Android is a Linux-based, open-source operating system used in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. This tutorial covers both basic and advanced Android programming, focusing on building user-friendly apps. Since Android programming primarily uses Java, familiarity with Java will make learning Android development easier. The Specialization will help you apply core Java concepts, software patterns, and Android components to create maintainable mobile apps, as well as understand Java I/O and persistence.