How to Develop Your First Android App? Tips to Follow

The triumphs achieved by the Android platform is hard to ignore. Since its inception, Android has served as a potent tool for developers by giving them a confirmation of the achievements of their wildest of dreams. On an average day more than 100 apps are uploaded in the Google Play store, most of them developed by newbies angling for a better opportunity and attention in the Android marketplace, already brimming with competition. 

So, what if you are developing your first Android app? Have you ever wondered what procedures you should follow before making your app hit the Google Store? How would you plan to give enough exposure to your app? Don't feel jittery, we have outlined all the essential things which you can follow when you prepare to release your app on Google play. 

So, without further ado, let's discuss all of them in detail:

Developing First Android App? Keep This in Mind

1. Languages To Use for Writing Android Apps

Java is a popular programming language used to write Android applications. It's a project-oriented language, so it's easy to grasp and is very much familiar with the languages like C#, objective-C or Ruby. However, Google also provides a native development Kit, which is a compilation of different languages such as C and C++. Developers can take the help of this tool to use the existing codes or libraries and develop dynamic apps. 

Apart from Java, there are also other languages available such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Here, you'll have two options- you can either choose to write apps that run on a web page instead of the browser called WebView, or can opt for tools like PhoneGap or Appcelerator Titanium. The tools will help you to write down the code which will further get integrated with native code. However, there are some complexities and limitations involved while choosing these methods. In general, you can use Java as your language for developing applications. 

Even if you want to go for some third-party tools then you may opt for tools like C#/.Net, Ruby or Python.

2. How To Get Started

After selecting the language and the right tool, it's time to procede to run your app. You can use the platforms like Eclipse and ADT that provide an environment to check the functioning of your app before they are ready for the big launch. 

You can also pay Android developers website a visit, here is the link  for it (http://developer.android.com/index.html) It highlights all the necessary steps need to be taken to test and build your app before its official launch. To add an advantage to your project, it's good if you gain some knowledge about android's application frameworks (APIs) that let you create rich and dynamic applications with the help of reusable components. Since, operating systems such as Windows, Linux and OSX already come equipped with Android tools there is no need to buy the separate hardware for the development process.  

3. The Cost Involved to Make an App

Developing an Andriod app is absolutely free. You can make use of an emulator provided by the Android SDK. The emulator works as a real Android device where you can perform  each and every detail related to your project and see how it functions. The tools like Android SDK Manager, Eclipse, Android Development tools are free to use, all you need is a computer and a steady internet connection. Once you come up with your full-fledged application, you need to submit it to the Google Store for approval and for this you can charged upto $25 dollars. 

4. Test the Quality of Your App

After going through all the above mentioned recommendations, make sure that your app meets the quality expectations, laid down for all the Android apps. Your app should be compatible enough to support all the devices it is targeting. For quality testing, you can check your app's level of quality in a simulation based environment or you can test the app's quality against the standard criteria which is mandatory for all the apps. 

Final Thoughts 

If achieving top ranks and popularity in the Google Play Store is your dream then don't just blindly follow the random approach, hoping to hit the store. Instead follow the tried and tested methods of developing Andriod apps and make a stir in the realm of apps. 

About Author: Lucie Kruger is an eminent Senior Content Editor and IT consultant for Mobiers Ltd, a leading Mobile Application Development Company. You can also contact her, if you are looking forward to Hire Android Application Developer.

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About Jimmie Luthra

Jimmie Luthra is a Mariner, Tech enthusiast, Blogger and Gadget reviewer. He is fond of technology and is usually found playing with some piece of tech. He is also a Guitarist, Music lover & fitness freak.