Simple and Easy Steps on How to Develop an Android App

Android apps dominate the world of apps. In turns of sheer numbers Android applications are the leader in the market.  To gain visibility and deliver functionality, apps need to offer superior features, and the success of apps in a business hinges on the manner in which the app is developed.

While it has become easy to develop an app, it needs to stick to a systematic approach so that it is visible to the target audience in a fast-paced world. Following the right process will help your app to emerge successful in the crowded apps market. Here, you will learn how to develop an android app by following a systematic approach.

Step by step approach on how to develop an android app

1. Java Development kit

The first and foremost thing that you need for developing an android app is a Java development kit which is the basis of any android apps. Install the Java runtime environment which gives access to run applets on your computer.

If the JRE clashes with the development kit, uninstall them. Now you have to download the installer and run them. Make sure that the Public Java Runtime Environment, source code, and all the development tools are in the same install window.

Click on ‘Next’ and, now you are good to go. An application like Integrated Development Environment have their own compiler, but still, you can configure them to command prompt for future use.

2. Integrated development Environment

It is software where the newbies and occasional coders prefer to use to develop programs. It is an application which provides the programmer with few tools, debuggers, compilers and so on. There are numerous IDE applications available in the market, but if you are a newbie prefer using free software like eclipse, as Google provides a plug-in where you can integrate them into Android’s Software Development Kit. Install the application and follow the default steps. There is no specific configuration for IDE. On running for the first time, you have to identify w workbench, where you can store your code and its related files. Make yourself comfortable by understanding the user guide of Workbench.

3. Android Software Development Kit – Android SDK

Getting an Android software development kit I the next step. Download all the executable files and run the installation. Once the program is installed, make sure to note the directory as to where the program is installed. Else you can change them later. Open your Android SDK manager once the installation is complete. You will find all the packages and resources which was absent during the initial installation. Click and install all these additional resources.

4. Android Development tool

Google provides an inbuilt Android software development kit for the free software ‘Eclipse’. You can add it directly from the Integrated development environment. Open the eclipse software and go to the options help. Select the ‘new software’ and click on the add button. A new window opens where you can add the software repository that has the ADT plugin. Give a name to it and add http://dl-ssl.oogle.com/android/eclipse in the location box. Click ok and select developer tools. Follow the steps which lead you to install additional plugin files. As a final step make sure that the SDK location is similar to SDK directory in the Android section of ‘Windows and preferences tab’.

5. Android emulator

At times Google sucks. It is always better to have an android device before you start creating an android app. Before you start with your codes, it is better to set up a virtual environment where you can test your platform. You can also create a virtual device with android virtual development manager. Click on the new button and, a blank version opens up.

Naming: A generic name will be fine but, if you are planning to run on different devices, give a specific name.

Target: The emulator runs on target version but, if you want to check using earlier versions, then install the additional versions using software development kit manager.

SD card: The default internal storage for virtual device is 194 MB along with SD card which indicates the rough storage as a whole. But you can also add an additional SD card to store your codes.

Skin: The default value works well. But you can use the skin to configure the appearance for a specific device.

Hardware: Most of the android devices have variations in their hardware and, this control can be helpful if you want to add features for the app you use.

Once you enter all these details, click on start and do not forget it takes a long time to boot for the first time.

6. Android project

Now that you are ready with applications installed, it’s time to start with the actual coding. Before you start, create a new file. Enter all your details and click next where you have to choose an icon for your app. The final step is creating an activity. An activity is an area where the user will interact with the program. So it is always good to logically divide the program into various functionalities as to how it will be visible for the user. Once everything is set up and put into place click on finish. Eclipse will assemble all the files together where you can write codes and later alter them based on specifications.

Bottom line: Now everything is set ready where you can put all these files together and start writing code. A benefit of using Google’s free software is that it has a list of tutorials that can help you in developing android apps. If you are a beginner, then it is a better choice to check out the video oracle provides. These are a few of the basic steps you should consider as to how to develop an android app. These are the initial set up and, once you are done with the entire coding, you will now be ready with your app.

Tom Parillo

I am interested in all things technology, especially automation, robotics and tech that helps change how society will live in the future.