Almost all the Android devices come with pre-installed Google apps including Gmail, Google Maps, Google Chrome, YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Movies & TV, and many more.

Applications (“apps”), which extend the functionality of devices are written using the Android software development kit (SDK) and often, the Java programming language. The Go programming language is also supported, although with a limited set of application programming interfaces (API)

The SDK includes a comprehensive set of development tools including a debugger, software libraries, a handset emulator based on QEMU, documentation, sample code, and tutorials. Initially, Google’s supported integrated development environment (IDE) was Eclipse using the Android Development Tools (ADT) plugin.Later in December 2014, Google released Android Studio, based on IntelliJ IDEA, as its primary IDE for Android application development. Other development tools are available, including a native development kit (NDK) for applications or extensions in C or C++, Google App Inventor, a visual environment for novice programmers, and various cross-platform mobile web applications frameworks.

Android has a growing selection of third-party applications, which can be acquired by users by downloading and installing the application’s APK (Android application package) file, or by downloading them using an application store program that allows users to install, update, and remove applications from their devices. Google Play Store is the primary application store installed on Android devices that comply with Google’s compatibility requirements and license the Google Mobile Services software

Due to the open nature of Android, a number of third-party application marketplaces also exist for Android, either to provide a substitute for devices that are not allowed to ship with Google Play Store, provide applications that cannot be offered on Google Play Store. Since it is an open-source operating system which enabled a large pool of programmers to contribute their best and enhance Android.

There are around 200000 applications developed for android with over 3 billion+ downloads. Android relies on Linux version 2.6 for core system services such as security, memory management, process management, network stack, and driver model. Android is affordable and it has all capacities to perform a variety of tasks that a windows or iPhone does. It is capable of rapidly executing assigned operations. It supports 3D graphics which enables users to run 3D games as well.

Android interestingly names its operating system after desserts. It has released many versions till date. From Cupcake(2009) version to the latest Oreo(2017) version, Android has upgraded the operating system adding mind-blowing features.Android, is the most affordable and hence most widely used smartphone in the world which is expected to come up with more exciting features in the future.