 multi-national information technology company and a leader in custom software development, mobile application development, iPhone App Development, Android Application Development and Web Development with offices in India, the United States and Netherlands. An ISO 9001:2000 certified multi-disciplined professional IT service company, DCI is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a proud member of the prestigious NASSCOM and STPI.
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