Mobile app development is the process of creating applications for devices running the Android mobile operating system. With Google's official guidance stating that Android apps can be written using Kotlin, Java, and C++ languages using the Android software development kit (SDK), developers have a wide range of options to create innovative applications. From non-Java virtual machine (JVM) languages like Go, JavaScript, C, C++, or assembly, to third-party tools and language support, the possibilities are endless.
Official Development Tools
The Android SDK includes a comprehensive set of development tools, including the Android SDK Platform Tools. This subset consists of command-line tools such as adb and fastboot. The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool that allows developers to run commands on a connected Android device. Fastboot is a protocol used for flashing filesystems. For C/C++ code written in native ARM or x86/x64, the Android Native Development Kit (NDK) provides the necessary tools.
Android Open Accessory Development
The Android 3.1 platform introduces Android Open Accessory support, allowing external USB hardware to interact with an Android-powered device in a special "accessory" mode. This enables devices to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. The connected accessory acts as the USB host, powering the bus and enumerating devices.
External Hardware Development
To help Android devices interact with external electronics, various development tools are available, including IOIO, Android Open Accessory Development Kit, Microbridge, Triggertrap, and more. These tools enable developers to create innovative applications that integrate hardware and software seamlessly.
Android Emulators and Subsystems
Android emulators like BlueStacks, Genymotion, LeapDroid, MIT App Inventor, Android Studio, Android-x86, Windows Subsystem for Android, and Waydroid provide a range of options for testing and development. These emulators enable developers to simulate various Android environments and test their applications before deployment.
Android Developer Challenge
The Android Developer Challenge was a competition that aimed to find the most innovative application for Android. With prizes totaling 10 million US dollars, distributed between ADC I and ADC II, this challenge encouraged developers to push the boundaries of mobile app development. The winners received awards ranging from $25,000 to $275,000.
Community-Based Distributions
The Android community has developed a range of custom firmware distributions that offer additional features and customizations not available in official releases. These distributions, such as CyanogenMod and OMFGB, provide users with more control over their devices and allow them to use applications not officially supported by carriers.
Java Standards
One obstacle to development is the fact that Android does not follow established Java standards, making it difficult for developers to create compatible applications. However, there are tools available from companies like Myriad Group and UpOnTek that provide Java ME support, enabling developers to build cross-platform applications.