4 answers
VIPIN
Student
Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
1
Question
Updated
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where I should begin, and which free and reliable coding or app-?
where I should begin, and which free and reliable coding or app-development resources are available for beginners. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions.I am a PhD researcher and platelet biologist with a strong background in biomedical research. Although I do not have prior experience in coding, I am interested in developing an Android APK for research and educational purposes. I would like guidance on what foundational skills I need to learn, where I should begin, and which free and reliable coding or app-development resources are available for beginners. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions.
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4 answers
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
144
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Vipin,
You should begin by learning basic programming concepts using Kotlin, which is the primary language for Android development. Install Android Studio (free) and start with very small apps, such as displaying text, buttons, or simple forms.
For free and reliable resources, start with the official Android Developers website and Google Codelabs, which are beginner friendly and well structured. To learn coding basics, freeCodeCamp and Kotlin Koans are excellent starting points. These resources are widely used, up to date, and sufficient to take you from no coding experience to building a functional Android app step by step.
You should begin by learning basic programming concepts using Kotlin, which is the primary language for Android development. Install Android Studio (free) and start with very small apps, such as displaying text, buttons, or simple forms.
For free and reliable resources, start with the official Android Developers website and Google Codelabs, which are beginner friendly and well structured. To learn coding basics, freeCodeCamp and Kotlin Koans are excellent starting points. These resources are widely used, up to date, and sufficient to take you from no coding experience to building a functional Android app step by step.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
VIPIN
Joseph Aseo
88
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Python is a fantastic choice because it serves two purposes.
In the Lab: Researchers can use libraries like Biopython, Pandas, and NumPy to help with their work.
On the Phone: Frameworks like Kivy or BeeWare allow them to turn their research into mobile apps.
While Python excels in logic, it isn't the main language for Android, which is Kotlin.
Pros: Learning just one language lets them create apps for both computers and phones.
Cons: Python apps on mobile might be a bit slower or take up more space than native apps. However, for research tools or data-entry apps, this usually isn't a big deal.
Alison.com offers "Introduction to Python: A great "toe-in-the-water" course. It covers syntax, variables, and basic functions without being overwhelming.
Alison.com offers "Python for Data Science: From the Basics to Advanced: This is the "sweet spot." It teaches NumPy and Pandas, which are the gold standards for handling large datasets (like genomic or proteomic data).
In the Lab: Researchers can use libraries like Biopython, Pandas, and NumPy to help with their work.
On the Phone: Frameworks like Kivy or BeeWare allow them to turn their research into mobile apps.
While Python excels in logic, it isn't the main language for Android, which is Kotlin.
Pros: Learning just one language lets them create apps for both computers and phones.
Cons: Python apps on mobile might be a bit slower or take up more space than native apps. However, for research tools or data-entry apps, this usually isn't a big deal.
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
VIPIN
David Allen
Consultant
124
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To begin your journey into Android development as a researcher, your first step should be to choose between a no-code platform or native coding. For a biology-focused app where you might want to display data or educational modules quickly, a no-code tool like Google AppSheet or MIT App Inventor is the most efficient starting point; these allow you to build functional APKs using drag-and-drop logic without writing a single line of syntax. However, if you want to build a more complex tool that utilizes phone sensors or handles heavy data processing, learning Kotlin (the official language for Android) is the standard path. You should begin by installing Android Studio, which is the free, professional software used to design, code, and "package" your app into an APK file that can be installed on any Android device.
For free and reliable learning resources, Google’s "Android Basics with Compose" is the gold standard for beginners; it is a self-paced, interactive course specifically designed for people with zero coding experience to build their first few apps. Another excellent resource is freeCodeCamp, which offers comprehensive video tutorials on both mobile development and Python, the latter of which is incredibly useful for a PhD researcher due to its powerful data analysis libraries like Pandas and Biopython. For a researcher's specific needs, the platform Pathverse is also highly recommended, as it was built specifically to help scientists create mobile interventions and research tools without needing a software engineering background. These resources will allow you to transition from a biologist to an app creator while ensuring your final product is stable and professional.
For free and reliable learning resources, Google’s "Android Basics with Compose" is the gold standard for beginners; it is a self-paced, interactive course specifically designed for people with zero coding experience to build their first few apps. Another excellent resource is freeCodeCamp, which offers comprehensive video tutorials on both mobile development and Python, the latter of which is incredibly useful for a PhD researcher due to its powerful data analysis libraries like Pandas and Biopython. For a researcher's specific needs, the platform Pathverse is also highly recommended, as it was built specifically to help scientists create mobile interventions and research tools without needing a software engineering background. These resources will allow you to transition from a biologist to an app creator while ensuring your final product is stable and professional.
Siva Kann
VP of Products & Technology
64
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hello Vipin,
First of all, you’re not a beginner trying to code. You’re a platelet biologist with deep domain expertise who wants to build tools.
Instead of becoming a traditional Android developer first, I’d recommend this:
Start by building agentic AI apps in your domain.
You already understand platelet biology, research workflows, and clinical terminology. That domain knowledge is far more valuable than learning UI or Android SDK basics.
For Example, AI agents built in Python can:
• Read and summarize research papers
• Extract biomarkers
• Analyze lab datasets
• Support experimental design
This allows you to stay true to your expertise while adding AI capability.
Here’s a 3 step approach you call follow:
1. Learn just enough Python by focusing on Variables and functions, Basic data structures, Reading CSV files and Calling APIs. Use free resources like Python.org, freeCodeCamp (YouTube), and Kaggle micro-courses.
2. Build simple biomedical AI agents. For example, Platelet Literature Review Agent / Experimental Design Assistant / Platelet Data Analysis Agent. Use Python with OpenAI or Claude APIs to achieve this.
3. Turn your agent into an app. You can use any of these approaches:
• Use ChatGPT or Claude to help generate a simple Flask app
• Or use no-code/low-code tools like Bubble, Glide, FlutterFlow, or Thunkable
This lets you focus on science and logic while avoiding deep Android complexity at the beginning. Later, if you want full app development skills, you can learn React or native Android.
My advice is, don’t try to become a programmer. Become a biomedical researcher who builds AI-powered tools.
If you’d like, I can outline a simple execution plan you can follow step-by-step.
Wish you the best!
First of all, you’re not a beginner trying to code. You’re a platelet biologist with deep domain expertise who wants to build tools.
Instead of becoming a traditional Android developer first, I’d recommend this:
Start by building agentic AI apps in your domain.
You already understand platelet biology, research workflows, and clinical terminology. That domain knowledge is far more valuable than learning UI or Android SDK basics.
For Example, AI agents built in Python can:
• Read and summarize research papers
• Extract biomarkers
• Analyze lab datasets
• Support experimental design
This allows you to stay true to your expertise while adding AI capability.
Here’s a 3 step approach you call follow:
1. Learn just enough Python by focusing on Variables and functions, Basic data structures, Reading CSV files and Calling APIs. Use free resources like Python.org, freeCodeCamp (YouTube), and Kaggle micro-courses.
2. Build simple biomedical AI agents. For example, Platelet Literature Review Agent / Experimental Design Assistant / Platelet Data Analysis Agent. Use Python with OpenAI or Claude APIs to achieve this.
3. Turn your agent into an app. You can use any of these approaches:
• Use ChatGPT or Claude to help generate a simple Flask app
• Or use no-code/low-code tools like Bubble, Glide, FlutterFlow, or Thunkable
This lets you focus on science and logic while avoiding deep Android complexity at the beginning. Later, if you want full app development skills, you can learn React or native Android.
My advice is, don’t try to become a programmer. Become a biomedical researcher who builds AI-powered tools.
If you’d like, I can outline a simple execution plan you can follow step-by-step.
Wish you the best!