Step by Step Guide to Get Started as an Android Developer

Want to become an Android Developer? Don`t know from where to start? New to Programming and want to Get started as an android developer ?

yes..!! So, don`t worry.Here`s the complete step by step guide for getting started with android development.

Millions are making android apps across the world.Thousands have new innovative ideas and want to be an android developer.hope so, You are also one of them.

Means you have completely decided...okay..okay.
So,Let`s start...

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Introduction to Android and Android Development :

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Android is the most popular mobile platform developed by Google and used in more than 190 countries across the world.It is Linux based operating system which provides Graphical user interface designed for smart-phones and tablet computers.It is initially released in  September 23,2008 and now available in more than 46 languages.

Android provides an open source platform to develop your own apps.You can start  developing android apps by installing android tools,plugins on your system.
It will be easy and better for you if you are familier with programming or you have some knowledge about C++ and Java.

Let`s see the requirements needed to get start :

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Requirements and Installation Process :

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You will need a Android SDK ( Software Development Kit ) which provides the API libraries and other developer tools.

You can Download Android SDK Here which contains Eclipse + ADT plugin, Android SDK Tools, Android Platform-tools, latest Android platform and latest Android system image for the emulator.

• Install the android SDK on your computer, Choose a location where to install Android SDK and fill the necessary fields as per instructions on the screen.

Note : Along with it, you also have need of Java SE JDK installed on your 
          system.if it is not already installed,Get it  Here  according to the compatible 
          operating system unless you will get the errors.

• After installing Java SE JDK , you need to add the path..Click Here  to get instructions on how to add path for java jdk in windows.

You have done with installation process.

After completion of installation process,Go to location where you have installed Android SDK, Open Eclipse instead of SDK Manager as it also provides a good interface for developing android apps.

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How to Create AVD ( Android Virtual Device ) ?

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Now, you need to create a AVD ( Android Virtual Device ) which is an emulator configuration by which you can create a virtual device to debug, test, run your application.configure it with necessary software and hardware details for which you are making an application.

• Open Eclipse>> Window >> Open Android Virtual device Manager >> New.. and fill the necessary fields.

For example , Name your device which you want ,choose device an target for which (version) you are making your app and the memory of this device.

Keep in mind, Memory which you`ll fill will be taken from your harddisk partition in which your operating system is installed.

That`s it.

Now you can start making android apps :

• Open Eclipse >> File >> New >> Android Application Project

Fill all the Necessary fields on your screen.

For Example , Application Name starting with Capital letter, Target SDK that your application support, Minimum SDK that your application support and Theme which you want or left it default theme.

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Is it Easy Developing Android Apps ?

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As i mentioned earlier, If you have some knowledge about programming and familier with Java programming, it`s a quite easy to develop android apps.

But, if you are new to programming , that`s fine.

Have some innovative ideas to develop android apps upon?

Good to know.

You first have to introduce yourself with the programming by starting from the initial stage, Here`s the link for step by step training on android application development.This training is provided by the Android development team and i think no one can explain it better than they can.

Get here the complete training : Click Here to Start 

If you want to get video lectures on android development training, The videos from Lynda.com,which i found helpful, provides very good stuff with better explanation and covers all the necessary topics.But..But they are under premium membership.

However, You might consider for other free video lectures,choice is yours, there are a lot of free videos tutorials available on the internet.

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How to Test, Debug and Publish My Application ?

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After making your application, You can run your application on the simulator, which you have created, to test your application.

Although, The training tutorials provides you every information in detail everything you need.

You can also debug and run your application on your own android device.

What you have to do is only connect your android device with your computer using USB Data cable..

• Go to Settings in your android phone >> Applications >> Development >> Check on USB debugging

• Then, Right click on your application on Computer>> Debug as  and Choose your android phone instead of emulator.

• Application will install on your android phone, You can run it by clicking on its icon.

Note : You can uninstall it from Applications in the similar way as you uninstall other application.

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How to Publish and Make Money using my app ?

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Google Play is the market place for all android applications.You have to signup for a new account and submit your application and fill the necessary details.

Your application now be included and a part of the billions of the application available on play store market.

You can make money with your application by selling it with some initial price,which you thought it is worth of. Another way is by displaying ads on your app and get money from the advertising network which you prefer.

That`s all about android today.

Hope so , it will be helpful for you.

Have Fun!