What’s difference between Linux and Android

Many folks consider both of these as operating systems. The Linux OS is for Desktops & Servers, while the Android OS is for Mobiles. Is that completely correct?

Linux OS, precisely speaking, Linux kernel is the most popular OS, while Android is a framework built on top of the Linux kernel. So every Android device is running the Linux kernel as well, but not every Linux device doesn’t have Android. We can think of the Linux kernel as the foundation on which Android is built. Also, Android isn’t limited to Mobiles only. Android runs on other devices such as TVs, cameras, watches, and even Cars!

History and Evolution

Linux was invented in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student who aimed to create an open-source and free alternative to the Unix operating system. He made the Linux kernel public, enabling developers from all over the world to provide feedback and expand it. Within the following couple of years, Linux very quickly gained ground, primarily among developers and computer enthusiasts. By the early 2000s, Linux was ubiquitous in servers, enterprise networks, and even as a desktop OS. Now, Linux powers a broad range of systems—from personal computers and web servers to embedded systems and supercomputers.

Android began life in 2003 as a project by Android Inc., which was started by Andy Rubin and his team with the goal of creating software for digital cameras. Attention then turned to developing an open mobile platform. In 2005, Google bought Android Inc., seeing the possibilities of a Google-sponsored mobile operating system. The first smartphone running Android, the HTC Dream (also referred to as the T-Mobile G1), was released in 2008. Android gained traction rapidly, reaching the point that it is the most popular mobile operating system globally. Android currently covers billions of devices worldwide, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs, wearables, cars, and beyond.

Architecture Comparison

Although Linux and Android share the same core (the Linux kernel), their overall system architecture is quite different because they serve different purposes.

Linux Architecture is straightforward and modular:

• Kernel – The core part of the system that interacts with hardware and manages system resources.
• Shell – The interface that lets users interact with the system, usually via commands.
• Utilities/Applications – Software tools and programs that run on top, such as browsers, editors, and media players.

Android Architecture is layered and designed specifically for mobile and embedded devices:

• Linux Kernel – Acts as the base, handling low-level hardware operations like memory and power management.
• Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) – A middle layer that helps Android talk to different hardware components without depending on the hardware type.
• Android Runtime (ART) – Runs Android apps by converting their code into something the system understands.
• Application Framework – Provides tools and APIs developers use to build apps (e.g., for camera, notifications, or storage).
• Apps – The user-facing applications installed on Android devices.

Features of Linux:

• Open-source: Linux is an open-source operating system, which means that its source code is freely available to anyone and can be modified and redistributed.
• Highly customizable: Linux is highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
• Command-line interface: Linux offers a command-line interface for advanced users and developers.
• Large software repository: Linux has a large repository of software packages, which can be easily installed and managed using package managers.
• Multiple desktop environments: Linux supports multiple desktop environments, which allows users to choose the interface that they prefer.

Features of Android:

• Mobile-focused: Android is primarily designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
• Highly customizable: Like Linux, Android is also highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
• App-based: Android relies heavily on apps, which are available through the Google Play Store or other app stores.
• Touch-based interface: Android uses a touch-based interface that is optimized for mobile devices.
• Security: Android has built-in security features to protect against viruses, malware, and other security threats.

Similarities between Linux and Android:

• Open-source: Both Linux and Android are open-source operating systems, which means that their source code is freely available to anyone and can be modified and redistributed.
• Linux-based: Android is based on the Linux kernel, which means that it shares many of the same features and capabilities as Linux.
• Highly customizable: Both Linux and Android are highly customizable, and users can modify and configure the system to suit their specific needs and preferences.
• Large software repository: Both Linux and Android have a large repository of software packages, which can be easily installed and managed using package managers or app stores.
• Security: Both Linux and Android have built-in security features to protect against viruses, malware, and other security threats.

Let us see more differences are as follows:

Must Read

• 30 Days of Linux : A Complete Guide For Beginners
• 25 Basic Linux Commands For Beginners
• Android App Development Fundamentals for Beginners

Conclusion

Being two of the leading operating systems based on the Linux kernel, Linux and Android cater to the kernel. Linux is a general-purpose operating system that may be used for a large array of computing tasks, whereas Android is a customized operating system specifically meant for mobile devices. It is for this very reason that, while choosing Linux vs. Android, one must consider the purpose that an OS would serve and the requirements of the user.

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