In 2013, Facebook, a widely known social platform, launched a new Android app called Facebook Home, which was developed by a team of iPhone users. The initial launch caused a surge in traffic, and several users installed the new Android app. However, within a few days, Facebook Home failed drastically and received backlash for launching an overwhelming app that didn’t allow other android apps or widgets to function properly and raised privacy concerns. All because it was developed by those who didn’t understand the requirements of an Android user.
This incident shows how important it is to understand user needs and Android systems. Building an Android app from scratch can allow you to make an app that caters to users and functions seamlessly.
Key Takeaways
This guide displays a straightforward process on How to make an android app. After reading, you will know:
- What is the Android platform and why should you know about Google Play Services?
- How to come up with an app idea and plan your app
- How to make an Android app and develop its key features using Android Studio.
- What’s an MVP and how can it help ensure success?
- How do you test and publish your app in Google Play Store?
Understanding the Android Platform
Android powers millions of devices in the world and operates distinctly from iPhones. How to make iPhone apps works different from How to make an Android app. This was a major reason why Facebook Home failed. The developers on the team were iPhone users and didn’t fully understand the Android platform. So, it’s vital to grasp the concept of the platform before going on to how to make an Android app, let’s get an overview:
Overview of The Android Software Stack
Android’s software stack consists of many layers and is built on an open-source program called Linux Kernel, which lies at its core, handling system functions.
The Hardware Abstraction Layer
After that, we have the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), which improves the connection between device hardware and system services, ensuring a consistent interface.
Android Runtime (ART) and native C/C++ libraries
This is followed by Android Runtime (ART) and the native C/C++ libraries that often work together to ensure apps run smoothly. ART is responsible for executing apps, managing runtime and memory collection, while the native libraries are responsible for managing critical system services like graphics, display, and audio playback.
Application Framework
At the surface lies the Application Framework that provides the basis for building a well structured app. This layer allows developers to manage the core functions by allowing access to pre-built components, resulting in strongly designed, high-performing apps. The Application Framework lets you develop apps that are easier to manage and alter, and if errors appear, you can fix them later on.
The Front Screen
Finally, at the topmost layer of an Android software stack lies the front screen where system apps and installed apps are present.
The Role of Google Play Services
As an Android user, you probably know that Google Play services is one of the most important and secure apps on your phone. It is a reliable software that delivers powerful APIs and services to connect the Android OS to an app. It enhances an app’s performance, and developers don’t have to create all the features from scratch.
Google Play Services also makes it easier for old Android phones to get modern features without getting Android System updates. If users can connect your app with Google Play, you can engage broader users, and your app can gain popularity quickly.
Now that we have an idea of the Android platform, let’s move on to how to make an Android app:
How to make an Android app from scratch
Step 1: Plan your app
Planning your app is at the base of your development phase. So, there’s no point in rushing and jumping directly to developing it. There are a few questions that you need to ask yourself before creating your app. Here are some factors to consider:
Identify the purpose of your app
What is your app’s purpose? The concept may sound amazing but may not work out in the form of an app. Map out and write down what your app will do and if users will benefit from it. Although it seems like a small step, this is what will truly help you throughout your development phase and avoid expensive mistakes.
Conduct Market research
Researching the market will help you analyze the competition your app will face. With your target audience in mind, search for a problem the existing apps are not solving. There are two types of problems that you can identify when creating an app:
- An existing problem: What issues are users facing with apps similar to yours? This could also include real-world problems.
- A manufactured problem: This is not actually a problem but works on introducing a new user behavior or a new technology.
Whichever your app aims to solve will allow you to create an application that delivers real value to your users.
Build a wireframe
Ever wondered how apps turn out so perfectly designed? It’s because the developers and designers take their time experimenting with it by building wireframes. A wireframe is a rough sketch or design that you can make for your project, which allows you to experiment with how to design an app. It can be changed and updated repeatedly to finalize the design. You can either use the traditional method of sketching or a wireframing tool like Figma or Mockflow.
Step 2: Select a Programming Language
How to make an android app starts with choosing a programming language that works well with Android Studio. We also have to keep in mind that the app will integrate with Google’s services, so it’s essential to choose one that supports both. Here are the top two programming languages for Android application development:
Java
Java is one of the top languages in the world and the OG for Android app development for over 20 years. Developers prefer it because of its rich libraries and tools. However, it could be a challenge to learn if you’re not already familiar with the language. In Google’s Play Store, majority of the apps are built on Java.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a modern and concise programming language that became the preferred language for Android application development in 2019. It’s popular because of its simpler learning curve and ease of use. Simply put, Kotlin is inspired by Java but delivers an easier, elegant version of it. More than 60% of Android developers today use Kotlin because of its ease of use.
These are the top two languages that developers and Android prefer when how to make an Android app. However, several other lesser used languages are also popular. Here are a few:
- Python
- C++\C#
- Dart
- CSS
Kotlin can be an excellent choice because it’s easy to learn and work with. If you’re a pro, let’s get ahead with Java.
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Step 3: Consider Developing an MVP
The idea of launching your own app sounds tempting. It takes patience and hard work make an Android app that is perfect. But how do you know it is what your users want? This is where an MVP can do wonders. An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a smaller and lighter version of a software project that allows developers to test their app before launching it.
An MVP focuses only on the core features and functionalities, allowing you to experiment with your project. Here’s how you can create MVP:
Prioritize the features
You’ve already created a wireframe, so why create MVP? This is where a wireframe becomes a working product. Think of a cake decoration turning out exactly like you imagined so you can serve it to others. Since an MVP is a lighter version of the actual project, you have to prioritize only the necessary features to test them out.
Develop your MVP
Choose a platform to develop your MVP on:
- Adalo: no-code platform with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
- Firebase: BaaS platform with feature-rich options to build your MVP.
- Ionic: allows quick development across Android and IOS platforms using a single codebase.
Your MVP is a lighter version of your app but, still needs to be professional and free from bugs. Its results will determine areas for improvement and whether you’re ready to launch your app.
Launch the MVP
Once you’re done developing your MVP, it’s time to launch it. Afterward, you can monitor and analyze the user behavior on your project and refine it further with the feedback you’ll collect. Gathering feedback can do wonders. Around 70% of companies that used an MVP got better user insights. So before jumping directly on how to develop an Android app, create MVP!
Step 4: Set up the development environment
If you got positive results from your MVP, it’s now time to start working on your app:
Install Android Studio
Android Studio is Android’s official platform for application development. Installing and setting it up is the first step of your development phase. It is the perfect tool for how to make an Android app.
Create a New Project
Once you’ve set it up and opened the app, you’ll see “Create new project”, tap on it and proceed to Empty Activity.
Configure the Software Development Kit
Once selected, configure its Software Development Kit. The SDK consists of all the tools you need to create your app. In the SDK manager, select and apply your targeted Android versions and wait for them to download before beginning.
Implement the functions
Here, integrate the core features and ensure that your app is easy to navigate and intuitive. Your app should be unique to survive against your competitors.
Step 5: Design The App Layout
This is where your UI/UX design process begins. This is the best part of how to make an Android app. You will design your app layout, style, and colors according to the wireframe you created earlier.
Google’s Material Design for Android
Google’s Material Design is a design system that uses grid-based layouts and visuals for icons. Your goal is to design an icon that blends in across Android devices.
Create a user interface
Your users will interact with your application’s UI first. Android Studio will create XML files for each page to work with. Here, you can simply drag and drop the user input commands and manage what each button will do.
This is also how to design an app where you’ll customize your UX and create attractive visuals.
Add support for device responsiveness
Android devices are available in multiple screen sizes, so it’s essential to make your app device responsive to enhance the user experience on multiple devices.
Ensure excellent navigation
While designing an app, it’s crucial to manage several aspects. Excellent navigation is one of them. Android Studio’s Navigation component tool will allow you to do this.
Once you’ve completed the UI/UX design process, set up how data will be saved on your app.
Step 6: Testing and Debugging
After all the above steps are complete, run tests on your app and debug any issues.
Use Android Studio’s Built-in Debugger
This built-in debugger helps you spot issues in your code. The app checks your code and stops immediately when it spots an error, allowing the developer to fix it.
Run Unit Tests
After you update the errors in your code, unit tests will check if your code is running correctly step-by-step.
Performing integration testing
Integration tests check your functions in a broad sense instead of step-by-step. They simulate user actions, showing results unit tests might have missed.
Your app is ready to launch once all these tests come out clean!
Step 7: Publish Your App
Publishing your app is an intricate process and involves a few steps:
Prepare the app release
To keep the app secure, remove any test code and debugging data and sign it with a digital key to prove that you made it.
Next, create various versions of your app to ensure it works across several devices and older versions. After this, test the app completely one more time to catch any new bugs.
Apply For Google Play Listing
Google Play Store is the most trusted platform for Android users, so make sure your app is enlisted there. Pick a name and write a description and privacy policies for your app. These are crucial to show users what’s in our app for them. Finally, pick the countries that can download it.
Launch Your App
That’s it! After you’re done selecting your options and updating your app’s information, your app will be live.
Understanding these steps is crucial to how to make an Android app effectively. They will also cut your chances of failure.
Conclusion
Launching your Android app may be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. Getting your Android app and watching it get popular among your targeted audience is a dream come true for businesses. In the United States, 60% of smartphone users possess an Android device and this number is expected to keep growing. The future of mobile apps for Android is nothing to worry about.
With an experienced developer on your team who knows everything in this guide, your app no longer has a chance of failing. At Linkitsoft, we prioritize creating and testing an MVP before launching your app. Thanks to this, your app already has a user base before its launch and a high success rate!
Plan, wireframe, create MVP, test, and launch. Contact Linkitsoft today and get started on your Android app development journey! Don’t wait long; invest in a mobile app for your business and help your brand get higher engagement and user conversions now.