Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course) from Coursera

What you’ll achieve:

In this project-centered course*, you’ll design, build, and distribute your own unique application for the Android mobile platform. We’ll provide you with a set of customizable building blocks that you can assemble to create many different types of apps, and that will help you become familiar with many important specificities of Android development. When you complete the project, in addition to having a personalized app that you can use and share, you’ll have the skills and background you need to move on to more advanced coursework in Android development.

What you’ll need to get started:

This project-centered course is designed for learners who have some prior experience programming in Java, such as an introductory college course or Coursera’s Java Programming Specialization (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming).

You will need a computer with a stable Internet connection, but you will not need an Android phone - we’ll use free software that you can use to emulate a phone on your computer. We'll use Android Studio as IDE; it is compatible with most computer and operating systems. You can find detailed system requirements here: https://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#Requirements.

*About Project-Centered Courses: Project-centered courses are designed to help you complete a personally meaningful real-world project, with your instructor and a community of learners with similar goals providing guidance and suggestions along the way. By actively applying new concepts as you learn, you’ll master the course content more efficiently; you’ll also get a head start on using the skills you gain to make positive changes in your life and career. When you complete the course, you’ll have a finished project that you’ll be proud to use and share.

Time: 10 hours of study, 10 hours of active project work

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This module presents our pedagogic approach and demonstrates the kind of applications you will be able to build at the end of the course.

Create the Storyboard for Your Application

In this module you will design your personalized app from a user's perspective. We will show you elements you can combine in your design, and how to document it to get feedback from prospective users or to organize your thoughts. If you get stuck on the quiz or peer-reviewed assignment, you should post on the Discussion Forum to ask for help. And if you finish early, we hope you'll go there to help your fellow classmates as well. To get started, please jump into the first lesson below!

Install Tools, Create HelloWorld App

This module guides you in the development of an Android application using the Android Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE). First it points you to the right place to install the Android Studio IDE and the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). Next it walks you through the steps of using them to create a basic "Hello World" application and it describes how to transfer the application for execution on a physical Android device and on an emulator. At the end of the module you will be familiar with Android tools.

Build Your First Interactive Application

In this module you associate for the first time a graphical user interface with an activity controlling it, resulting in a first interactive application. We will re-use this same schema next week when developing the 9 apps presented in week 2 (and so will your personalized app).

Toward Your Application, Step-By-Step

This module spans 2 weeks. This week, we walk you step by step in the development of 5 of the basic building blocks.

Transform Your Storyboard Into Actual Application

In this second part of the module, we develop the remaining 4 basic building blocks. All you have to do after that is to combine them to transform your idea of application into executable code!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational skills for learners interested in mobile development

Strong focus on Java programming, a prevalent language in industry

Project-centered and hands-on, providing practical experience

Provides building blocks for creating various mobile applications

May require additional resources for learners new to Java programming

Reviews summary

Project-focused android app creation

Students say this hands-on course from CentraleSupelec helps beginners learn the basics of Android app development. According to reviews, it teaches learners to build simple, working apps from scratch. Many students report that this course is a good starting point for those interested in Android app development, despite being outdated in some respects. Topics covered include Android Studio, Java, layouts, widgets, and debugging.

The instructors provide clear and concise instructions, making it easy for learners to follow along.

"The instructions are very clear"

"It was great course. and I have made too many apps after learning this course."

"The course was excellent in terms of content, delivery style and structure."

The instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in Android app development, and they share their expertise with learners.

"The instructors are very clear"

"I consider this course excellent, personally it has helped me better understand the android studio environment, the function of each class and methods."

"The course was awesome and very proficient to understand."

The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of Android app development.

"If you are thinking about to learn some basics of android apps development and want some practical experience , this course is for you."

"This course is an exceptionally well."

"It was a good course overall, Dr. Virginie Galtier is great instructor and she tries to explain the lessons very well"

The course features project-based assignments that allow learners to apply their skills and create their own apps.

"I really enjoyed this course, I learnt a lot!"

"This course and certificate is a best choice for all the people who wish to learn without limits."

"My learning experience on Coursera is very good and fabulous."

The course materials and software are outdated and may require additional research to complete assignments.

"The course is frankly quite outdated."

"The software used in the video teachings are relatively outdated"

"The recordings are done with Android studio 1.5 and this means year 2015."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course) with these activities:

Read 'Head First Android Development'

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Android development and will help you understand the concepts and techniques covered in this course.

View Excel Cookbook on Amazon

Show steps

Read Chapters 1-5 of the book
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter
Use the book as a reference to clarify concepts and techniques

Watch video tutorials on Android Studio

Show steps

This activity will help you familiarize yourself with the Android Studio IDE and learn how to use its tools effectively.

Browse courses on Android Studio

Show steps

Find a series of video tutorials on Android Studio
Watch the tutorials and follow along with the steps
Complete any practice exercises provided in the tutorials

Review core Java concepts

Show steps

This activity will help you refresh your knowledge of core Java concepts and ensure you have a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Review Java syntax and data types
Practice writing basic Java programs
Review object-oriented programming concepts

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Solve Android coding problems

Show steps

This activity will help you improve your problem-solving skills and apply your knowledge of Java and Android concepts to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Find a resource for Android coding problems
Attempt to solve a variety of coding problems
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Join a study group with other students

Show steps

This activity will help you connect with other students, share knowledge, and reinforce your understanding of the course concepts.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss course topics
Work together on assignments and projects

Develop a simple Android application

Show steps

This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to create a real-world Android application.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Choose an idea for your application
Design the layout and interface of your application
Write the code for your application
Test and debug your application
Publish your application on the Google Play Store

Volunteer for an Android development project

Show steps

This activity will provide you with hands-on experience with Android development and allow you to contribute to a real-world project.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Find an Android development project that needs volunteers
Contact the project leader and express your interest
Complete the tasks assigned to you

Contribute to an open-source Android library

Show steps

This activity will allow you to gain experience with open-source development and contribute to the Android community.

Browse courses on Android Development

Show steps

Find an open-source Android library that you are interested in
Fork the repository and make your changes
Submit a pull request with your changes
Work with the maintainers of the library to get your changes accepted

Career center

Learners who complete Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Application Developer

A Mobile Application Developer designs, builds, tests, deploys, maintains, and documents applications for mobile devices. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in mobile application development, specifically for Android. It provides you with a set of customizable building blocks, helping you understand and develop many different types of apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Android Developer

An Android Developer designs, builds, tests, deploys, maintains, and documents applications for mobile devices powered by Android. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in Android development. It provides you with a set of customizable building blocks, helping you understand and develop many different types of apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer designs, develops, tests, deploys, maintains, and documents software applications. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in software development, specifically for Android. It provides you with a set of customizable building blocks, helping you understand and develop many different types of apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, builds, tests, deploys, maintains, and documents software applications. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in software development, specifically for Android. It provides you with a set of customizable building blocks, helping you understand and develop many different types of apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, builds, tests, deploys, maintains, and documents web applications. While this course does not focus on web development, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in software development. This course may help you understand the basics of programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. While this course does not focus on data science, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business needs and develops solutions to improve business processes. While this course does not focus on business analysis, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, monitors, and closes projects to achieve specific goals. While this course does not focus on project management, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in project planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. While this course does not focus on technical writing, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in writing and documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst designs, develops, and implements computer systems. While this course does not focus on computer systems analysis, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. While this course does not focus on database administration, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages and maintains computer networks. While this course does not focus on network administration, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects computer systems and networks from unauthorized access or attack. While this course does not focus on information security analysis, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in programming in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst tests and evaluates software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. While this course does not focus on quality assurance, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and applications. While this course does not focus on technical support, it may be useful because it helps build a foundation in troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist