Android HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) ( androidhal | 21 hours )

• C/C++ programming experience.
• Java programming experience.
• Knowledge of hardware and software architecture.

Audience

• Linux system developers
• Android system programmers
• Developers who want to get into Android system programming

Android HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) is one of the lower layers in the Android OS software stack (right above the Linux kernel). It is a hardware specific implementation that provides an interface between system services (e.g., camera software) and the hardware drivers for that service (e.g., camera driver).

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at developers who wish to write HAL interfaces to enable Android applications to talk to the underlying hardware.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Android HAL architecture and its role in system functionality.
• Gain proficiency in AIDL (Android Interface Definition Language) for modern HAL development.
• Learn migration techniques from HIDL to AIDL.
• Explore updates to Audio and Camera HALs, including new features introduced in Android 14.
• Learn best practices for ensuring HAL compliance with Android security and privacy standards.
• Explore Project Mainline's impact on HAL modularity and updatability.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Lots of exercises and practice.
• Hands-on implementation in a live-lab environment.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized training for this course, please contact us to arrange.

Introduction to Android HAL

• Overview of Android system architecture
• Role of the HAL in Android
• Evolution of HAL: From HIDL to AIDL
• Setting up the development environment
• Exploring AOSP for HAL components

AIDL for HAL Development

• Introduction to AIDL and its syntax
• Defining interfaces with AIDL
• Implementing AIDL-based HALs
• Binding services to system components
• Testing and debugging AIDL interfaces

Migrating from HIDL to AIDL

• Differences between HIDL and AIDL
• Benefits of migrating to AIDL
• Step-by-step migration process
• Ensuring backward compatibility
• Challenges and solutions

Advanced HAL Topics

• Audio HAL: Transition to AIDL, support for Ultra HDR and wide-gamut
• Camera HAL: Implementing new features in Android 14
• Project Mainline: Modularity and updatable HALs
• Exploring other HALs (Sensors, Bluetooth, etc.)

Security, Testing, and Best Practices

• Android security measures for HAL
• Validating and testing HAL interfaces
• Best practices for HAL development
• Debugging tools and techniques
• Future trends in Android HAL development

Summary and Nest Steps