When it comes to mobile development, there are many options. React native? Sencha? SDK? APKs? Xamarin? It may all seem a bit over the top. Hopefully, this guide gives you a good idea of ​​what you’re dealing with when developing your first Android app, and the basic steps it takes to get from an idea to a Playstore list.

The idea

The first step for any mobile application is the idea. Think of something that you, or someone you know, finds useful to have on your phone. This could be something simple, like a new way to browse your favorite website, or something more complex, which could even involve a bluetooth device. You don’t always have to innovate, you just have to do something better than what exists.

User experience

Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the value of your user experience within your application. If a user becomes frustrated with your app, they will likely stop using it. Take a look at your favorite apps. What makes them pleasant to use? Ask your friends to try the app, find feedback, and use it.

It may help you visualize the interface and usage of your mobile application using “structure” and “timeline” software, but it can also be done by hand on paper.

Design

The design of your application is also very important. This includes developing a “brand”, a consistent design across your application, and store listings using logos, colors, and fonts.

The money

Nobody likes ads. It is the painful truth. Ideally, you should avoid trying to monetize your app too early as it can scare off potential users in the long run. It’s what Amazon did, they took (and are still taking) hits with their business to secure long-term customers.

Language

Despite what some people may try to tell you, the ability to write your own software is critical to a well-designed application. It may seem scary at first, but there are a host of guides, like Codecademy or scotch.io, that will help you. Don’t try to run before you can walk.

As for which language you should learn, it comes down to what you want from your app, how much you are willing to spend, and what you are most comfortable with, which will be discussed below.

Your application must be well developed to be successful. Once you’re comfortable developing in your chosen language, it’s time to move on to mobile development.

You have several options here, some easier than others.

One option is React Native, which is written using web technologies, such as JavaScript, JSX, and HTML. This is a version of Facebook’s React framework that can run “natively” (in the operating system’s own language), which generally increases performance. It can be very difficult for beginners.

Another option is Xamarin, a framework recently acquired by Microsoft, which uses C # and Visual Studio.

Yet another option is ExtJS developed by Sencha, which again is JavaScript.

The most popular IDE for Android application development, and the one I recommend for this guide, is Android Studio, which is cross-platform (Windows, OSX and Linux) and is developed by Google.

The backend

Depending on the type of application you are looking to build, you may need a “backend”, basically a computer that handles all the data that your application requires and generates. Applications that require a backend include a social network application or a chat application, while applications such as a calculator or the like generally do not require any backend code.

Generally this is written using PHP, NodeJS or some other code that is on a server somewhere, usually with some kind of database like MySQL or MongoDB. If you’re not willing to buy and run such a machine yourself, there are options like Amazon Web Services or DigitalOcean, which only charge you for the resources you use.

The proof

Ideally, it helps to have a test device, which could be your own device. To enable development on an Android device, simply click on “Build version” within the phone settings, under “About this phone”.

If you don’t have a device handy to use, that’s fine too. Most integrated development environments (IDEs), including Android Studio and Visual Studio, include a device simulator for their respective operating systems. This can be useful for testing different phones with slower hardware and different screen sizes, to make sure your application is widely accessible.

Packaging

For the Google store, you need to create a “signed APK”. The APK is created by the IDE and then “signed” using a key file that is generated with your information. This key is unique to you and ensures that no one else can upload a copy of your application with embedded malicious code.

Google Playstore has its own guidelines and procedures that you need to follow to get accepted, and it’s not uncommon for apps to be rejected, so be careful.

If all goes well, you will be able to see your application in the store of your choice. Good luck!