You’ve got the most brilliant idea for a mobile app, which can bring a revolution in the world, and amaze many people. The best way to get started is some assistance, luck, and the right steps to build your mobile application. If you’re contemplating developing a mobile application, let’s explore this comprehensive guide on the android app development process.
An overview
Every day, thousands of mobile applications are uploaded to Apple and Google Play Store. But the challenge here is a professionally-built business app, which we only have a few hundred. If being in this elite group of apps is your ultimate goal, then here is a guide we have compiled after delivering hundreds of apps for both OS platforms.
In this blog, we’ve worked on the Android app development process to direct your attention to what to expect in the process of developing an Android app. But before we get started, ask yourself this question –
“Can your app solve ________ problem?” and “Are there options available for my app to outdo?”
If you can answer these two questions, you are halfway to your idea getting into reality. If your target audience is Android-centric, hire Android app developers to create a performance-oriented Android application.
What is application development?
Application development refers to a step-by-step process of developing various computer programs. The goal is to perform multiple tasks and find a solution to specific problems.
Mobile applications and computer programs help people in automating their business processes and enhance productivity. Whether yours is an Android, iOS, or Windows, every app development process follows the same procedure – data collection, planning, prototyping, development, testing, launch, and support.
Keep reading to find out everything about Android development and how to excel in your business.
What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system, which is the modified version of the open-source software Linux kernel. It was specially designed for touchscreen mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Tech giant Google first sponsored to development of this platform, and then developers from the “Open Handset Alliance Community” developed it further. In November 2007, android was first launched as a commercial Android device – HTC Dream.
What is an operating system?
In simple words, it is computer software that integrates resources between hardware and software. In an operating system, different types of hardware can work together to provide a platform that runs on different bits of software to work with the hardware.
The analogy of stage acting perfectly defines this system. A stage play requires many things like a costume, decorations, lights, a good script, and so on. But it is of no good without a director and actors. So, the equipment required for the stage drama is the computer’s hardware. The actors work as the various applications are built into the computer. Now, put the director as its operating system. Now I guess, you have understood the role of an operating system in your android application development services.
What do you mean by the Android operating system?
Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are the two main OS available in today’s technological world. Other OS include Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, and so on. However, most of the flagship mobile phones run on either Android or iOS. Therefore, we’ll talk about Android app development to know more about Android OS in-depth.
As a mobile operating system, Android has been ruling the world for more than 15 years now. As a result, a massive number of mobile phones and tablets are running this base OS globally. Besides, other native operating system also supports Android applications including Chrome OS and Windows 11.
Google owns this open-source platform, which means anyone can have the access to use it for various purposes individual or commercial. Therefore, Android is very different from Apple’s iOS or Microsoft Windows.
How small and large-scale business enterprises can grow with Android app development?
Large and small enterprises get a wide array of benefits from Android by creating custom mobile applications. It helps solve customer problems and increase their brand value, but how android app development services evolves small and large businesses. If you’re also wondering how the entire thing will help your business boost revenue, here are some advantages you must know before getting started:
1. Low cost and high ROI (Return on investment)
Businesses can get increased user engagement from Android apps with a small investment. In return, you can create an interactive user experience for your target audience, which further result in a higher Return on Investment (ROI).
2. Quick deployment
Android app development includes a faster development cycle, which means any professional app developer can make a complete application within a few hours. Also, the versatility of the Android application gets integrated with the entire system. Therefore, your business can increase scalability with the faster deployment of Android apps.
Android apps also allow integration with new and emerging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. It allows software companies to bring the best flexible solution.
Want to develop an Android app for your website?
3. Multiple Platforms
Android apps require Java languages to make android apps to ports with many systems. This way, any android app can integrate with systems like Ubuntu. The major benefit of Android app development is its access to multiple platforms, which small and large businesses can leverage.
4. Versatility and Scalability
Developers choose Android app development services because it has scaled up and gained higher flexibility and adaptability. The entire Android ecosystem like smartphones and Android TV can integrate with it. Emerging technologies like IoT, AR, and VR are highly compatible with this platform, which makes it an ideal option with the optimum level of versatility and scalability.
5. Enhanced Security
One of the reasons why businesses choose Android is its safety assurance and reliability, making it an exceptional platform for enterprises to scale up. For instance, Android P (Pie) comes with extra in-built security features, which protect your device from malware and viruses. If you’re looking for enhanced security, versatility, and reliability, Android app development is a big “Yes.”
6. Customization
Google’s utmost priority is User Interface. Therefore, they are making customizable OS to allow businesses to avail unlimited opportunities. Thus, enterprises and software developers get the best out of the UI. Also, Android is a versatile platform, which exposes it to more innovation. Businesses can make incredible applications with diverse functionalities. When it comes to counting the benefits, Android app development offers a limitless scope of creating that “wow” factor. It is one of the reasons why enterprises are leveraging Android.
To conclude the advantages of Android, here is a quick checklist to summarize all the valuable points:
- Android offers great user experience (UX)
- Businesses can easily improve their brand image
- Developers can create visually-appealing designs
- The loyal user base that empowers your business
- Worldwide presence
- Provide secured transactions
- Enhanced customer satisfaction
You can address all your business app requirements via Android development. Most importantly, Android is a popular platform and can help you beat the stiff competition and get ahead in the market.
What are the various Android app development platforms?
Android is an open-source operating system designed to run on multiple devices. From phones and tablets to televisions and wearables, all devices support this platform. So, the wide range of devices provides great potential for Android apps. To get started with Android application development, get a clear understanding of the app’s functionality. Let’s look into the type of devices and platforms you need to target for Android app development:
1. Android mobile app development
Android has become one of the highly dominant OS since Google launched it in 2008. Its gaining popularity, especially for mobile devices makes it a popular operating system. So, Android mobile app development offers numerous business advantages to vouch upon. A survey conducted in 2021 reports that the market share of mobile apps was 71.93%, which has doubled so far.
The best part is that developers around the world love this platform. They are all aware of its functions, capabilities, and its various future possibilities. Also, the Android app can get easily created in less time, and cost-effectively.
2. Android tablet app development
Tablets are like pocket computers, which are similar to smartphones but bigger than the size of smartphones. However, tablets have made our lives easier, because they are based on Android OS. Android tablet app developers help create intuitive designs, patterns, and UI for tablet apps to provide interactive experiences.
Smartphones are the most used devices in the world. People use it for their common daily activities like communicating, listening to music, playing games, and more. On the other hand, tablets offer next-level features like watching video content, studying, financial management, reading, business tasks, and more. Therefore, the demand for Android tablet app development is equal to smartphone app development.
3. Android wearable app development
Android wearable app development has gained a lot of popularity these days. Today, it has become a game-changer in the technology market. With Android app development, developers can execute visually appealing wearable apps. This specific app development process requires great ideas to attract customers. Some of the wearable devices that require Android app development include:
- Smartwatch app development
- Fitness tracking app development
- AR/VR device app development
- IoT-based wearable app development
- Wearable messaging app
- Smart digital payments app
- Nutrition monitoring app
- Communication synchronizers app
- GPS and Maps navigation app and more
- Android TV app development
Users today want to stay connected to their smartphones, watches, cars, and smart TVs. With this in mind, Google first launched its Google TV in 2010. By 2014, it got replaced by Android TV. To that day, Android TV is gaining popularity more than any TV.
Manufacturers used the Android 5.0 version for the first time to run Android TV. It needs innovative apps to provide a rich user experience. Therefore, when it comes to streaming on a large screen, the Android TV application is the ultimate choice. TV apps use phone and tablet structures to create new TV apps using Android app development.
Bonus Read: How to develop IoT Applications: Aspects & Benefits
4. Chromebook apps
We are all familiar with Apple’s macOS and Windows, but Chromebooks are the new players in town. However, you cannot run the computers with Windows or macOS as they run on Linux-based Chrome OS.
Chrome OS refers to an operating system for the Chrome browser. You can do anything on Chrome browser that Windows and macOS can perform. However, these devices have got updated a lot in recent days, and Chromebooks can now run on Android applications.
5. Android apps for travel and hospitality
Today, travel industries are highly dependent on mobile applications. Users who prefer digital platforms can reach customers more easily using Smart room systems apps, hotel apps, AR, VR, and Big Data solutions for gaining customer satisfaction. In such a scenario, they can apply innovative ideas through Android application development for travel and hospitality.
6. Android apps for healthcare
Android app development has created a great impact on the modern healthcare industry. Today, patients can easily book their appointment with desired doctors via mobile apps. Thus, they can use Android applications to access good-quality healthcare services. Also, there has been a lot of development happening in this industry. For instance, IoMT (Medical Things Internet) is one of the best examples. However, the present healthcare system has a lot of room for improvement.
The covid-19 pandemic, for example, became an urgent matter. Medical industries, therefore, developed Android apps for patient monitoring, notifications, scheduling, tracking, and more. With Android app development, healthcare industries can provide better treatment.
7. Android apps for FinTech
FinTech refers to various financial activities like banking, fund transactions, and all electronic system. Android app development has made these technologies easier for consumers and business industries to use Android apps for mobile banking, e-wallet, real-time fraud detection, AI chatbots, and more.
8. Android apps for eCommerce
In this digital era, the internet can do almost everything. Therefore, the commercial activities that get carried out through the internet are termed eCommerce. Consumers can maintain commercial transactions by using an eCommerce platform, which means buying or selling products or services through the internet is called eCommerce.
Android applications are best suited for eCommerce, and developers can easily create an Android eCommerce store while ensuring greater conversions and loyalty.
9. Android apps are automotive
Android applications for the automotive industry are providing promising results. One such on-demand android app is Uber, which has made life easier for many people. Also, there are other automotive apps for parcel and food delivery.
10. Android apps for entertainment
People can no longer imagine their lives without any entertainment these days. From the primitive era, humans have looked upon entertainment in various means. With the advancement in technology, today, we can enjoy limitless entertainment. Also, Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D devices allow people to find amazing ways to get entertained.
For instance, we have seen the power of Android apps in playing games and watching movies. With Android app development, you can bring more innovative ideas for entertainment.
What is the process of Android app development?
If you’re reading this section, you are now about to reach the core of this entire blog. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to develop an Android app and what resources are required to get started.
We already are aware of the Android fundamentals, but while developing an app, you must create a development environment first. Therefore, a few Android development tools are mandatory for this entire process.
Step 1: Analyse your requirements
Before getting started with your Android software development, it is evident to analyze your entire requirements. Firstly, fic the purpose of creating the app. Why do you want to create this app, and how will it solve real-world problems?
Also, you will need to find the business scopes for the application. Android app development doesn’t come cheap. Analyzing all the dos and don’ts will save you the total loss in the end. Now, let’s proceed toward the next step of gathering Android software development tools. Firstly, hire Android app developers with basic knowledge of managing the following tools:
- Install Android Studio
- Install Java
- Install Android SDK
- Install Emulators
Step 2: Hire the best experts as your team
If yours is a large-scale project, an expert Android app development team is crucial to provide assistance on each step. Hire the best-certified developers with a strong command of some common and popular Android application development software. Then after, find the perfect team from the various Android development platforms, languages, frameworks, databases, tools, and solutions.
You can also search for an Android app development company like ours that can help you with their world-class resources to create your Android software development IDE, and have an in-depth understanding of languages and frameworks.
Step 3: Technical documentation
Technical documentation in software engineering is very crucial to maintain the development flow. It is often an umbrella term that covers everything from written documents to materials. No one can ignore this step, and is crucial for any software product development.
The entire software development lifecycle (CDLC) requires countless documents, which explain the functionality, unify project-related information, and more. It also allows discussion room for all the confusion created between the clients and developers.
Android software development requires proper technical documentation, and you must ensure technical documentation before getting started with your Android development project.
Step 4: Make a basic prototype
When you are done with all the primary procedures, create a basic prototype for your Android app. Use all the relevant information, and design it for an in-depth understanding of the end product. You can also sketch the app idea, which will further require only the mock-ups. In this stage, you can design the user interface (UI), looks, navigations, and so on.
Step 5: Create an Android app development environment
Now is the time to create an Android app development environment. If you fail to build a proper environment, then where will your developers write the codes? There is so much popular software for writing your codes and setups. You can choose some of the applications as per the expertise of your hired Android development team.
Download the required tools, SDKs, and other files to set up the environment for Android development where you can use a macOS, Windows, or Linux platform.
Step 6: Install Java Development Kit (JDK)
The Android SDK is a popular and debatably the best app development software. It works on Java Development Kit (JDK), which means you need to download and install JDK on your system if you don’t have it. However, be careful while downloading it, because you need to check the proper JDK configurations for your system.
Step 7: Install Android SDK, Android Studio, and Eclipse
Android SDK is also a must-have tool required for your Android app development service process. It will provide more essential tools like libraries, debuggers, emulators, and more. As a result, you can also prepare documentation, sample codes, and watch tutorials.
SDK was the only Android app development tool before Android Studio, where you can integrate it with other IDEs like Eclipse using Android ADT Bundle. Besides, Android SDK is a part of Android Studio developed by Google and is the official IDE for Android application development.
Step 8: Install and setup Android Studio
If you are a beginner and don’t have much idea about Android Studio, you may face some difficulties at first. But, get help from your expert development team, and they shall show you how to set up the Android Studio:
- After installing the JDK, download the Android Studio IDE setup file
- Double-click on the .exe file
- Select the proper location where you want to install it, then click the “Next” button
- Click on the “Install” button
- After a while, it will show that “Android Studio” gets installed successfully, and is ready to use.
- When you see the pop-up, click on the “Finish” button to open it
Which programming languages are required to develop an Android app?
The most-recommended programming language for Android app development is Java. You can also use Java and integrate it with the Android Software Kit (SDK). With Java, you can develop Android apps seamlessly using the Studio environment.
The next platform popular for any Android app development programming language is C++. To access it, you will need the Native Android Development Kit (NDK). Finally, you can directly run your Android app on the Android Kernel using C++ and NDK, which will increase the app’s efficiency in code length and cost.
There are also some third-party tools like Xamarin, Cordova, and React Native suitable for Android app development. Look at the list, and you will find the most popular programming languages for Android apps:
- Java
- Kotlin
- JavaScript
- XML
Summary
After deploying your Android app, you will face many user feedback. There will also be many bugs and fixes, which your Android app developers will have to take care of. After reading this entire blog, you may have some questions. Please do not hesitate in asking us about our Android app development services. We will be happy to answer all your queries.
FAQs
1. What are the 7 steps of creating an app?
- Planning and research
- Prototyping
- Design
- Development
- Testing
- Release
- Maintenance
2. What are the 5 main categories of apps?
- Educational apps
- Lifestyle apps
- Social media apps
- Productivity apps
- Entertainment apps
- Game apps
3. What is API in Android?
API is the acronym for Application Programming Interface, which refers to a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate with each other.
