Understanding Java is crucial for Android development for several reasons:
1. Foundation of Android Development
Primary Language: Java has been the primary programming language for Android since its inception. Many Android APIs, libraries, and the Android SDK itself are designed with Java in mind.
Compatibility: Knowledge of Java ensures compatibility and a deep understanding of legacy codebases and existing Android libraries, which are predominantly written in Java.
2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Design Patterns: Java’s OOP principles are fundamental in developing clean, scalable, and maintainable Android applications. Design patterns like MVC (Model-View-Controller), MVP (Model-View-Presenter), and MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) often rely on OOP concepts.
Reusability and Modularity: Java’s OOP features allow for code reuse through inheritance and interface implementations, leading to modular and manageable code structures.
3. Multithreading and Concurrency
Responsive Applications: Java’s concurrency model, including threads and the Executor framework, is essential for creating responsive Android applications that can handle background tasks without blocking the main UI thread.
Asynchronous Programming: Understanding Java’s threading and concurrency features helps in effectively using Android-specific tools like AsyncTask, Handler, and more recent additions like RxJava and Kotlin coroutines.