Android Overview

Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware, and key applications. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications on the Android platform using the Java programming language.

Open Handset Alliance
Android was developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google. Google purchased the initial developer of the software, Android Inc., in 2005. The unveiling of the Android distribution on November 5, 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 84 hardware, software, and telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.

Open Source Platform
Google released most of the Android code under the Apache License, a free software license. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is tasked with the maintenance and further development of Android.

Versions
Android is continually developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), and has seen a number of updates to its base operating system since the initial release.
Version Code name Release date API level
14 14 2023 35
13 13 2022 33
12 12 2021 31
11 11 February 19, 2020 30
10 10 September 3, 2019 29
9 Pie August 6, 2018 28
8.0 Oreo August 21, 2017 26-27
7.0 Nougat August 22, 2016 24-25
6.0 Marshmallow October 5, 2015 23
5.0 Lollipop June 25, 2014 21
4.4 KitKat October 31, 2013 19
4.1.x Jelly Bean July 9, 2012 16
4.0.3–4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich December 16, 2011 15
3.2 Honeycomb July 15, 2011 13
2.3.3–2.3.7 Gingerbread February 9, 2011 10
2.2 Froyo May 20, 2010 8
1.0 September 23, 2008 1