Exploring the 5 Layer Architecture of the Android Operating System

20 Jun 2023 Balmiki Mandal 0 Andriod

Android System Architecture: 5 Layers

Android system architecture consists of five layers, each having its own purpose and individual responsibilities. The five layers include the application framework layer, application layer, libraries layer, Android Runtime layer, and the Linux Kernel layer.

Yes, Android system architecture consists of 5 layers:

Linux kernel: The Linux kernel is the core of the Android operating system. It provides basic services, such as memory management, process management, and device driver management.

Hardware abstraction layer (HAL): The HAL provides an abstraction layer between the Android framework and the underlying hardware. This allows the Android framework to be hardware-independent.

Android runtime (ART): The ART is a new runtime environment that replaces the Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM). ART is a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler that compiles Android applications into native code at runtime. This makes Android applications faster and more efficient.

Native libraries: The native libraries provide low-level functionality, such as graphics, media, and networking.

Application framework: The application framework provides a set of APIs that applications can use to interact with the Android system. These APIs include things like the activity management, the permission management, and the notification management.

 

These 5 layers work together to provide a platform for developers to create powerful and engaging applications.

Here are some of the benefits of having a layered architecture:

Modularity: The layered architecture makes it easy to add new features and functionality to the Android system.

Portability: The layered architecture makes it easy to port Android to new hardware platforms.

Security: The layered architecture helps to protect the Android system from malicious attacks.

Scalability: The layered architecture makes it easy to scale the Android system to support a large number of devices and users.

 

Other hand

The Android system architecture is technically 4 layers. It is possible to see it as 5 layers, but this is a more abstract view.

The 4 layers of the Android system architecture are:

  • Linux kernel: The Linux kernel is the core of the Android operating system. It provides basic services, such as memory management, process management, and device driver management.
  • Hardware abstraction layer (HAL): The HAL provides an abstraction layer between the Android framework and the underlying hardware. This allows the Android framework to be hardware-independent.
  • Android Runtime (ART): The ART is a new runtime environment that replaces the Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM). ART is a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler that compiles Android applications into native code at runtime. This makes Android applications faster and more efficient.
  • Application framework: The application framework provides a set of APIs that applications can use to interact with the Android system. These APIs include things like the activity management, the permission management, and the notification management.

The 5th layer that some people refer to is the user interface. However, this is not technically a layer of the Android system architecture. The user interface is built on top of the application framework layer.

The Android system architecture is designed to be modular and extensible. This means that it is easy to add new features and functionality to the Android system. It also means that it is easy to port Android to new hardware platforms.

The Android system architecture is also designed to be secure. The layered architecture helps to protect the Android system from malicious attacks.

The Android system architecture is a complex system, but it is designed to be easy to use and to provide a platform for developers to create powerful and engaging applications.

BY: Balmiki Mandal

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