What is the runtime responsible for in Android?

Execution of bytecode, memory management, and lifecycle of application components.

Includes:

• Virtual Machine (DVM/ART): Executes DEX bytecode.
  • DVM (Dalvik Virtual Machine): Deprecated, based on JIT compilation.
  • ART (Android Runtime): Current, uses AOT compilation for faster startup and execution, as well as improved garbage collection.
• Memory Management: Allocation and deallocation of memory for application objects.
• Garbage Collection: Automatic freeing of unused memory.
• Process Management: Creating and terminating processes for each application.
• Thread Management: Scheduling and executing threads within each process.
• System Services: Interaction with core OS functions such as window management, input, audio, etc.