Any Tips for someone learning Mobile App Development? Specifically for Android

Hi Joshua,

I graduated with a Computer Science degree and after working for two years on web backend and then OpenGL I realized I wanted to learn android development. I picked a simple concept that I wanted to create to scratch my own itch. This gave me a catalyst and reason to learn and figure out Android development. In my case it was a fruit and vegetable tracker as I was trying to increase my intake of those foods.

I spent around 2 months on nights and weekends learning and implementing this app and was able to get an entry level Android position after that. I added it to GitHub and being able to use that as part of my portfolio when applying was immensely helpful.

Fortunately the documentation and training programs have gotten much better over the last 8 years. Here are some good resources:

• Google's guides: https://developer.android.com/guide/
• Building your first Java app: https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/build-your-first-android-app/index.html
• Kotlin resources: https://kotlinlang.org/docs/reference/

In regards to Kotlin, the industry does seem to be moving in that direction. The same concepts translate well between Kotlin and Java. I'd say definitely check out Kotlin on your free time but it can be easy to waste time trying to translate concepts between Java and Kotlin.

There is plenty of information online and I advise you to look for it. You can start with the link below which showed up just by searching your key words, "Tips, App, and Development."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCvWN6-Gwvs&ab_channel=docstocTV

I just got some great advice from a very smart colleague who works in the field of education. She supports the idea of design with an eye for assuring that all people can utilize whatever it is you are building. She said, "Whether you are building a home or a computer application, if you have ACCESSABILITY as a core design value, it will be a better design for everyone."

The best thing you can do to learn anything is to pickup a simple project and start building it. You will need something to startwith but once you get the basics start using it. Android is big and you can't learn everything unless you build something.
To get started try this course on coursera which is excellently designed for new guys. This takes to complex concepts of andoid if you stick to it till the end. Try.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/android-programming
Or start with beginner level courses
https://www.udacity.com/courses/android

I haven't tried udacity courses but the former one from coursera is pretty good.
Note: You need to know to Java before you start on Android.

I highly recommend this course: https://www.udacity.com/course/developing-android-apps--ud853

Good luck!