How To Begin Building Apps for Android

Google developed the Android OS so just about anyone together with the proper knowledge can produce software programs to run on an Android smartphone or tablet. Google's strategy to developing smartphones is completely opposite to Apple, preferring control over the applications that people can add to their iPhones. The open nature of Android makes sure that you can create whatever you want and individuals are able to download and install the software. Countless developers have jumped ship from iPhone apps to creating apps for the Android due to the freedom it gives them.

When you build an application for the iPhone then it's in the hands of a reviewer who ascertains if your app meets certain criteria to be sold on iTunes or if it is suitable for the app store. Many apps don't get published due to Apple's censorship procedures. Besides this, research firm, NDP Group said half of all smartphone purchases are for Android smartphones. By the end of 2010 Thirty two million handsets were running the Android OS. It's no wonder that everybody is examining tips on how to create Android applications.

Android apps are programmed with Java. You will need to know this language or work with a programmer who does. The next thing is to download and install the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) from Google. The SDK consists of libraries, classes, code examples plus an interface to test out your Android program. You should also download the Google APIs Add-On extension, which incorporates libraries specific to Google's numerous web services.

You would generally design the interface in Illustrator and save in vector format. On the other hand, you'll find it best to find a skilled designer to develop the UI. The libraries in the SDK also contain some standard vector artwork which can be used when building an Android app. Should your app creates info which needs to be stored and referenced later like a weight management tracker in which you enter your weight and show your trends using a graph or chart over time you need to store the data with an SQLite database. You will furthermore need to create the necessary code to create, write, delete and retrieve data from the database.

Getting the finished application from your computer to your Android smartphone is a tad complex given it must be converted, compiled and deployed. Android works with a system known as Dalvik Virtual Machine. Your Java Class files need to be converted to .dex files by using a tool called DX. After this is accomplished it must be packaged in to an .apk (Android Package) file by using something referred to as the Android Asset Packing Tool. Only if this is successfully done can the application be deployed to an Android handset.

The good thing is you'll find vast libraries of openly available code on the Android developers website and on third party websites which offer lessons on how to get rolling developing your first Android app.

To learn more about Android tablets consider Android Tablet Reviews HQ. After you master coding on Android tablets and phones you might want to broaden your skills and also check out creating applications for Windows 8 tablets and smartphones.