Android Technical Information
Welcome to the Android technical documentation section of the site. Here you can find technical information useful to people and organizations who are looking to modify, contribute to, or port the Android software. This is "under the hood" information intended for engineers.
Dalvik Technical Information
The Dalvik Virtual Machine is the heart of Android. It's a fast, just-in-time compiled, optimized bytecode virtual machine. Android applications are compiled to Dalvik bytecode and run on the Dalvik VM. This section includes detailed information such as the Dalvik bytecode format specification, design information on the VM itself, and so on.
Debugging
Android is a large and complex system. This section includes tips and tricks about debugging at the platform level.
Encryption Technical Information
The Android Open-Source Project includes the ability to encrypt the user's data. This document is written for 3rd parties developing Android devices who want to include support for encryption on their device. It covers the few things that must be done so encryption will work.
Security Technical Information
Android provides a robust multi-layered security architecture that provides the flexibility required for an open platform, while providing protection for all users of the platform. This document focuses on the security features of the core Android platform.
Input Technical Information
Android's input subsystem is responsible for supporting touch screens, keyboard, joysticks, mice and other devices.
Data Usage Technical Information
Android's data usage features allow users to understand and control how their device uses network data. This document is designed for systems integrators and mobile operators, to help explain technical details they should be aware of when porting Android to specific devices.
Accessory Protocol Information
Android devices can connect to hardware accessories, such as audio docks, keyboards and custom hardware, through USB or Bluetooth. This document describes the Android Open Accessory protocol for accessory hardware builders.
» Accessory Protocol Information
External Storage Technical Information
Android supports devices with external storage, typically provided by physical media or an emulation layer. This document is designed to help systems integrators configure Android devices.