Android: How to get started?
Nov 8 · 3 min read
The process of building an Android app is quite simple and Straight forward. You’ll need to learn the following technologies to start developing for Android:-
- Android Studio IDE(Integrated Development Environment): You’ll need to be familiar with Android Studio or any other Java IDE like Eclipse or IntelliJ. I personally prefer Android Studio because of its simplicity and the plethora of features it provides.
- Gradle: Gradle is a build system used by Android Studio to manage the dependencies in your projects. You’ll not consciously need to learn Gradle but you’ll use it since the beginning and will be familiar with it while learning Android.
- Java or Kotlin: Java is the primary programming language for Android Development. The logic part of an Android app is written either in Java or Kotlin. You’ll need the be familiar with Object-Oriented Programming concepts and the process of software development in Java. If you are new here, don’t worry. It’s quite easy once you get started and you’ll enjoy writing code in both Java and Kotlin.
- XML: You’ll need to be familiar with XML. XML(eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language used for UI development for Android.
- SQLite Databases: You are gonna need a database management system if you want to build a practically usable application. Android uses SQLite as it’s primary database engine which is a lighter version of one of the most popular RDBMS MySQL.
- Git and Github: It’s easy to maintain a small project but when it comes to real-life huge projects, many things can go wrong with your project. You’ll need a version control system that’ll help you manage different versions of your project and help you get it back if you messed up at a certain point. Learning Git is not necessary but eventually, you’ll have to learn it and is a valuable skill.
- OpenGL ES: If you want to build simple apps without graphics, then you are good to go without it. But, if you want to build a stunning app with great visual looks and graphics, you’ll need to learn OpenGL as it is the graphics engine used by Android to render graphics on the screen.
These are the primary technologies used in Android Development. But wait, there are lots of other technologies involved too if you are into a complicated project with Machine Learning and web infrastructure. But, these are important to get started. And don’t worry, once you begin, you’ll have no problem learning them along the way as it is a really fun process.
These were the technologies, so now, let’s talk about the development process of an Android app:-
- It all starts with starting a new project on Android Studio. And the process of turning your amazing idea into reality begins here.
- Then, after starting the project, you’ll have to choose a name and a unique package name for your app. You’ll also need to choose your targeted android versions and what kind of devices you are developing for.
- Then, after creating the project, your project is gonna look like this in Android Studio
- Then after starting the project, your creativity is limit. You can build whatever you want from scratch. Be it an amazing app idea or a game that you wanted to build since your childhood. It all depends on how well you can build. Just learn whatever needed to make your idea a reality and work your ass off.
I wish you all the best.