How to get started with android?

How to get started with android?

Step 1

• First of all we need a IDE. 
• I suggest you  to use Eclipse.because it is an industrial standard open source IDE.
• Install Eclipse.

Step 2

• Go to developer.android.com and download ADT plug in for Eclipse..
• You will get a link.Copy the link and  follow the  steps  
• Help->Install New Software->Work path.
• Paste the link.

Step 3

• Check all the options Click next.
•  Now the ADT plugin is installed in your Eclipse.
• Next is to download the SDK.
• Go to developer.android.com, Download the SDK.

Step 4

•   Go to Window(Eclipse menu)->Preference->Select Android from the left side.->Browse the android location->Means please select the SDK location that you downloaded(Don't forget to extract).

Step 5

• You need an active internet connection for this.
• Goto window->select  SDK Manager->Download the latest OS version and API,Because it will include new striking features.

Step 6

• Now the environment is ready
• You can start developing applications.
• Don't forget to install the JDK.

What is android?

Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications.
Android SDK provides tools for developing android applications using Java programming language. 

Features of android OS

•        Application framework enabling reuse and replacement of components
•          Dalvik virtual machine optimized for mobile devices 
•          Integrated browser based on the open source WebKit engine
•          Optimized graphics powered by a custom 2D graphics library; 3D graphics based on the OpenGL  ES 1.0 specification (hardware acceleration optional)
•          SQLite for structured data storage
•          Media support for common audio, video, and still image formats (MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, PNG, GIF)
•          GSM Telephony (hardware dependent)
•          Bluetooth, EDGE, 3G, and WiFi (hardware dependent)
•          Camera, GPS, compass, and accelerometer (hardware dependent)
•          Rich development environment including a device emulator, tools for debugging, memory and performance profiling, and a plugin for the Eclipse IDE

Android architecture 

 

credits:http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html