Android app development is dynamic. New languages emerge very quickly and developers must re-skill each time. Being a programming student, you can easily get help with your homework from the programming experts, but if you’ve decided to master the craft of app development, the following guide may come in handy.
With each change, apps become less error-prone, more functional, and reliable. For instance, one of such languages is Kotlin – this language makes development easier and more intuitive. So, if you want to write your first Android app, there are a few things to learn.
Understand your main goal for the app
The first thing you need to do is understand your goal for the app. Knowing this goal will help you to determine what you need to learn and the tools to assist you. What will the app do? How will it work? You also need to identify your target users. Is there something they should look out for in your app?
You need to get a feel for what the application will offer. Any feature that doesn’t fit in should be removed. It can always be added later. For instance, you may want to enable social media login. This doesn’t need to be in the first version. Rather, think of the most important ones. Focus on these and you can enhance the app after making it.
When you understand the important functions, you will need to wireframe all that your app can do. This process involves creating a basic layout of the app. You need to understand each button function. Use a pen and paper to write them down so you can remember when the time comes.
The wireframe should contain the design elements. However, you must understand the user flow. Make sure it makes sense to you. The features should be laid out in advance as well. When this is done, the next focus should be the backend. What architecture should you use? Will it be data storage on the cloud or the user’s device? Are there going to be push notifications?
You also need to consider how you intend to connect your database. Decide what you want to focus on and choose a structure. Also, the basic backend of the app should be illustrated.
Choose the right language
At this point, you may not know what it looks like. This is fine. The important thing would be to choose the best computer programming language. The primary language you need to write your first Android app is Java. This language is used for most app development in the Android operating system.
It is used on other platforms so it is a good start for someone who wants to branch out to other operating systems in the future. Note that you may need to learn Swift or Objective-C if you intend to design iOS apps. Both are built for the Apple operating system but cannot be used on any other platform. However, you may learn just enough to serve you later.
Picking the appropriate language is essential because it renders your skills worthless. If they cannot be used to program in the proper framework, they’re useless. Also, if you are not sure about the platform to use, pick one that you are comfortable with. It will give you a good start.
Learn the basics
Before starting on your Android app, you need to make sure you understand the basics. For instance, before going to culinary school, you need to learn different things like chopping vegetables and turning the oven on. The good thing about the basics is that they aren’t difficult. However, they are mandatory.
The first thing you need to learn to do is set up the code. The second is how you can set up an environment for quick and efficient work. You need a place to prepare the code and see it work. As an Android developer, you will need to learn how Android Studio works and how to use it. This program gives you what you need to design and publish the app rather than just playing with the code.
The next thing you must learn is version control. Git is an excellent resource for this. It is a free tool that can help you save any revisions to your code. If you make mistakes, you can always restore the older version of the code. You can also remove bugs from the code. If you want to go further, you can also learn more about GitHub and how to use it. The platform is just like Dropbox, but for code.
The platform allows you to store updated code, view revisions, and share it with others on the team. This time spent learning how to use the platform will benefit you when you enter development fully. It is even better if you are working with a team.
Learn the language you will use as well. Research some basic errors beginners face and try to get familiar with them. You will be able to learn commands and syntax of language within a short time. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t learn it immediately. Most beginners struggle with it as well.
Download the required tools for Android app development
After getting an excellent overview of the language, it is time to create a roadmap to learn. You need to get some tools to get your desktop ready to support Android app development. You will need Android SDK and Android Studio. Thankfully, they come as one file, so you won’t need multiple downloads.
Build your app
The next step is to build a prototype. You need to do this quickly because you cannot comprehend the experience unless you see how it flows and works. Build it quickly enough to get it into the hands of users to see how it would work for the common use case.
Testing is the next step in Android app development. It is ideal to start testing early. Also, do it as many times as possible because it will reduce your overall costs drastically. Fixing bugs can be more expensive if you pass certain stages in development. Always fall back on the notes you took earlier while testing.
You will need developer accounts when you are done. You need to register it with the app store to be able to launch your app on their platform. There are two options available for you to do this. It is either you register as a company or an individual. Whichever is more convenient for you works just fine.
Analytics is also essential, so you should integrate them. They help you track user engagement, downloads, and app retention stats. There are several tools on the market for this purpose. You can get both paid and free versions for this.
Feedback is also important. don’t forget to get feedback and improve quickly on the issues. When the app is launched on the app store, the first downloader’s usage and behavior may just give you ideas on how to enhance your app. Changes and enhancements are constant. This is why you should always look out for user feedback to continue building when necessary.
Lastly, you need to introduce features. you started with a limited features version with a single offering. All those features you left out in the planning stage should be reevaluated. Introduce the new features and feedback, and analytics will let you know whether users need the features.
Once you are ready to build your app, you will understand that the easiest part is to build the app itself. The main challenge will be planning and testing. Debugging may also be a problem.
