Leveraging the Power of the Android Platform from Pluralsight

Android provides a powerful threading model and rich background execution capabilities. In this course, you'll learn how to leverage these capabilities through the use of AsyncTask, Handlers, Services, Job Scheduler, Broadcast Receivers, and more.

Modern applications include many rich time-based and background behaviors that extend well beyond direct interaction with the user. In this course, Leveraging the Power of the Android Platform, you'll learn how to use the powerful capabilities of the Android platform to create applications that incorporate these and other related behaviors. First, you'll explore how to utilize the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience. Next, you'll discover how to use Android Services for background work that can be safely performed even after the user exits your application. After that, you'll learn how to use the Android Job Scheduler to create background jobs that rely on run criteria such as networking and power requirements, and delegate those jobs to the Android system for management and execution. Additionally, you'll cover how to use Android Broadcasts and Broadcast Receivers to publish information from one application, and allow other applications running on the same device to subscribe to that information. Finally, you'll delve into scheduling time-sensitive tasks using the Android Alarm Manager. By the end of this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to create your own Android applications that incorporate the rich time-based and background execution behaviors required to create a successful application.

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding the Android Threading Model

Performing Background Work with Services

Scheduling Background Work with JobScheduler

Working with Broadcast Receivers

Traffic lights

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Teaches leveraging the rich Android platform to enhance functionality of Android applications

Builds skills in leveraging Android's threading model, Handlers, and Services for long-running work and background execution

Covers background work scheduling using JobScheduler and Broadcast Receivers for publishing and subscribing to information between applications

Develops expertise in scheduling time-sensitive tasks using Android's Alarm Manager

Requires knowledge of Android programming and basic Java background

Reviews summary

Mastering android background execution

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in Android's threading model and background execution capabilities. Learners particularly appreciate the clear explanations of complex topics like Services and JobScheduler, often finding the practical examples highly beneficial for real-world application development. While it offers comprehensive coverage of essential mechanisms, some mention that it assumes a foundational understanding of Android development, which might make it challenging for absolute beginners. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for mastering crucial Android background tasks.

Explores a wide array of Android background processing techniques.

"The breadth of topics, from Handlers to Alarm Manager, ensured I got a full picture of background tasks."

"It covers all the essential mechanisms needed to create robust Android applications with background logic."

"I was impressed by the detailed explanations of each type of background execution option."

Provides actionable, real-world examples for immediate use.

"The hands-on examples for JobScheduler and Broadcast Receivers were incredibly useful for my projects."

"I appreciated how the course moved beyond theory to show practical implementations I could apply."

"The coding exercises helped solidify my understanding and enabled me to build functional features."

Clearly explains complex Android threading and background execution.

"I finally understood the differences and best uses for AsyncTasks versus Services after this course."

"The instructor did an excellent job breaking down the nuances of Android's threading model."

"I gained a much clearer understanding of how to manage background work efficiently without impacting UX."

Aims at developers with existing foundational Android knowledge.

"As someone new to Android, I found myself needing to pause and look up basic concepts frequently."

"This course is ideal if you already have a grasp of basic Android components and Java/Kotlin."

"I would recommend having some prior experience with Android development before diving into this."

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 Leveraging the Power of the Android Platform with these activities:

Review Java threading concepts

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Refreshes students' understanding of fundamental Java threading concepts.

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Review Java tutorials on threading
Practice creating and managing threads in a simple Java program

Read 'Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide'

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Provides a comprehensive understanding of Android programming concepts and practices.

View Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide... on Amazon

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Read the book's chapters on background processing
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book

Discuss the benefits of using Broadcast Receivers

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Fosters understanding of Broadcast Receivers' role in facilitating communication between applications.

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Join a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions on the benefits of Broadcast Receivers
Share examples and experiences using Broadcast Receivers

Three other activities

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Use AlarmManager to schedule time-sensitive tasks

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Develops proficiency in scheduling time-sensitive tasks using AlarmManager.

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Create an AlarmManager object
Create a PendingIntent for the task
Schedule the task using the AlarmManager

Perform background tasks using Handlers

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Develops proficiency in using Handlers for background tasks.

Browse courses on Concurrent Programming

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Create a Handler object
Create a Runnable object
Post the Runnable object to the Handler

Implement a Service for long-running tasks

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Provides hands-on experience in creating and managing Services for background tasks.

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Create a Service class
Implement the Service's lifecycle methods
Bind to the Service from an Activity

Career center

Learners who complete Leveraging the Power of the Android Platform will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Android Developer

Android Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining applications for the Android operating system. This course will help you build a foundation in the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers create applications for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. This course will introduce you to the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Software Developer

The Android platform is a key part of the modern mobile application landscape. This course will introduce you to the skills you need to create successful Android applications, including how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course will help you build a foundation in the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that makes computers and software work. This course will introduce you to the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be useful for Web Developers who are interested in learning how to develop Android applications.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful for Network Administrators who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and use. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze and improve business processes. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for technical products. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who are interested in learning how to use the Android threading model, AsyncTasks, Handlers, and StrictMode to effectively perform long-running work in a way that doesn't impact the user experience.

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