How to create Android app

Android app development is a process that opens up business opportunities and allows you to implement ideas. But, as in any business, there are pros and cons.

‍

Pros:

• The opportunity to reach a large audience.
  ‍Android is the most popular operating system in the world, and it's a chance to reach millions of users. Whether it's a useful utility or an exciting game, there's always an audience.

‍

• More development opportunities.
  ‍Thanks to the open architecture, you can create services with unique features, add components, integrate, and implement any ideas.

‍

• Support from Google Play.
  ‍It is easy to launch an app on the Google Play platform. Plus, it has powerful tools for developers. You can update the app, communicate with users, and improve the product.

‍

Cons:

• Long testing period.
  The devices differ from each other in system versions, screen sizes and characteristics. For the platform to work flawlessly, it will be necessary to test it on multiple devices.

‍

• Competition.
  ‍Google Play is full of apps, and standing out from similar products is no easy task. Unique features and smart marketing will help you do this.

‍

• Development time.
  ‍Due to the variety of devices, developers need to take into account all the nuances, and this increases the project implementation time.

‍

The platform provides developers with an environment for creating applications — Android Studio, which was developed by Google specifically for this platform. This is a godsend for programmers, because the studio has many useful features that make development easier. Here are some of them:

‍

• Code editor: helps you write clean and understandable code, highlighting syntax and offering autocompletions.

‍

• Emulators: They allow you to run applications on virtual devices with different versions, which is convenient if you do not have access to real devices.

‍

• Debug tools: everything you need to find and fix errors — logging via Logcat, analyzing performance, and monitoring memory usage.

‍

• Visual interface editor: creating screens is easy and intuitive thanks to the ability to drag and drop elements.

‍

• Version control system support: integration with Git, SVN and other systems directly into Android Studio, without the need for third-party programs.

‍

• ‍Assembly automation: The Gradle system manages dependencies and project configuration and thus speeds up the development process.

Now, before writing a program for Android, let's look at the features that need to be considered.

‍

1. A variety of devices.
   Android works on both compact smartphones and large tablets. Screens, resolution, specifications are different. The app's goal is to look and work great no matter what you run it on.

‍

2. Variety of versions.
   ‍Not all users update their devices to the latest version of the operating system. So the developer needs to decide which versions to support in order to reach as many people as possible.

‍

3. Integration with Google Play Services.
   ‍Google Play Services helps you add features like geolocation, push notifications, and Google account sign-in. Yes, it will take time to set up, but the result is worth it!

‍

4. A variety of hardware capabilities.
   ‍The devices are equipped with different hardware: cameras, sensors, communication modules. Adapt the app to such features so that everything works seamlessly.

‍

5. Security and privacy.
   ‍Users value data security, so it's important not only to add cool features, but also to make sure that information is stored securely and the app meets all privacy standards.
   ‍
6. ‍Performance optimization.
   ‍Nobody likes it when an app freezes or takes a long time to load. Optimization will make the service fast, economical and enjoyable to use even on devices with minimal resources.

‍

If you take into account all the points, you can make an application for Android that will surprise users and become popular.

If you decide to figure out how to create your own application for Android, you will probably be faced with the question: what to choose — native or cross-platform development? To make it easier to make a choice, we will consider both approaches.

‍

Native development

‍

Native apps are written using tools specifically designed for a specific platform, in our case, Android.

‍

Java — a classic in the world of Android development. This language has been used since the very beginning of the platform's existence and has a community of programmers. Although Java is reliable and stable, it sometimes takes more lines of code to implement even simple functions than newer languages.

‍

Why choose Java?

• Stability.
• A huge number of libraries and solutions.
• It is easy to find training materials and ready-made examples.

‍

Kotlin is a language that has become official for developing Android applications. It writes concise, understandable code and is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. If you're starting out in programming, Kotlin is a great choice.

‍

Why choose Kotlin?

• Short and readable code.
• Full Java compatibility.
• It supports asynchronous programming.

‍

C++ — used to create high-performance services, such as games or complex graphics programs. Not suitable for everyone due to the complexity of the language.

‍

Why choose C++?

• High performance.
• Suitable for demanding applications and games.

Cross-platform solutions

‍

Using cross-platform frameworks, you can develop one application that will run immediately on Android and iOS. A great option if you want to cover both platforms. Save time and money that would be spent on creating two separate projects.

‍

Flutter — a tool from Google that uses the Dart language. Helps you create high-performance and visually appealing platforms. The peculiarity of Flutter is that it does not use native interface components, but completely renders them by itself, giving the developer full control over design and animation.

‍

Why choose Flutter?

• High performance due to its own rendering engine.
• Control over interfaces and animations.
• Developing apps for Android and iOS at the same time.

‍

React Native — a tool from Facebook that creates mobile applications in JavaScript. It is especially good for creating services and applications, which is why it is popular among developers. The community helps you quickly find solutions and use ready-made libraries.

‍

Why choose React Native?

• One code for two platforms.
• Integration with web technologies.
• Community and ready-made tools.

The benefits of cross-platform development

‍

Save time and budget.
‍Using cross-platform frameworks, you'll get by with one service instead of two separate versions. Development will be faster and less expensive, which is beneficial for startups and small projects.

‍

Easy maintenance.
‍Serve cross-platform apps are lighter. Updates and bug fixes are applied to both platforms at once.

‍

‍Quick MVP launch.
‍If you want to test your idea on the market quickly, cross-platform tools are perfect for creating an MVP. You can run the app on Android and iOS at the same time and start getting feedback from users right away.

Now let's figure out how to create your own Android app and what you need to consider on the way from an idea to a finished product. To make a cool app, work through every step.
‍

1. Idea evaluation and the Discovery phase
‍

At the initial stage, consider what problem the app solves. Study user needs, see what's already on the market, and determine how your product will be better than its peers. At this stage, clearly define goals, define functions, and draw up a development plan.

‍

2. UX/UI design‍
‍

When an idea is defined, it's time for design. Develop layouts and interfaces, focusing on how users will interact with the product. The goal is to create an attractive and intuitive interface. Think about every screen, button, and animation to make the service look and function well on all devices.

‍

3. Development
‍

Code time. The stage when the application “comes to life”. Developers write code in Java or Kotlin if native development is chosen. If you have chosen a cross-platform framework, then Flutter is ideal for this. At this stage, functions, components are created and links are established with external services.

‍

4. Testing and fixing bugs
‍

The code is written, testing is starting. The application is tested on devices and versions. Testers are looking for bugs, performance issues, and compatibility issues. When bugs are found, developers fix them so that the platform works like clockwork.

‍

5. Publication and promotion
‍

The application is ready, we are releasing it on Google Play. Write a description, add screenshots, and keywords to make it easy for users to find the product. Also consider a marketing strategy that will attract attention and make the app popular.

6. App development and support
‍

Work on the app doesn't end after release. Follow user feedback, update the app regularly, add new features, improve the interface, and fix bugs. The updates will keep users engaged.

So, is the app ready to be released on Google Play? That's great! The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. To help, we have prepared a step-by-step checklist for successful publication.

‍

1. Sign up for Google Play Console
‍

The first thing we do is register in the Google Play Console. Create a developer account and pay a one-time fee of $25. You then have access to tools for managing and publishing apps.

‍

2. Download the APK file
‍
‍The next step is to ship ready-made APK file applications. This is the file that users will install on devices. We check that the file is error-free and has no security problems. Google Play will check the service itself for failures.

‍

3. Test
‍

Before publishing, we test the program and make sure that it works on devices. The Google Play Console lets you see how the platform appears on different screens.

‍

4. Prepare a description and media files
‍

We write a description. We explain to users how the program works and what advantages it has. We're adding screenshots and videos to show how the service looks and works in action. We make the description taking into account ASO optimization so that the service is more often found in searches and attracting new users is cheaper.

‍

5. Fill in the basic parameters
‍

We specify information about the application: category, type — free or paid, what permissions are required, for example, access to the camera or geolocation. This way users will understand how the service works.

‍

6. Choose a monetization model
‍

Are we deciding whether the app is free or paid? If you chose the paid option, specify the price. For a free app, you can use monetization through ads, in-app purchases, or the freemium model — when basic features are available for free and additional features come at a cost. This approach helps you make money from free downloads and attract more users by offering them a choice.

‍

7. Publish your app
‍

When all the data is entered and the steps are completed, the application is sent for closed testing in the Google Play Console. This is a mandatory step for those who created an account after November 13, 2023. At least 20 people must check it within two weeks, so Google makes sure that everything works as it should.

‍

After that, you can submit the application for final review. If all is well, it will be available to users around the world! Moderation usually takes several days, so just wait a bit — your product will be released very soon.

This process will turn the idea into a working product. If you go step by step, from development and testing to publishing on Google Play, create a functional and cool application. Good luck!

‍

Technology is changing fast, but we know how to turn your idea into a cool and in-demand app.

‍

IN Beetrail we take care of everything: from the first design sketches to publication in stores and further support. You don't need to know how to code, just tell us what you want to create and we'll help you make it happen.

‍

Take a look at our projects and submit a request, we will be happy to discuss your idea!

‍

Beetrail — we develop with your success in mind.