Android is an open-source operating platform from Google designed for mobile phones. It has gained significant popularity over time, creating a great demand for Android developer. Android programming involves developing an application using the simple but powerful operating system, android studio, and the aid of the Android software developer kit. This is a highly sought-after career path because it has a high success rate despite the lower resources used and lower development costs. Here’s how to become an Android Developer and learn from the best training institutes in South Africa.
Why choose Android Developer?
Android is a great platform. It doesn’t require technical knowledge which makes it simple for developers of different skill levels to use it. The Google Play Store hosts an estimated 2.6 Million Android apps.
Android development is a cost-effective option for businesses looking to launch new applications. It also offers greater reach and promotion potential. Android developers have access to a broader range of opportunities.
Android is a better operating system than others because it doesn’t require you to purchase SDK tools or incur a yearly cost as a designer. Although the price of developing an app with Android includes audio, asset, graphics creation, and coding costs, it is still much cheaper than creating one using another operating system. Android allows you to develop interactive apps on any device. This requires low investment and produces higher ROI.
Once an Android app is developed and tested, approval and deployment on Google Play Store take only a day. Android allows you to target multiple platforms with application development. Kotlin, the official language of Google for Android application development, can be used to develop applications that run on iOS and Java desktops.
Are Android Developers in High Demand?
Android developers are responsible for creating software for Android-powered tablets and smartphones. Because of the complexity of the ecosystem, an Android developer must ensure that the application is compatible with different Android versions and platforms. They must also be familiar with the practices and trends in a forum like this.
It is easy to learn the correct programming language and understand how the android platform works.
Android developers are highly sought after as every business and firm in the market today has an Android app that can offer clients various services. Consider becoming a freelancer if you are new to the field.
Android development can open many career opportunities, including freelancing and employment at top companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. Android developers are still in demand. Learning the language is much easier with online resources.
Select a platform
Mobile Development is a broad field. This means that there are many ways to create an app. The whole community of mobile developers works on two sides: Cross-Platform and Native Development.
Android development -> Kotlin or Java
Objective C and Swift are used to develop IOS.
Cross-Platform -> using Flutter, Ionic, Xamarin, React-Native, etc.
The first two points are for Native, and the third one is for Hybrid.
Native vs. Cross-Platform
Native Development is a platform-specific development. Native Development is written in compatible languages with the platform. For example, native Android apps can only run on Android OS. Native iOS apps only run on iOS.
Cross-platform Development will enable you to use specialized tools that can be used on both iOS and Android platforms.
If you are new to mobile Development, it is best to start with native and then move on to cross-platform technologies (if you wish to).
React Native and Flash are the best hybrid technologies at present. However, I believe that you need to have a solid understanding of native mobile Development to be successful in these technologies.
Keep this Native vs. Cross-Platform topic in mind for another day.
This blog is primarily focused on Native Android development.
Learn a Language
You can create android apps using Kotlin and Java languages. This is another part for beginners that needs to be clarified.
1.JAVA
Java is the original programming language used to create android apps.
Java is older than Kotlin in terms of its support community and user base.
Android is a framework written in Java. To code an android app, you must know Java and become familiar with the syntax.
2. KOTLIN
Google announced Kotlin, the official language for Android App Development, in May 2017.
Kotlin made it easy to create android apps. The code was shorter than Java and had other features.
Kotlin is the preferred language for android developers today.
Companies are moving to Kotlin as the times’ change. It is more versatile than Java, and therefore, it is the most popular. Google offers Kotlin a lot of support, including many new Jetpack APIs.
However, for beginners in Android with no programming experience or knowledge of any code or other programming language, you should first learn Android development in Java and then move to Kotlin.
3.XML (Extensible Markup language)
XML is an essential tool for designing UI/UX in apps. It can be used to create layouts, presentations, and other elements.
Its markup language describes data and introduces elements such as buttons and images.
Recall that XML is the layout of views, while Java/Kotlin describes how they behave.
You don’t have to know everything upfront.
ANDROID SDK
Android SDK is the acronym for Android Software Development Kit, which Google developed for the Android Platform.
Android SDK is an assortment of libraries and software tools that make it easy to build Android Apps.
It includes utilities that allow Android developer to call different Google APIs for controlling and integrating the functions of their devices.
Use an IDE Android Studio
Many IDEs are available for Development.
It is unquestionably the best IDE for Android (Integrated Development Environment).
Android Studio is essential for both beginners and experts in Android development.
It is built on top of IntelliJ IDE by Google for Android application development.
Google announced on 16 May 2013 that it is an official IDE for Android App Development.
It comes with excellent out-of-the-box support for many Android SDKs.
It includes advanced tools such as memory and CPU monitors, Code debuggers, and Code completion to help developers ensure that their code runs well on mobile devices.
Bonus! Bonus!
Good execution is vital to any product you create. Write down your hypothesis before you start building any mobile app. Who will use it? What problem will it solve? Next, wireframe the application using Balsamiq and Sketch. Finally, show it to your target audience. It would help if you got their feedback and then be open to iterating as you collect advice on the platform. As a mobile app developer, you should forget about your fear of getting feedback and be open to learning new ideas from the best Training Institutes in South Africa as you create your first Android apps.
