Android application development is mostly done using Java. The set of Android SDK tools comprise the code apart from the resource files and the relevant data all of which form an Android package. The file can be easily identified from its extension .apk. The entire code of one .apk file is regarded as an application and is used by the devices that are powered by Android to enable installation.
Each and every technology platform has its own terminology to refer to the different components. Similarly, the Android platform comprises three classes namely Activity, Intent and Context. Though there are more advanced classes and components, these three certainly form the fundamental elements for each and every Android application.
An Android application, in other words is a collection of tasks. Each of these tasks is referred to as an activity. Each activity that constitutes an application serves a specific purpose and has a user interface. Each of the components of an application is a separate point through which the system can penetrate the application. However, not every component is necessarily an actual entry point for user and is dependent on other components. However, each of these has a specific role to play in the overall functioning of the application.
There are four chief application components and it is necessary to know about them in case of Android application development.
Activities: An activity refers to a single screen along with a user interface. For instance when it comes to an email application, it may comprise one activity for displaying the list of emails, another for composing the mail and yet another one for reading emails. Though all of these diverse activities come together to create a single application, each one of them is distinct from the other and can work independently. Any of these diverse applications can commence an activity. For instance a camera application can begin an activity in the email app, provided the latter allows it.
Services: This component functions in the background to carry on long running operations or to carry on remote processes. There is no user interface as far as services are concerned. For instance, one of the services can play music even when the user is busy with another application.
Content Providers: These manage shared application data. The data can be stored in a SQLite database, on the web, in a file system or any other location, which the application can get access to. It is through the content providers that other applications can run a search or even make modifications to the data.
Broadcast receivers: This component responds to system wide announcements, some of which originate from the system itself, for example a message flashing that battery is too low. Some applications can initiate broadcasts.
Last but not the least, whether you are a developer or an enthusiast, it is necessary to know about all these aspects in great detail when it comes to Android app development. So, take a stride ahead in your quest to build your first application.
Elan Emerging Technologies 
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