1page.title=The Android Source Code
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19<p>
20Android is an open-source software stack created for a wide array of devices
21with different form factors. The primary purposes of Android are to create an
22open software platform available for carriers, OEMs, and developers to make
23their innovative ideas a reality and to introduce a successful,
24real-world product that improves the mobile experience for users.
25
26We also wanted to make sure there was
27no central point of failure, where one industry player could restrict or
28control the innovations of any other. The result is a full, production-quality
29consumer product with source code open for customization and porting.
30</p>
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35<h2 id="governance-philosophy">Governance Philosophy</h2
36<p>Android was originated by a group of companies known as the Open
37Handset Alliance, led by Google. Today, many companies -- both original members
38of the OHA and others -- have invested heavily in Android. These companies have
39allocated significant engineering resources to improve Android and bring Android
40devices to market.
41</p>
42<p>The companies that have invested in Android have done so on its merits
43because we believe an open platform is necessary. Android is
44intentionally and explicitly an open-source -- as opposed to a free software --
45effort; a group of organizations with shared needs has pooled
46resources to collaborate on a single implementation of a shared product.
47The Android philosophy is pragmatic, first and foremost. The objective is
48a shared product that each contributor can tailor and customize.</p>
49
50<p>Uncontrolled customization can, of course, lead to incompatible
51implementations. To prevent this, the Android Open Source Project also maintains the <a href="{@docRoot}compatibility/index.html">Android
52Compatibility Program</a>, which spells out what it means to be "Android
53compatible" and what is required of device builders to achieve that status.
54Anyone can (and will!) use the Android source code for any purpose, and we
55welcome all legitimate uses. However, in order to take part in the shared
56ecosystem of applications we are building around Android, device builders
57must participate in the Android Compatibility Program.</p>
58
59<p>The Android Open Source Project is led by Google, who
60maintains and further develops Android.
61Although Android consists of multiple subprojects, this is strictly a
62project management technique. We view and manage Android as a single,
63holistic software product, not a "distribution", specification, or collection
64of replaceable parts. Our intent is that device builders port
65Android to a device; they don't implement a specification or curate a
66distribution.</p>
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