ANDROID / How to build an Android app

How to build an Android app

One ways to create simple applications for Android.

One of the strengths of the Android platform compared to iOS, for example, is that it has an open source basis, which makes it easier to produce your own applications and distribute them without waiting for a lengthy approval process. You can set up your own Android app on your PC as long as you have the right software installed, and you can even take it for a test drive using an Android emulator so you can see what it will look like when it's run on a smartphone.
There are two techniques that you can use to produce Android applications with a PC. The first uses the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). This lets you write raw code and helps you get it working in the Android environment. The second uses App Inventor, a Google Labs tool that's still in beta.
This provides you with a simple drag-and-drop environment that you can use to generate new applications made up of building blocks of code and media. It's an attempt to make application development possible for people who aren't hardcore coders, but it's not recommended for production environments.
Assuming that you'd like to try the full coded environment, we'll demonstrate how to produce a simple 'hello world' application. If you'd rather work in a GUI, we'll discuss App Inventor later on. Android apps are written in Java code, so you'll need a Java development kit installed on your PC. You also need an integrated development environment (IDE) so you can write and test the code.


 

Want to Learn How to Program for Android? Start Here

Everyone has experienced the desire to program at one point or another. However, there are generally four limiting factors: Time Constraints, Study Material, Mental Blocks, and Attention Span. So clear your schedule, clear your mind, and self-medicate your ADD with a nice cup of your favorite coffee because here’s the material you need to learn how to program.

The hardest part of learning to program is overcoming a mental block. First, there is no programming deity out there who grants code-literacy to anyone. Learning to code is the same as learning any language—there are nouns, verbs, and sentences that come together in a certain way in order to make sense to the computer. Once you’ve written down a complete thought, the program works properly.

Second, even Java experts with PhDs in computer science think of Java as having huge black-boxes with inputs and outputs. Just as with any language, the higher your expertise means the more obscure language structures you can use. Anyone can learn basic language structures though.

The third mental block is to get motivated and “Just do it.” The tools are free.  The resources are available. Anyone who wants to write a program can do it and publish their work.  So you need to just jump right into your IDE and start making something.

Tools: How to Build an Android App Part 1: Setting up Eclipse and the Android SDK – Setting up Eclipse and the Android SDK will give you the basic tools you need to get started making an Android app.  As with any project, you should start by gathering up your tools and learning to use them first.

Skills: “The Java Tutorials” – The Java Tutorials is essentially an http E-Book that is laid out in the same format as many certifications and online courses. Many people have stated that they want to “Sit-down and learn Java.”  The Java Tutorials are a great way to do precisely this. This is tailored to writing generic Java applications, and not specifically Android’s implementation of Java. Learning this material will give you a strong knowledge base for programming Java applications.

Materials: Android “Package Index” – The Android Package Index is a reference for all of the Packages, Classes, and APIs provided by Google.  Once you learn how to program in Java, you need to learn about the individual building blocks of an application. Each of these packages function as the nouns and verbs in your writing. The documentation show the appropriate time and place to use these words as well as what you get out of them. This package index serves as your dictionary.

Architecture: “Android Design” – The Android Design page is a great launchpad for ideas in your Android application. This page is examples of what Google would like to see.  Each page shows design implementations recommended by Google.

The Human Aspect: Our Android hacking forum is the perfect place to ask questions, get answers, and see the works of other developers.

So, we’ve covered all the basics needed to get started creating your own Android applications. There are almost infinite resources available on the Internet. Please share your favourite resources below.