About Android DevelopmentLearn More

Android development is a software creation process that focuses on applications, better known as apps, that are compatible with devices running the Android operating system (OS). Because Android is an open-source project, developers have easy access to the Android software development kit (SDK). Many use this kit in conjunction with Kotlin, Java, and C++ programming languages to make their apps. The Android SDK tools compile your code along with any data and resource files into an APK, or Android package, which is an archive file that uses an .apk suffix. One APK file contains all Android app contents used by devices to install your app. When the app is complete and ready for release, Android developers can upload their apps to the Google Play Store for users to download.

The tools you will use for Android development depend on how you would like to focus your career as an Android developer. If you plan on focusing on native Android app development, you should know one or more of three programming languages: Java, Kotlin, and C++. Java and Kotlin are popular with a number of organizations that build their app natively. C++ is the popular choice amongst developers who build high-performance games or plan on doing entry-level SDK work. Some employers seek out Android developers that can create multiple platforms at the same time using programming frameworks like Flutter or React Native. If you are working with Flutter, you will also need to know Dart. If you are working with React Native, you will most likely also need JavaScript programming knowledge.

With over 2.5 billion active Android users globally, Android development is a valuable skill that can help you enhance your career. Android development skills are in-demand around the world with various organizations across a broad range of industries. When these organizations build Android apps natively, the top three programming languages are typically Java, Kotlin, and C++. You can also look for a job in Android development that uses cross-platform solutions like Flutter or React Native. Whether you're inspired to add a new language to your repertoire or prepare for an interview, you can find a ton of online resources on sites like Udemy to keep your Android skills well-rounded.

If you are building new Android apps, Kotlin is better suited because it is the recommended programming language for Android. If you are a first-time programmer, Kotlin is also a better choice as it has safety features and concise syntax that will help you focus on learning core program fundamentals. You should note that in some cases, employers may seek out Android developers that have Java programming skills. For example, if you plan on joining an organization that already has an Android app, they may already be using Java. If they already have an app written in Java, it is unlikely they will want to redesign the app in a different language, such as Kotlin. Therefore, you should look at the job requirements to see if the job posting you are interested in lists Java as a required skill.

An Android developer works with the Android SDK (software development kit) and the Android operating system. They will need to understand the Android SDK, different versions of Android, and how these two things interact. An Android developer may need to know Java, Kotlin, C++, or all three languages and will need to understand the basics of SQL and XML. Java and Kotlin are programming languages used with Android, while SQL is used for database work, and XML is used for markup. Android developers should generally be competent programmers who understand both back-end and front-end development, emphasizing back-end or full-stack engineering. In terms of front-end knowledge, they should know the basics of UI (user interfaces) and UX (user experience). Android developers may work alone or in teams and may also need knowledge of project management strategies such as Agile.

Android SDK refers to the Android Software Development Kit. The Android SDK is a collection of tools that have been released and supported for the express purpose of creating Android software. Through the Android SDK, programmers can collect, create, and manage their code. It is a comprehensive development environment that is well-supported, not only by the Android team but also by its community. However, the Android SDK isn’t the only development environment available for Android technology. There are numerous solutions that will port programs out to the Android OS and Android-specific solutions such as Android Studio. Developers who are new to Android development will often start with the Android SDK, but they may decide that a different solution is ideal for them in the future. Android developers should have some experience with the Android SDK because it does have the largest market share.