Android Architecture

Android architecture is a 4 layered structured.

1. Linux Kernel
2. Libraries and Android Runtime
3. Application Framework
4. Application

Linux Kernel is the bottom layer, above to it we have Libraries, Android Runtime with Application Framework as Middleware, and Application as the top most layer.

Linux Kernel is the core part of the android architecture which manages power, memory and hardware resources. In simple words, we can say that it acts as the interface between an application and the hardware. Moreover it also manages the device drivers required for proper functioning of the hardware such as Camera, Wi-Fi and etc. That's not the complete set, lot more drivers to go in the list.

 

Libraries and Android Runtime provides the support for database such as SQLite, Media Framework for audio and video, Web Kit for browsing support and many more. At the same time the Application built for android platform must be compiled. In order to accomplish the compilation we need a Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM) which is provided by the Android Runtime. DVM is optimized for mobile devices solely responsible for running the application. It performs the work similar to your JVM.

 

Application Framework includes API's for making call, managing windows, content providers, location manager and contact manager. Prior to anything, it provides the classes and interfaces for developing an application.

 

Application is the top most layer where the user will find or interact with Home, Contacts, Browsers and etc.