Are you building your app and wondering how Android app development goes? Have a peek at our guide containing some really useful tips on how to go about it and how to choose your Android app developers.
Mobile app development fundamentals
Before we dive into details, let’s look at what app development really is. Wikipedia tells us app development is the process of developing mobile applications for one or more mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
Seams easy but believe us, it is not. Every app development process is complex and its success depends mainly on how it is executed. Despite many differences, all app development processes are composed of similar stages, such as creating code, implementing backend services, and testing and implementing the app. The way they are all executed depends mainly on the app developers you work with. To learn more, have a look at our guide on the app development process.
Android application
As you probably know, apps can be designed for and used on either Android or iOS devices. The process of creating mobile applications specifically for devices running the Android operating system is known as Android app development.
Android is one of the most widely used mobile platforms in the world, which is why developing apps for Android allows you to reach a large user base and expand your reach.
Android app development – benefits
Android app development offers a range of possibilities, from simple utility apps to complex multimedia applications and games. It also brings several benefits, which is why it is a popular choice for businesses and app developers. Some of the key advantages of Android app development include:
- large user base, providing a significant opportunity to connect with a vast audience and expand your app’s potential user base,
- open source platform, meaning developers have access to a wide range of resources, tools, and libraries without any licensing costs, which fosters innovation,
- easy customization and flexibility, allowing developers to tailor their Android apps to meet specific business needs,
- multiple app stores and platforms in addition to the official Google Play Store, which provides developers with additional options for Android app distribution and increases its visibility,
- rich development ecosystem with a vast array of tools, frameworks, and libraries, which streamline the Android app development process,
- integration with Google Services, such as Google Maps, Firebase, Google Analytics, and Google Play, which makes Android apps much more attractive,
- cost-effective development in comparison to other app development platforms, meaning Android app development cost is lower,
- monetization opportunities such as in-app purchases, advertisements, subscriptions, and paid downloads, providing businesses with options to generate revenue and effectively monetize their Android apps,
- fragmentation and device diversity meaning Android supports a wide range of devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and form factors,
- community and support allowing app developers to seek help, collaborate, and use the expertise of the whole community to deliver the best Android app they can.
Native Android Apps
You may be wondering what native app development means. Native Android apps are mobile apps that are specifically developed for the Android platform, using the native programming languages and tools provided by Google.
The two primary programming languages for native Android app development are Java and Kotlin:
- Java has been the traditional language for Android app development. It offers a mature and robust ecosystem with extensive libraries and frameworks.
- Kotlin is a modern programming language that is fully interoperable with Java and is now officially supported by Google for Android app development. Kotlin offers concise syntax, null safety, and improved productivity, making it increasingly popular among Android app developers.
Cross-platform Android Apps
Cross-platform Android app development refers to the process of creating mobile applications that can run on multiple platforms, including Android, as well as on other operating systems such as iOS and Windows Phone. Instead of developing separate native mobile apps for each platform, cross-platform frameworks allow app developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.
Cross-platform Android App development – benefits for app developers
The main benefits of cross-platform Android app development include:
- code reusability, meaning the code for apps is written once as a part of the app development process and can be reused across multiple platforms,
- shared business logic across different platforms, which ensures consistency in in-app behavior and reduces the risk of introducing platform-specific bugs,
- faster app development cycle,
- cost savings, as businesses don’t need to allocate resources and budget for separate development teams and infrastructure for each platform,
- UI/UX consistency in the app’s look and feel across different platforms.
Android app development tools for Android developers
When it comes to the Android app development process, there are several tools available that can assist you throughout the app development process. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Android Studio – the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development, providing a comprehensive set of tools, including a code editor, debugger, emulator, and a visual layout editor for designing user interfaces,
- Java Development Kit (JDK) – including necessary tools such as the Java compiler and runtime environment, to develop and run Java applications,
- Gradle – a powerful automation tool widely used in Android app development, which helps to manage dependencies, compile and package the Android app,
- Firebase – a comprehensive mobile development platform provided by Google. It offers a wide range of app development tools and services to assist you with various aspects of Android app development, including authentication, real-time database, cloud messaging, and analytics.
These are just a few of many Android app development tools which can be used by app developers. The specific tools you choose may depend on your app development preferences, project requirements, and the Android app developers you will work with.
How to choose an Android app development company
Developing your own Android app may be a daunting task – it requires expertise, experience, and knowledge of several different tools. This is why many companies and individuals are today deciding on working with external partners – software development firms experienced in delivering Android apps at the highest level, which know all app development fundamentals and can deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
There are many such outsourcing app development companies, so when choosing one concentrate on your goals, check their opinions, their expertise, and compare their projects to the one you are planning to implement. Look for companies that are similar to yours, and remember that communication is key when it comes to every work you are going to do together.
Need some help with your Android app development process? Do get in touch – our experienced app developers will be happy to help and answer all your questions!
