The process of developing apps for hardware with the Android operating system is known as Android development. The official integrated development environment (IDE) for native Android is called Android Studio.

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Do you intend to build Android apps? Learn about the benefits of Android and important resources that can help you achieve better outcomes.

Utilize comprehensive APIs to get around restrictions on mobile devices.

Include services that improve runtime efficiency and user experience.

Get free materials to hasten Android development and enhance outcomes.

Considering creating a fresh Android application? You have companionship. Android, which began as an open-source project based on the Linux kernel in 2003, has grown to become the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide. Presently, Android is used by over two billion devices globally, and over four million apps have been launched by developers. On their phones, several of the top manufacturers—HTC, Huawei, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, and Sony—use Android.

Whether or not you’ve worked on Android development before, you are aware that planning may have a big impact on the outcome of your project. Possessing the appropriate knowledge and tools facilitates a seamless beginning and an effective, fruitful process.

Why work on Android apps?

Android offers developers a number of benefits, including:

Cloud services and APIs: The Android platform provides an extensive range of APIs that enable you to access the cloud and get beyond the constraints of mobile devices. which, in comparison to other platforms, often have fewer memory and computing capability. One way around those restrictions is to design your mobile application to leverage a cloud backend. You may reduce the memory and compute burden on the mobile device by designing your app to be as tiny as possible and optimizing API calls to cloud-based services. Google frequently releases information on the addition of new APIs for cloud service access.

Versions for various devices: Android gives developers a great deal of creative latitude when it comes to creating apps that leverage cutting-edge technologies. Android is primarily made for touchscreen mobile devices, such tablets and smartphones. Furthermore, Google has created Android versions for an expanding array of gadgets, such as wearables and smartwatches, in-car entertainment systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. If your company works in the automobile sector, you may create an app for dashboards. With the help of this program, users may ask inquiries in Google Search, travel using Google Maps, and play music from Android devices. You may write an Android app that is compatible with several automobile makes and models.

Scalable distribution: Google Play makes it easy to roll out your Android app broadly, whether you’re giving it to staff members, business associates, or consumers. Publishing your software on Google Play comes with minimal limitations, and it reaches a sizable market thanks to this online platform. To have your app published on Google Play, just spend $25 to create an account. In a day or two, the app will be available for download. Because Android is so widely used, a large number of devices can run your software.

Java is one of the most widely used programming languages, and it is the native language of Android. Writing applications for Android smartphones is easy and uncomplicated when using Java. Utilizing native programming techniques and utilizing the mobile device’s native capabilities is simple. The goal of the general-purpose language Java is to enable “write once, run anywhere.” In other words, compiled Java code doesn’t require recompilation to operate on any platform that supports Java. It is compatible with all computer architectures and may operate on any Java virtual machine.

Obtaining resources, such as tests and example code

After deciding on Android as your intended platform, you’ll need a few resources to get your project underway. Beginning with the Google home page, new developers frequently navigate to the Android website. Alternatively, you may go on to the Android Developer Site directly (link is external to ibm.com).

There are a number of resources available to you, such as the following:

An example of code to get you started

Before releasing your app, test it to ensure that it functions and is user-friendly.

Use these design and behavior standards while developing your application.

You should first install Java and configure your computer’s Java development kit (JDK) before continuing. Next, install the Android software development kit (SDK), which is necessary in order to create Android applications. You can utilize or refer to the APIs it contains when creating your application. When you first install the operating system, Google Chrome is the default browser. However, you are free to use other browsers, like Firefox, if you would choose.

Install the SDK’s accompanying Android Studio. The official integrated development environment (IDE) for native Android is called Android Studio. When it comes to coding, spell checking, error alerts, UI creation, and other tasks, the IDE is indispensable. Android Studio, which is based on JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA software, took the role of the Eclipse tools that were formerly utilized as the Android IDE.

Because of its excellent efficiency and fast response times, C++ is frequently utilized to create applications—which is why so many game creators opt to use it. Get the native development kit (NDK) for Android if you wish to reuse C++ code in your Android application. You may use C or C++ code and libraries to implement portions of your app with the aid of this tool set.

Additionally, there is software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux that emulates Android on other operating systems. The way the Android emulator functions is by transforming Android files into a format that other operating systems can understand.

Many of the corporate applications available today adopt the material design approach, which is followed by Android. To help you build a compelling user experience for all platforms and devices, Android Material build offers guidelines for visual, motion, and interaction design.

Enriching an application

Today’s mobile developers aim to make their apps as competitive as possible while designing initiatives. Take into account adding services that can optimize the app’s functionality and user experience.

Push notifications: Notifying consumers of pertinent information is a simple method to keep their attention. This information might take the kind of deals, events, updates, how-to guides for major features, and other content that entices users to utilize your app.

Mobile analytics: AI-based analytics that can answer user inquiries, tailor user interactions, identify fraud, or handle natural language content can enhance your application.

Functions-as-a-service, or FaaS, is a development methodology that allows you to use the cost savings associated with executing backend computation only when your application calls the cloud via an API for a specific function. For instance, let’s say you want to schedule push alerts for once per month. You can only pay for the seconds or minutes of compute time needed to transmit your notifications when using a FaaS platform.