Google’s ‘Android’ is an open-source and free operating system for mobile devices. Android, Inc., the company that created the OS, was bought by Google, Inc. in 2005. It was created with the Linux 2.6 kernels in mind.
Linus Torvalds created the Operating Systems in 1991 as another open-source operating system for personal computers and laptops. Android is based on Linux, however, there are ample differences between the two, so this article highlights all the notable points of differences between both operating systems.
Key Takeaways
- Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified Linux kernel version.
- Linux is an open-source operating system for servers, desktops, and various devices.
- Android and Linux share a common foundation but target different user experiences and devices.
Android vs Linux
The difference between Android and Linux is that Android is designed for smartphones, tablets, and smart devices operating via the Internet, but Linux is designed for PCs, notebooks, and workstations. Android does have its own C library known as the Bionic, while Linux systems employ the GNU C library. Since its first launch, the Android OS has received several upgrades. Every operating system update brings a few bug patches and even some additional features.
Google’s Android system was created by Google so that it can be used largely on smartphones and tablets, as well as many flat-screen Android televisions. Its layout allows users to interact with portable devices naturally, using finger gestures that mimic typical actions like pinching, sliding, and tapping. Official Android software may also be found in computers, vehicles, and smartwatches, each with its own UI.
Linux is a UNIX-based free operating system (OS). Users may change and build versions for personal computers by modifying and creating versions of the programming language. Linux is most commonly used as a web server, but it’s also found in desktops and laptops, e-book players, game consoles, and other devices.
The kernel (the primary OS element and the link here between the software system and its data), system utilities, applications, and tools for obtaining, implementing, and uninstalling OS updates would be included in a Linux system.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Android | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Developed and launched by Google Inc. assisted by the OHA or Open Handset Alliance. | Developed and designed by Linus Torvalds. |
| Licenses | It has the preferred license of Apache 2.0 and GNU GPLv2. | It has the preferred license of GNU GPLv2 (kernel) |
| Programming Language Used | It is versatile and written in C, C++, Java and other languages as well. Its applications can be designed using android studio. | Mainly written in C language. |
| Launch Date | Launched globally in September 2008. | Launched globally in 1991. |
| Target System | Smart phones, tablets, smart watches and televisions. | Desktop computers, personal computers, laptops as well as supercomputers. |
What is Android?
Android was designed with low-power hardware and internet-based mobile devices in mind, and it runs on virtualization machines. Android, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based technology company, created the Android operating system before being bought by Google in 2005.
Ever since its purchase, shareholders and semiconductor industry observers have doubted Google’s genuine ambitions for entering the market’s smartphone sector. In any event, Google announced the upcoming release of their first readily available Android-powered smartphone in 2007, even though the device didn’t compete in the marketplace until 2008.
Since its first launch, the Android os has received several upgrades. Every operating system release contains some bug fix patches as well as a few innovative device features that enhance the user experience. Each new version of the Android platform has its name, which is inspired by a confectionery. These variants are arranged alphabetically, such as Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice-cream sandwich, jellybean, and so on.
C, Java, C++, and more programming languages were used to create it. Google released the initial version of Android in 2007, and the final rollout via a smartphone occurred in 2008. Android 10 is the most recent stable release. It is completely free of charge. It is the most widely used operating system.
What is Linux?
Linux is a collection of Unix-like operating systems that are free and open source. Developed and designed by Linus Torvalds. This is a Linux distro that has been bundled. Debian, Fedora, and Ubuntu are among the most popular Linux distributions.
It was primarily written in machine coding language; C. Monolithic kernel is the kernel used during making Linux. Cloud technology, embedded devices, personal PCs, servers, computer networks, and supercomputers are all targets for Linux distributions. In 1991, the very first edition of Linux was released. Linux 5.6 is the most recent incarnation for desktop computers (kernel).
The General Public License governs the use of Linux, which is an open-source-based OS. Anybody can run, analyze, edit, and disseminate the raw data, as provided as they do so the same under the license. They can even boost sales of their modified script.
Linux has grown to be the world’s biggest open-source development. Amateurs and professional coders from all around the globe participate in the Linux kernel, making improvements, correcting bugs and repairing potential vulnerabilities, and proposing new ideas—all while continuing to support.
Main Differences Between Android and Linux
- Android is designed for mobile and smart devices, whereas Linux is designed for full-fledged desktops and supercomputers.
- Android was released in 2008, whereas Linux was released in 1991.
- Android is a product of Google whereas Linux is owned by Linus Torvald.
- Android’s kernel type is directly based on the Linux framework, whereas Linux’s kernel is Monolithic.
- The Android operating system has its power management, whilst Linux uses APM as well as ACPI to control power.
- https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/linux/what-is-linux
- https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-android-introduction-features-applications/
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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