 “An Application may not itself install or launch
other executable code by any means, including
without limitation through the use of a plug-in
architecture, calling other frameworks, other
APIs or otherwise. No interpreted code may be
downloaded and used in an Application except for
code that is interpreted and run by Apple’s
Published APIs and built-in interpreter(s).” –
iPhone SDK EULA
iPHONE DEVELOPMENT
The mobile development community is at a tipping point. Mobile users demand more
choice, more opportunities to customize their phones, and more functionality. Mobile
operators want to provide value-added content to their subscribers in a manageable and
lucrative way. Mobile developers want the freedom to develop the powerful mobile
applications users demand with minimal roadblocks to success. Finally, handset manufacturers
want a stable, secure, and affordable platform to power their devices. Upuntil now
single mobile platform has adequately addressed the needs of all the parties.
Enter Android, which is a potential game-changer for the mobile development community.An
innovative and open platform,Android is well positioned to address the
growing needs of the mobile marketplace.
This chapter explains what Android is, how and why it was developed, and where the
platform fits in to the established mobile marketplace.
A Brief History of Mobile Software Development
To understand what makes Android so compelling, we must examine how mobile development
has evolved and how Android differs from competing platforms.