1page.title=The Android Source Code
2@jd:body
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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</p>
26
27<p>
28We also wanted to make sure there was
29no central point of failure, where one industry player could restrict or
30control the innovations of any other. The result is a full, production-quality
31consumer product with source code open for customization and porting.
32</p>
33
34<div class="figure" style="width:700px">
35  <img src="{@docRoot}images/android_framework_details.png" alt="Android framework details" height="483px" />
36  <p class="img-caption">
37    <strong>Figure 1.</strong> Android stack
38  </p>
39</div>
40
41<h2 id="governance-philosophy">Governance Philosophy</h2>
42<p>Android was originated by a group of companies known as the Open
43Handset Alliance, led by Google. Today, many companies -- both original members
44of the OHA and others -- have invested heavily in Android. These companies have
45allocated significant engineering resources to improve Android and bring Android
46devices to market.
47</p>
48<p>The companies that have invested in Android have done so on its merits
49because we believe an open platform is necessary. Android is
50intentionally and explicitly an open-source -- as opposed to a free software --
51effort; a group of organizations with shared needs has pooled
52resources to collaborate on a single implementation of a shared product.
53The Android philosophy is pragmatic, first and foremost. The objective is
54a shared product that each contributor can tailor and customize.</p>
55
56<p>Uncontrolled customization can, of course, lead to incompatible
57implementations. To prevent this, the Android Open Source Project also maintains the <a href="{@docRoot}compatibility/index.html">Android
58Compatibility Program</a>, which spells out what it means to be "Android
59compatible" and what is required of device builders to achieve that status.
60Anyone can (and will!) use the Android source code for any purpose, and we
61welcome all legitimate uses. However, in order to take part in the shared
62ecosystem of applications we are building around Android, device builders
63must participate in the Android Compatibility Program.</p>
64
65<p>The Android Open Source Project is led by Google, who
66maintains and further develops Android.
67Although Android consists of multiple subprojects, this is strictly a
68project management technique. We view and manage Android as a single,
69holistic software product, not a "distribution", specification, or collection
70of replaceable parts. Our intent is that device builders port
71Android to a device; they don't implement a specification or curate a
72distribution.</p>
73