Android for Beginners from Udacity

Learn the basics of Android and Java programming, and take the first step on your journey to becoming an Android developer!This course is designed for students who are new to programming, and want to learn how to build Android apps. You don’t need any programming experience to take this course. If you’ve been using a smartphone to surf the web and chat with friends, then you’re our perfect target student!Learning anything new can be tough. We will walk you through the process of making Android apps, but to get the most out of this course, you must bring your enthusiasm for learning, and budget time on your calendar to learn with us.By the end of this course, you will have learned how to build an app’s layout and then practiced those skills by making a birthday card app.If you’re curious about the road even farther ahead, these are the free courses that make up the Android Basics Nanodegree, in order: If you're a consumer of technology, this course will help you to become a creator of technology. You are only limited by your imagination!Android powers over 80 percent of the world’s smartphones, and represents an incredible opportunity for developers everywhere. The next billion people coming online will interact with the internet for the very first time on a mobile device. Building for Android gives you the best opportunity to reach these users and make an impact -- both in your community, and on the world.If you are new to programming and don’t know where to start, then this is the course for you!We will use Android Studio to build our apps, so you should have access to a computer that can run Android Studio in order to follow along (see for details). Don’t worry, -- we will provide detailed installation instructions as part of the course.Access to an Android device is helpful, but not at all required.Now, in case you have some programming experience, parts of this course may be too slow for you — you should feel free to skip those sections.Finally, the is a willingness to learn new things, and belief that you can do this!Take your hand drawn app designs and lay them out on the phone screen. In this lesson you’ll learn the XML markup language used to lay out Android applications. You’ll create views, the basic building block of Android layouts, that display text and images. Then you’ll position your text and images on these screens. This highly interactive lesson encourages experimentation through coding challenges in Udacity’s XML Visualizer.Create a birthday card application for your phone. You’ll start by installing Android Studio, a program used by professional developers to make Android applications. You’ll then transfer a simple application you create from your computer to your phone. Following that, you’ll take all the concepts you learned in Lesson 1 to build your birthday card app, and install it on your phone for your friends and family to see.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Expands learners' knowledge of XML markup language used to lay out Android applications

Examines building block views used in Android layouts

Reinforces use of XML Visualizer with coding challenges

Develops practical skills by creating a birthday card application for the phone

Teaches Android Studio installation and use for building applications

Encourages experimentation and hands-on learning through visual coding challenges

Includes access to a community of learners and experts for support

May require learners to have access to an Android device for optimal learning

Android Studio software used in the course may have newer versions available

Reviews summary

Android for absolute beginners

Android for Beginners has gotten positive reviews from students. While reviews do not contain much information about the content of the course, students seem to enjoy the course. Reviews generally describe the course as a "great introductory course." Many reviewers recommend this course to beginners who want to learn the basics of Android.

Explanations are clear and concise.

"Very analytical step-by-step approach, without programming or challenge, makes the course an interesting experience."

Great for beginners.

"One of the best introductory courses for Android that I have personally come across... precisely as the name suggests Android for beginners.."

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 Android for Beginners with these activities:

Review the basics of Java programming

Show steps

Review the basics of Java programming to refresh your knowledge and make sure you're ready for this course.

Browse courses on Java Programming

Show steps

Find some resources on Java programming.
Review the basics of Java syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple Java programs.

Organize your notes and assignments

Show steps

Organize your notes and assignments to make it easier to study for this course.

Show steps

Create a folder for this course.
Put all of your notes and assignments in the folder.
Organize your notes and assignments by topic.

Create a collection of useful resources for Android development

Show steps

Create a collection of useful resources for Android development, such as tutorials, documentation, and code samples.

Show steps

Find some useful resources for Android development.
Organize the resources into a collection.
Share the collection with other students.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Watch tutorials on Android development

Show steps

Watch tutorials on Android development to learn more about the basics of Android programming and how to use Android Studio.

Show steps

Find some tutorials on Android development.
Watch the tutorials and follow along with the instructions.
Try to apply what you've learned to your own Android app.

Read 'Head First Java'

Show steps

Read 'Head First Java' to learn more about the basics of Java programming and how to use Android Studio.

View Head First Software Development: A Learner's... on Amazon

Show steps

Find a copy of 'Head First Java'.
Read the book.
Complete the exercises in the book.

Practice writing XML code to create different layouts

Show steps

Practice writing XML code to create different layouts, such as linear layouts, relative layouts, and table layouts.

Show steps

Find some example XML layouts online.
Try to recreate the layouts using your own XML code.
Experiment with different attributes and values to see how they affect the layout.

Build an Android app that displays a birthday message

Show steps

Create a simple Android app to practice your skills and reinforce your understanding of the basics of Android development.

Show steps

Create a new Android project in Android Studio.
Design the layout of your app using XML.
Write the code to display a birthday message on the screen.
Run your app on an Android device or emulator.

Career center

Learners who complete Android for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Android Developer

Android Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining Android applications. They work with software engineers to create the technical specifications for the application, and then use programming languages such as Java or Kotlin to write the code. Android Developers must have a strong understanding of Android operating system, as well as experience with mobile development tools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Android Developer by teaching you the basics of Android programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. Their work often involves creating user interfaces, writing code, and testing applications. Mobile Application Developers typically have a strong understanding of operating systems such as Android or iOS, as well as experience with mobile development tools. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Mobile Application Developer by teaching you the basics of Android programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as writing code, testing applications, and debugging errors. Software Engineers typically have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals and experience with programming languages. This course can help you develop some of the skills you need to become a Software Engineer by teaching you the basics of Android programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as installing and configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, and troubleshooting problems. Network Administrators typically have a strong understanding of networking technologies and experience with network management tools. This course may be useful for aspiring Network Administrators by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as identifying vulnerabilities, developing security policies, and conducting security audits. Information Security Analysts typically have a strong understanding of information security principles and experience with security tools and techniques. This course may be useful for aspiring Information Security Analysts by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as troubleshooting computer problems, installing software, and training users. Information Technology Specialists typically have a strong understanding of computer hardware and software and experience with customer service. This course may be useful for aspiring Information Technology Specialists by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Specialist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing documentation for software and hardware. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as writing user manuals, creating training materials, and developing online help. Technical Writers typically have a strong understanding of technical concepts and experience with writing and editing. This course may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as studying existing systems, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions. Systems Analysts typically have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals and experience with systems analysis techniques. This course may be useful for aspiring Systems Analysts by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing code that solves specific problems. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as developing new software applications, maintaining existing software, and debugging errors. Computer Programmers typically have a strong understanding of programming languages and experience with software development tools. This course can help you develop some of the skills you need to become a Computer Programmer by teaching you the basics of Android programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and evaluating software products. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as writing test cases, executing tests, and reporting defects. Quality Assurance Analysts typically have a strong understanding of software testing techniques and experience with quality assurance tools. This course may be useful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as studying existing systems, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions. Computer Systems Analysts typically have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals and experience with systems analysis techniques. This course may be useful for aspiring Computer Systems Analysts by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as developing statistical models, writing code, and presenting findings. Data Scientists typically have a strong understanding of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Manager

Database Managers are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as creating and managing databases, configuring security settings, and troubleshooting problems. Database Managers typically have a strong understanding of database technologies, such as SQL and NoSQL. This course may be useful for aspiring Database Managers by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as creating and managing databases, configuring security settings, and troubleshooting problems. Database Administrators typically have a strong understanding of database technologies, such as SQL and NoSQL. This course may be useful for aspiring Database Administrators by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Their work can involve a variety of tasks, such as creating user interfaces, writing code, and testing websites. Web Developers typically have a strong understanding of web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This course may be useful for aspiring Web Developers by teaching them the basics of programming, including how to create layouts, add user interface elements, and handle user input.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer