When it comes to mobile development, there are many options available. React native? feel? SDK? APK? Xamarin? It may all seem a bit much. We hope this guide gives you a good idea of what you’re up against when developing your first Android app, and the basic steps you need to take to go from an idea to a Playstore listing.
The idea
The first step for any mobile application is the idea. Think of something that you, or someone you know, would find useful to have on their phone. This could be something simple, like a new way to navigate your favorite website, or something more complex, which could even involve a bluetooth device. You don’t always have to innovate, you just have to do something better than what’s out there.
The user experience
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the value of your user experience within your app. If a user gets frustrated with your app, they are likely to stop using it. Take a look at your favorite apps. What makes them nice to use? Ask your friends to try the app, find feedback and use it.
You may find it helpful to visualize the interface and usage of your mobile app using “framework” and “timeline” software, but you can also do it by hand on paper.
Design
The design of your app is also very important. This includes developing a “Brand”, a consistent design throughout your app and store listing using logos, colors and fonts.
The money
Nobody likes ads. It is the painful truth. Ideally, you should avoid trying to monetize your app too soon, as it can scare off potential users in the long run. It’s what Amazon did, it took (and continues to take) hits with its business to secure long-term customers.
Language
Despite what some people may try to tell you, the ability to write your own software is critical to a well-designed application. It might seem scary at first, but there are plenty of guides like Codecademy or scotch.io to help you out. Don’t try to run before you can walk.
As for which language you should learn, it all comes down to what you want from your app, how much you’re willing to spend, and what you’re most comfortable with, which will be discussed below.
Your app will need to be well developed to be successful. Once you feel comfortable developing in your chosen language, it’s time to move on to mobile development.
You have several options here, some easier than others.
One option is React Native, which is written using web technologies like JavaScript, JSX, and HTML. This is a version of Facebook’s React framework that can run “natively” (in the operating system’s own language), which generally increases performance. It can be very difficult for beginners.
Another option is Xamarin, a framework recently acquired by Microsoft, which uses C# and Visual Studio.
Yet another option is ExtJS developed by Sencha, which is again JavaScript.
The most popular IDE for Android app development, and the one I recommend for this guide, is Android Studio, which is cross-platform (Windows, OSX, and Linux) and developed by Google.
the back end
Depending on the type of application you’re looking to build, you may need a “backend”, basically a computer that handles all the data your application requires and generates. Apps that require a backend include a social networking app or a chat app, while apps like a calculator or the like generally don’t require any backend code.
This is usually written using PHP, NodeJS, or some other code that sits on a server somewhere, usually with some kind of database like MySQL or MongoDB. If you’re not willing to buy and run such a machine yourself, there are options like Amazon Web Services or DigitalOcean, which only charge you for the resources you use.
The proof
Ideally, it helps to have a test device, which could be your own device. To enable development on an Android device, simply click “Build Version” within the phone’s settings, under “About this phone”.
If you don’t have a device handy to use, that’s fine too. Most integrated development environments (IDEs), including Android Studio and Visual Studio, include a device simulator for their respective operating systems. This can be useful for testing different phones with slower hardware and different screen sizes, to make sure your app is widely accessible.
Packaging
For the Google store, you need to create a “Signed APK”. The IDE creates the APK and then “signs” it with a key file that is generated from your information. This key is unique to you and ensures that no one else can upload a copy of your application with embedded malicious code.
The Google Playstore has its own guidelines and procedures that you need to follow to get accepted, and it’s not uncommon for apps to get rejected, so be careful.
If all goes well, you will be able to see your app in the store of your choice. Good luck!