Getting Started with Android Development from Pluralsight

Learn how to get started with Android development so you can build apps for the most popular mobile operating system in the world. You'll learn about Android, setup your Android development environment, and build your first Android app using Kotlin.

How do you start building modern Android applications?

In this course, Getting Started with Android Development, you will gain the ability to build a simple Android application using current best practices. First, you will learn about the Android operating system, and how it powers millions of devices. Next, you will set up your Android development environment. You will then build a simple Android app making use of current best practices. Finally, you will explore where to go next in developing production-ready Android applications.

When you’re finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of Android development needed to start building modern Android applications.

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, with over 2.5 billion active Android devices globally.

This beginner-level Android development course is perfect for newbies.

Some of the major topics that we will cover include setting up your Android development environment, creating a new Android Studio project, building your app and installing it to an emulator to test, loading and displaying of remote data using the GitHub API, and more.

Before beginning the course, you should be familiar with object-oriented programming using either Kotlin or Java and be comfortable downloading and installing new developer tools.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Saying Hello to Android

Building Your Android Toolbox

Creating Your First Android App

Building Your First Android App

Plotting the Path Forward

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Android development best practices, the industry standard

Targeted to absolute beginners in Android development

Introduces fundamental Android development concepts and tools

Gain the ability to build a simple Android application using current best practices

taught by Nate Ebel, who is recognized for their work in Android development

Assumes familiarity with object-oriented programming and the ability to download and install tools, which may be a barrier for some students

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 Getting Started with Android Development with these activities:

Watch the Android Development for Beginners video series

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Get an overview of the Android development process by watching this popular YouTube video series.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Go to YouTube
Search for "Android Development for Beginners"
Watch the first video in the series
Watch the remaining videos in the series

Read "Head First Java"

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Enhance your Java programming skills by reading this acclaimed book that introduces core Java concepts in an engaging and interactive way.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Purchase the book
Read Chapter 1: Welcome to Java
Read Chapter 2: Objects and Classes
Read Chapter 3: Inheritance

Brush up on Java programming basics

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Refresh your memory on the basics of Java programming to ensure a strong foundation for this course.

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Review the Java syntax
Practice writing simple Java programs
Take a Java refresher course or tutorial

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Read "The New Android Developer's Guide"

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Learn the latest best practices and techniques for Android development by reading the recently released 3rd edition of this guide.

View Professional Android on Amazon

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Purchase the book
Read Chapter 1: Getting Started
Read Chapter 2: Building Your First App
Read Chapter 3: Advanced App Development

Join an Android development study group

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Connect with other Android developers and learn from each other by joining a study group.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Find an Android development study group on Meetup.com or other online platforms
Attend a study group meeting
Participate in discussions

Find an Android development mentor

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Accelerate your learning by finding a mentor who can guide you and provide feedback on your work.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Network with other Android developers at meetups and conferences
Reach out to Android developers on LinkedIn
Attend Android development workshops and training sessions

Complete the Android Developer Fundamentals Codelabs

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Reinforce your understanding of the basics of Android development by completing the official Google Codelabs.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Go to the Android Developers website
Click on the "Codelabs" tab
Select the "Android Developer Fundamentals" codelab
Complete the codelab

Create a study guide for the course

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Improve your understanding of the course material by creating a study guide that summarizes the key concepts.

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Review the course syllabus
Identify the key concepts
Create a summary of each key concept
Organize the study guide into sections

Create an Android app tutorial

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Deepen your understanding of Android development by creating a tutorial that teaches others how to build an Android app.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Choose an app idea
Design the app's UI
Write the app's code
Create a video tutorial

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Android Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Android Developer

Android Developers are on the frontlines of app development, bridging the gap between users, software, and hardware. They have a diverse skillset, which includes knowledge of Java and Kotlin for writing software, as well as understanding Android APIs and tools. As such, Getting Started with Android Development is a great course for current or aspiring Android Developers as it provides them with first-hand experience in the foundational aspects of Android app creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers build and maintain mobile apps across a variety of different mobile operating systems, from Android and iOS to more niche ones. While they may not always specialize in one mobile OS, they will typically develop a strong proficiency with at least one. Getting Started with Android Development can provide you with the foundational skills you need to begin your journey as a Mobile Application Developer specializing in Android.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Software Developer

Software Developers build software for a variety of platforms, from Android and iOS to desktop operating systems and beyond. They possess a wide skillset that includes different programming languages, software development tools, and a strong understanding of software development lifecycles. Getting Started with Android Development may be helpful as it can enhance your knowledge of software development, particularly if you're interested in or are already working as an Android Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Application Developer

Application Developers build and maintain software applications across a variety of platforms, including web, desktop, and mobile. They have a diverse skillset which includes programming languages, software development tools, and experience with a variety of application development frameworks. Getting Started with Android Development can help you develop a strong foundation for a career as an Application Developer specializing in Android.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers work with software developers and engineers to turn software designs and solutions into reality. They are skilled in one or more programming languages and are knowledgeable of algorithms and data structures. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful as it can help you build a better foundation for your work, particularly if you plan to or already work as a Computer Programmer specializing in Android.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers build and maintain websites and web applications. They have a diverse skillset that includes programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as experience with web development frameworks. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Web Developers who plan to develop hybrid mobile applications or want to expand their skillset into mobile development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make better decisions. They have a strong understanding of statistics and data analysis tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Data Analysts who want to develop data-driven mobile applications or want to gain a better understanding of mobile app development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Data Scientists who want to develop data-driven mobile applications or want to gain a better understanding of mobile app development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and execution of product roadmaps. They have a strong understanding of product development lifecycles and user needs. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Product Managers who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app development or want to work closely with Android Developers to build successful mobile products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

UX Designer

UX Designers research, design, and evaluate user interfaces for websites and applications. They have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction and user experience principles. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for UX Designers who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app development or want to collaborate with Android Developers on mobile app design.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. They have a strong understanding of software testing techniques and experience with quality assurance tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to specialize in testing mobile apps or want to gain a better understanding of mobile app development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to identify and document business needs. They have a strong understanding of business analysis techniques and experience with business analysis tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Business Analysts who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app development or want to work with Android Developers to build mobile solutions for businesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software products. They have a strong understanding of technical writing principles and experience with documentation tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Technical Writers who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app development or want to specialize in writing documentation for Android apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They have a strong understanding of project management methodologies and experience with project management tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Project Managers who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app development or want to work with Android Developers to manage mobile app projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect information systems. They have a strong understanding of information security principles and experience with information security tools. Getting Started with Android Development may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to develop a better understanding of mobile app security or want to work with Android Developers to build secure mobile apps.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst