Android Application Development: A Beginner’s Guide
Therefore, your mind is full of creativity to create an application to quench the thirst of the users. Do some cool images come to your mind where you can see unbeatable downloads? Where are you stuck? Are you into learning how to code a successful Android app?
Learning is a never-ending process and if you have that hunger in you, no task is unattainable. Android app development can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. In-depth knowledge is required to get started with the development process. There are some terms that you may not be familiar with, but a special thanks to Google, which makes our task so much easier. Take a deep sigh of relief and buckle up for a big, bumpy scramble ahead.
Step 1: Selection of the Operating System
An operating system is the most important piece of software that runs on a computer. It is a means of communication between the programmer and the computer itself. The proper selection of the OS (Operating System) depends on the scope of your project. There are three main operating systems that rule the internet world: Linux, Windows, and Mac.
Linux is the operating system of choice for most of the developers, but if you are new to it, go for the Windows operating system. Once the selection is made, you can proceed to the next step of installing Android Studio.
Step 2: Download and install Android Studio
Android Studio is the most widely used ‘Integrated Development Environment’ owned by Google. IDE is a platform where you can see the codes you write and see the results right there. After you download Android Studio, you can finish the installation process to see a screen where you can run your codes.
You can also use a common editor to run the codes, but why ignore the specialty of this IDE? It is specifically designed for Android code and application.
Step 3: Download the Java Development Kit (JDK)
After downloading Android Studio, the next important piece of software is the JDK. The programming language that will be used to develop the Android application will be JAVA. Therefore, to use Android Studio, the JDK must be installed, which can be downloaded here. Please follow the instructions carefully to install. Once this is done, your Android Studio is ready to be launched.
Another deciding factor is the user interface in which you want to see the output of your code. There are two options open to you: the emulator or the realtime device.
An Android emulator is a virtual Android device that will look exactly like your Android device and can be used to run and test your code. If you have chosen to test your code on a realtime device, the driver that supports it must be installed again.
Step 4: Starting your first project
You are all set to start your new Android Studio project. Enter the name of the project you are waiting for and after successful completion, you can upload it to the Google Play Store.
Naming your project should be smart enough because this will be the file that all users will see. While thinking about the app, you might have decided on the platform it will run on, ie; Phone or tablet.
Step 5: The Home Page for the Final Project
Once the app you are creating opens, you may see a message that says, “Hello world.” This is the smallest program that all developers do while learning a new technology. From this you can start coding your desired project in mind. It can be a job listing app or a taxi booking app or even a book store.
Finally jumping to reality
Not all apps are successful and get good reviews. A bit of marketing along with a user-friendly experience is something to focus more on. Furthermore, JAVA is a language that requires a deep sense of knowledge. Practicing is the best possible way to succeed.