Android OS is the most dynamic platform for mobile development. What should developer remember when programming for Android? Are there any bottlenecks?

We asked our Mobile Department team to answer several questions conserning the programming for Android, its present tips and future.

Hope this will help you to understand this OS better. You are welcome to ask any questions if you need our help.

Is there a concept of architecture in programming for Android and how to choose it?

Google uses the Dalvik virtual machine to run their applications. This imposes certain limitations on the application architecture. Google’s SDK allows you to write well-structured program in terms of architecture and provides a rich set of classes for various architectural models.

Differences between the development of native applications and with special frameworks.

The most common special frameworks and even more correct multi-platform frameworks are used to develop applications for multiple mobile platforms at the same time, for example Android, iPhone, Windows etc. For creation a demo version of a product we can gain in speed of development with a good knowledge of the framework itself. However, if you develop severe multi-service applications, the described above advantage is lost, as you have to take into account and know the specifics of each platform and sometimes the SDK and the language is written in order to add the native functionality to the product. Frameworks are good for a small sized functional applications for various platforms and prototypes for demonstration. The rest of the frameworks for complex applications increase the speed of application development by 90%, but the remaining 10% of the customization are solved so hard, that negate the benefits of cross-platform development. So, use the frameworks only where it is appropriate.

API: the pitfalls of use. What should man look for when the API is given? And is it necessary to write it himself?

For the client side it is common to use the Android SDK. As for the server side, usually there is a URL where POST or GET parameters used; in response we get Json or Xml. The big plus is to know only one language, usually JavaScript.
In the process of working on various projects, API’s server-side has changed seriously enough when writing a client-side. The main problem here is to convince the developers of the server side that exchange of information should go in the format of a request-response to one functionality and to avoid multiple requests for a chapter’s information.

What techniques are used while programming for Android?

We use Test Driven Development and GUI automation testing. This allows to react instantly to server changes and to carry out continuous testing of all functionality in each application release.

Are there any solutions to optimize the development for multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes, there are such solutions. We develop application architecture that is being implemented on the various programming languages , and only after this we build GUI applications around the core part. This allows to unify the design for multiple platforms simultaneously, although it requires well-coordinated work of all project participants.

Specificity of the development for tablets and mobile devices.

For iPad – a separate specificity, mainly related to the screen resolution. For Android – it is not only the screen resolution, but also the ability to support more recent versions of Android 3.0 and 4.0, taking into account the specifics of building applications.

What will happen with the scope of development for Android in the future?

Android Development Sphere will experience a certain boom in the next 3-5 years, when the number of low-cost tablet PCs will replace netbooks and laptops in the user environment, it will create a totally new market and expand the number of users: working with the Tablet PC is easier than with any laptop or desktop computer. In addition, the Android system will be implemented in the systems of television, household appliances, the automotive industry.

FAQ

What is Android development?

Android development is the process of creating both mobile and tablet applications on the Android operating system with the use of Google’s SDK, the Dalvik/ART virtual machine, and APIs that communicate with servers via JSON or XML. Developers should note that though the architecture is bound by a virtual machine model, it still encourages good structuring, meanwhile noting that device diversity (screen sizes, OS versions, hardware) adds more complexity, especially when dealing with tablets and newer versions of Android.

What programming language does Android use?

The languages at the heart of Android are Java and Kotlin running on the Dalvik/ART virtual machine. Though the kernel is constructed with these, in most cases, developers communicate with server-side APIs in JSON or XML – JavaScript becoming synonymous here for logic implementation. This makes up a solid yet liberal house wherein simple utility can coexist with complex multi-service platform applications.

What are the 4 pillars of Android?

The four main pillars of Android are well-structured application architecture, effective use of the Android SDK and its rich class ecosystem, careful handling of client-server APIs, and solid testing practices. Architecture must fit the constraints of the virtual machine while keeping code modular and maintainable across different devices and OS versions. The SDK provides the building blocks for UI, data, and platform integration, while properly designed APIs (with clear request–response patterns and minimal redundant calls) ensure reliable communication with back-end services. Finally, techniques like test-driven development and GUI automation testing help maintain quality and quickly adapt to server or platform changes.

What are the 4 components of Android?

Application architecture, the Android SDK, client-server APIs, and testing practices- this is the best way to sum up what forms the conceptual heart of Android development. Architecture explains how the application is structured inside the limitations set by the virtual machine across devices and platforms, while ensuring easy maintenance. The core libraries for UI building and different architectural models come from the Android SDK. Usually, communicating with back-end services using JSON or XML over HTTP, client-server APIs should be well designed so as to avoid repeated requests. Test-driven development and GUI automation-testing techniques guarantee stability when logic on the server side and functionality in apps change.

Is Android development hard to learn?

Developing for Android requires knowing its application architecture and how it runs within the Dalvik virtual machine. Other extensive APIs are also included in the SDK. Developers should be fluent in client-server API interactions – typically using JSON or XML – and testing methodologies such as Test Driven Development and GUI automation to ensure applications are bulletproof. The platform’s diversity itself adds further complexity, not least because of different screen resolutions and numerous Android versions when developing across both phone and tablet platforms. Get these right, however, and powerful dynamic mobile apps are yours for the making.