From Beginner to Pro: A Complete Guide to Android Development
Ever wondered why android development is least talked about?
Everyone has an android phone, we start our day by checking Instagram and whatsapp and probably end it by watching Netflix and relaxing but never wondered why android development is least talked about?
Even if you want to learn it then also the resources are scarce and not up to date.
Let me help you, The Hidden Agenda Behind Tech Influencers.
You have been fooled by the influencers around you, all of your information around learning a technology is coming from either YouTube or google wherein lies the trap of tech influencers.
Their agenda is only to sell their courses, your best interest doesn’t matter to them.
They heavily push web development to the masses because of 3 broad reasons.
1. It is very easy to make, they do not have to put actual efforts and they can literally copy paste it from the already existing content on the internet.
2. Most of them are in FAANG and MAANG doing web development so it is easier for them to sell the development dream to you.
3. The market is bigger for Web development compared to Android development so that they can sell more courses.
Why Android Development Shouldn't Discourage You?
The answer is no.
Android developers are in demand for the same reason, given that all the lime light has been on web development it has become overcrowded and now it has a huge influx of people.
Android is still the hidden gem which gets you the same reward.
For one opening of Web development there are over 100s of resumes. When you compare it to Android then it will hardly be 15-20 odd resumes. Out of those 15-20 applicants, if you ask them how many have their own published Android application, that number will easily go down by half.
With such little competition, it’s incredibly easy to get hired in this field if you have a decent level of skill and experience.
This is a market fact.
Your chances of success becomes 5x-10x more compared to web development.
If you follow what everyone else is doing, then you will get the same results as everyone else. You should think differently.
So what are the five steps you require to become a successful android developer and how much time will you need to accomplish this?
FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS TO MASTER ANDROID DEVELOPMENT
1. Dive into Learn Kotlin/Java for Android sucess
The entirety of Android development is built on these languages. We prefer Kotlin because Kotlin is the future.
The best way to learn quickly is to code daily.Writing small programs everyday to help understand variables, loops, functions, OOP, and error handling will give you a quick grasp of all the basics.
Focus on Android-specific concepts like coroutines (Kotlin) for threading.
Use tools such as Kotlin Playground, JetBrains Academy etc. in your daily coding practices in order to master them.
2. Master Android Studio & Build Basic Apps
Android Studio will be your main workspace as a developer so start by installing it.
The first thing to do is, create a project, and experiment with layouts, buttons, and activities.
Through this, you will also learn to debug using Logcat and breakpoints.
Finally, try building a basic app (e.g., a calculator or notes app).
3. Grasp Android Components & Jetpack Essentials
Android Components and Jetpack are the building blocks of any app
Here are some of the things you should focus on:
Activities and Fragments: This will help you learn how to create and manage screens.
RecyclerView: This is used for handling lists and data.
Jetpack Compose: This will help you learn modern UI building with Compose (no XML).
Room Database: Room Database allows you to save all your data locally.
Retrofit: This allows you to fetch data from APIs.
4. Build Real-World Features for Practical Experience
Apps need functionality, not just layouts. Therefore, it is really important to practice how to build real-world features.
You can build a login screen with Firebase Authentication.
Using Firebase you can build an app with Push Notifications.
Imagine being able to build a weather app that pulls data from an API (e.g., OpenWeatherMap).
You will also be able to implement Google Maps for location-based features with enough practice!
5. Launch Your App on Google Play Store
You’re close to the end! Creating an app to put out on the Play Store is what separates hobbyists from pros.
In order to be that good, you need to learn how to sign APKs, optimize images, and handle permissions.
Obviously you also need to set up a Google Play Developer account.
And finally, upload your app and track user metrics via Play Console.
And you’re done! You have mastered Android Development. Now it’s time for you to land a job.
Three Key Steps to Secure Your Dream Android Job
You must start by building your network. You can do this by connecting with the right people on LinkedIn. Besides that, another thing we recommend is sharing your work and learnings publicly in order to gain more recognition.
This will help you receive many connections. Most of the best jobs can be acquired if you have personal and professional connections.
The second step is to build ATS friendly resumes. It is very important to ensure that the right keywords and phrases are included.
Every job type for Android Developers requires their own specific keywords and phrases. Which is why you should make multiple resumes. That way you can submit the best one for any job. This will boost your chances of being accepted!
The final step is to prepare for interviews. Interview Preparation will require a lot of practice.
You will have to continuously practice all kinds of questions ranging from subject-matter-expertise to even HR-related questions. You need to be ready for anything they can throw at you!
Don’t worry if you don’t understand what is written in all these steps!
If you want to learn from scratch and kickstart your journey as an Android Developer then don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered!
Conclusion: Embrace Android Development for a Rewarding Career
In conclusion, while Android development may not receive as much attention as web development, it presents a unique opportunity for aspiring developers. The demand for skilled Android developers remains high, and the competition is relatively low compared to web development. By following the outlined steps—learning Kotlin/Java, mastering Android Studio, understanding Android components, practicing real-world features, and deploying apps on the Google Play Store—individuals can position themselves for success in this field. Building a strong network, crafting ATS-friendly resumes, and preparing thoroughly for interviews are crucial steps to landing a great job. Embracing Android development can lead to rewarding career opportunities and set you apart in the tech industry.