Industry statistics suggest that more than 1.5 billion users across the globe own a smart phone and 900 million of this user base operated on Google’s Android. The Play Store currently has more than 800,000 apps resulting in a whooping 48 billion downloads with $900 million in developer payouts. If you are looking to start a business and have a little knowledge about computers and mobile app development, there couldn’t be a more profiting venture to step into. However, along with the huge profits and advantages, Android app development also attaches some major complication for someone beginning in this field. Here are 8 tips that would help you get your app underway successfully.
1. Choice of IDE
Android development is mostly centered on Eclipse and some developers also prefer InteliJ IDEA’s Community Edition. The choice of IDE should depend on the comfort level of the developer. Choose one that you are more conversant in rather than the one that will take a little more time in getting a hold of.
2. Create for the masses
Android sells the maximum number of devices and this creates the element of diversity. OS platforms are constantly being upgraded and so are the hardware components of devices. Before venturing into app development, check out the latest frameworks. It would be important to note here than an app that is coded for an earlier version will work on the new one (most likely) but the reverse isn’t true.
3. Do away with Emulator
Emulators are painfully slow and can help you test just a limited number of things. But, if you are looking to save some precious time and minimize your waiting time, invest in a real testing device that can be connected with an USB.
4. Make friends with XML
The complete Android framework is based upon XML scripting. While there are tools that will help with the UI, there are also others that can be confusing (Sherlock). This has been the reason that XML is not a popular platform to work on but you don’t really have a choice.
5. Modular UI structure
Android apps that aim at a decent UI can demand daunting amount of XML. A modular UI will help you reuse components including “fragments” and “includes”.
6. Hire a designer
Either you do that or become a creative professional yourself. Good coding needs to be complimented by the right type of interface, which would need a good designer.
7. Android specific solutions
Android specific solutions are simpler and easier to use. Things like asynchronous processing and multi-threading need platforms like AsyncTask or IntentService before being laid alongside the java.util.concurrent package.
8. There are no miracle tools
There is not such platform that can guarantee easier Android development. When they seem to say so, you need to check them by creating a simple app and deploy it in all of them. Now, if each of these display look like native apps, there is a minimum degree of concern.
Android app development will be an exciting experience, though there are initial challenges. With experience, you would definitely get better at the job and face the degree of success you envisage for your development agency.
