Based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance, Android has the potential to unite a fragmented mobile market. Android Application Development by Rick Rogers, John Lombardo, Zigurd Mednieks, and Blake Meike introduces this programming environment — including the operating system and SDK — and provides working examples with thorough explanations to demonstrate Android’s architectural features and APIs.

This practical book provides the concepts and code you need to develop software with Android, the open-source platform for cell phones and mobile devices that’s generating enthusiasm across the industry. With Android Application Development, you will:

• Write Android applications that take advantage of any core function available in today’s mobile devices
• Create a complete modular application that makes use of Android’s UI elements
• Learn the concepts and architecture of a feature set that includes views, maps, location-based services, persistent data storage, telephony services, and inter-process communication
• Apply ready-to-run code to implement each feature
• Learn advanced topics, such as 2D and 3D graphics, debugging, and performance analysis

The book is a natural complement to the existing Android documentation provided by Google. Whether you want to develop a commercial application for mobile devices, or just want to create a mobile mashup for personal use, Android Application Development demonstrates how you can design, build, and test applications that are innovating, portable, and profitable.