Android app development is growing fast, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With around 133 million Android devices used worldwide—and more being added daily—the Android app market is both highly profitable and very competitive.

According to Straits Research, the global mobile app market is expected to grow at a annual rate of 13.8% by 2030.

If you’re looking to enter the Android app market with your own app, this simple guide will walk you through every step, from coming up with an idea to launching your app. You’ll also learn about the best programming languages and tools to use for building your Android app.

Let’s dive in!

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_{What is Android App Development?} 

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Android app development means making apps for devices that use the Android operating system. The Android SDK (Software Development Kit) gives you the tools and resources to build, test, and release Android apps.

To create an app, you can use programming languages like Java or C++, along with some extra libraries designed for Android. Once your app is ready, you can publish it on Google Play, where millions of users can download it to their phones or tablets.

In North America, one in every four mobile phones runs on Android! If you're interested in starting Android app development but don't know where to start, keep reading!

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_{Why Should Businesses Choose Android App Development?}

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According to the stats for the second quarter of 2024, Android managed to retain its position as the dominant mobile operating system around the globe with 70.8% of the market share.

To begin with, here's an easy comparative analysis of Android and iOS, Samsung, as well as other brands.

With such a significant and consistently increasing market share, The Android platform is a wise option for businesses intending to create mobile applications. Furthermore, users of Android gadgets are less than iPhone users.

Apart from this, because there are so many competing brands, Android applications are probably the simplest of all to establish, which allows developers to do so swiftly and with minimal obstacles.

So for businesses hoping to create a mobile application, Android is one of the things to consider.

There's a golden milk rule: “When in doubt, outsource.” Hire an Android app developer from a reputable Android development company if you aren't sure how to develop the app on your own. You will be able to receive a good application in a short time.

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_{Benefits of Picking Android for Mobile App Development:}

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If you're into mobile app development, you have to know that there are various other platforms that you will be working with.

However, Android left its mark here as considered to be more secure and easier than most.

Here are some reasons why Android is an excellent choice for mobile app development.

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_{Faster Deployment}

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The deployment of an Android app is much faster than in other platforms. The reason behind it is that Android apps are usually developed in Java, and there are many tools available for java development.

So, if you have specifically developed a Java application, it would become easier for you to create an Android app.

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_{Target Multiple Platforms}

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Android can best run on various platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux to help you. Here, you see Android respected, and it finds its place as diverse. 

This feature of Android makes development easier, as there is no need for differential coding.The same code put to play in every operating system saves time and effort. 

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_{High ROI with Lower Costs}

Considering how widely accepted mobile operating systems are, it is no surprise Android has great introduction. This implies that Android has a considerable number of applications for smartphones, thus optimizing the chances of app promotion for you.

It also means that developing Android applications is much cheaper than it is on other platform developed applications. Millions of people using Android applications ensure that your investment is less costly and more profitable.

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_{Versatility and Scalability}

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If you're contemplating designing a mobile application for Android devices and are worried whether your smartphone will become outdated in the near future, there is really no need to. As earlier pointed out, Android is versatile and can work on various other operating systems. Consequently, for designers, it is preferable to build an app that can be easily adapted to other older Android operating systems.

This characteristic makes Android a good program to consider if the mobile application you wish to develop has a very wide base of users and over a long duration.

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_{Enhanced Security}

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Android apps are safe from viruses and other malware. This is principally due to the fact that Android apps are downloaded from the Google Play Store and not any other platform.

So, it is safe to assume your application is free from virus or malware infestation. Therefore, being that app development in Android is safe, there is no need to consider its safety or that it will be compromised anytime in the future. 

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_{Customization}

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The reason behind the popularity of Android is that it has one great feature—customizability. The Android OS has been developed in a way that allows its modification and alteration to suit users’ imaginations. Developers, too, are free while designing an application for Android, as there are no governing rules or policies that dictate their design.

This allows them to build a mobile application that will suit your business model in its best possible way, making it more user-friendly and appealing to the target audience, thus enhancing your returns on investment.

In addition, you can also reach out to the best Android app development agency in order to develop a top-notch Android application for your business.

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_{5 Top Languages Known For Android App Development}

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Developing an application is not as easy as some may think, and there are various considerations that need to be factored in when deciding which programming language to use. 

To put it simply, native applications developed using programming languages are designed to work on certain operating systems (iOS or Android), while cross-platform applications utilize internet-based technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

Here are some quick overviews of the 5 most popular languages used for developing Android apps:

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_Java

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As you may know, Android application development is typically based on Java. The latter is integrated in Android Studio, which is Google’s official IDE for developing Android applications.

The Java language is both dynamic and strong, allowing programmers to develop solid, high-performance applications.

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Key  Features

• Architectural Neutral
• Compiled and Interpreted
• Multithreaded
• High Performance

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_Kotlin 

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Kotlin is a programming language that is perceived to be a younger language having come in place around 2011 as compared to other languages. Kotlin is a programming language that is statically typed, runs on the Java virtual machine, and can be used for the development of Android applications.

Also, Kotlin is 100% Java compatible; as a result, Google made it easy to switch again from Java to Kotlin for existing codes.

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Key Features

• Smart casts
• First-class delegation
• Null-safety
• Smart casts

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_C++

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Since C++ is a language that is used to create high performance applications, it is not surprising that software based on this programming language is also mostly created for more than one OS. Games and apps can be developed in C++ for Android platforms, Windows, iOS and many other OS. 

On top of that, C++ has a few more advantages that make it fit to create Android applications.

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Key Features

• Abstract Data types
• Machine-Independent or Portable
• Mid-level programming language
• Structured programming language
• Memory Management

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_Python

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Python is a general purpose language, high level interpreted in nature and easy to learn or read. It would be possible to rapidly develop prototype apps using Python on Eric’s system.

Moreover, Python can be applied for writing simple programs, called scripts, which can help in the automation of some of the tasks you perform in app development. If you wish to fully exploit the features of the said programming language in Android app development, hire Python developers.

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Key Features

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• Class based OOPs language
• Interpreted high-level programming language
• Supports multiple operating systems
• Statically typed, which allows for flexibility
• Meticulously designed memory management techniques

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_HTML

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HTML is the predominant markup language for developing websites and online applications. In addition, HTML is used as one of the generations in developing Android applications with multiple frameworks such as PhoneGap, Cordova, etc.

Moreover, HTML is very simple to learn and therefore makes it very convenient to get into Android app programming in no time.

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Key Features

• Lightweight
• Integrate easily with other languages
• All browsers support it
• Very easy to modify

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Well, there are lots of programming languages that are considered to be the most appropriate for the development of Android applications, but the usage of the same depends on the project structure, so to make the best decision regarding which language to choose for your Android application, hire Android app developers in India.

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_{Popular Android Software Development Tool To Use}

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With so many software development tools available for Android app developers, it can be overwhelming. If you, however, are interested in making an app that will be published on the Google Play Store, it is requisite that you use the most ideal software development tool. Below are some of the common software development tools:

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_{Android Studio}

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Android Studio is an integrated development environment for Android Applications. The tool was developed by Google and introduced in 2016. The most current version is 3.0.1 as of February 20, 2018.

This software development tool enables you to create an application for all variants of the Android operating system, such as Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, etc.

‍Android studio features addressed in this section include

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• Code Completion
• Error Analysis
• Code Enhancements
• Speedy Emulator
• KOTLIN Support

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_{ADB (Android Debug Bridge)}

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The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a command-line utility that comes along with all the SDK platform toolkit bundles. Its primary function is to interface either with an emulator or a device that is connected.

Should you wish to launch any program in an emulator then ADB has an option for you which is the command line interface that will aid you in any debugging processes.

In addition, it is also possible to install or remove apps from the computer and organize the storage on the connected device, thanks to ADB.

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ADB Features

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• Take control of your device over USB connection via a PC Computer
• Move files to and from the device. 
• Add or remove software.
• Use the terminal window in the device.

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_{Eclipse IDE}

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Eclipse is a well-known open-source IDE that facilitates Java programming. Also, Android app development can be done through the use of Android Developer Tools (ADT) plug-in. In addition, Eclipse offers numerous functionalities and plug-ins making it a perfect application for Android application development.

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Eclipse Features

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• Core runtime
• Libraries bundle
• Language for modeling and controlling
• Environment for development
• Host-suitable embedding interfaces
• External solver interfaces

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_Fabric

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Fabric is an integrated in-app debugger that allows request and execution of automated tests for the application. It gives you a command-line interface for easy and fast fault diagnosis of your application. Fabric can be integrated with Android Studio, IntelliJ IDEA and even Jenkins.

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Fabric Features

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• Crashlytics
• Beta distribution

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_FlowUp

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FlowUp is one of those application building platforms that can help you through the entire process of creating an application within a couple of steps. It uses drag-and-drop ingre looking to create an application that is different from the rest. Its easy to use visual interface facilitates even those who are not skilled in mobile app development.

FlowUp contains cloud services and offers you the up to date analytics of the app you created.

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FlowUp Features

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• App Creation
• App Analytics In Real Time
• Crash Reporting
• User Feedback

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_{Best Mobile App Development Strategies for Android}

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In this section, we shall discuss some measures that can be taken in order to develop an Android mobile application successfully. By adhering to these, you will minimize the chances for failure and have a less stressful enjoyment of the whole process.

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_{1. Invest Time to Learn More}

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The first stage of creating a mobile application is, of course, learning more about the subject and doing the background research. It will help you come up with specific objectives that will be focused on the audience that needs the app. This will make it possible for you to design mobile applications that coincide with the needs and the hopes of the audience.

You can also perform some market tests to see if the public will appreciate the app you are trying to create. The best way of performing market research is to ask people what their needs are, how they would like your app, and so on.

Where possible, attempt to come up with sample drawings of the app in question and give it to people so that they can gauge how the app will be helpful to them and what features should be in or out of the app.

Also, another crucial aspect of market research is understanding the existing competitors on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

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_{2. Formulate a Strategic Design}

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After doing your market study, the next step is to formulate a strategic plan. A sound strategy will assist you in figuring out the unique selling proposition of your application, how it will differ from other existing apps, and what features need to be incorporated or left out.

It will also aid you in ascertaining whether such an app is necessary in the eyes of the target audience or not. For instance, if members of the target audience already use such apps with similar offers, services, and products, then it is futile to create such an app.

In the same manner, when there are no such apps in existence, then it would be reasonable to create an app that provides useful and innovative services.

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_{3. Choose Development Method}

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With your target audience, and before choosing a development stage of a project, a strategic plan is formed. There are two main mobile apps’ development approaches: native and cross-platform app development.

Most of the companies prefer native app development as they can execute an application that incorporates all of its main functionalities within the platform.  It also makes it convenient for them to update the apps if need be.

On the contrary, cross-platform app development is building the app on more than one platform at a time. This allows the users to use your services from different gadgets without the need to install a different version of your mobile app suited for their specific devices.

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_{4. Select The Appropriate Technologies}

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After choosing a development methodology in the previous section, you should now focus on the decision on the appropriate technologies. The first consideration that helps in deciding which technology to go for is whether the application is desired to be created for the Android or the iOS platform only.

This will help you establish whether you want it to be constructed using central technologies

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_{5. Front-end and back-end Development} 

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Whether you wish to develop your app as a native app or a cross-platform one will depend on whether you are developing it for just one or both of the platforms. Native app here means an app built using the programming language that a specific platform provides.

For instance, in the case of a mobile application being created on iOs, it should definitely be coded in any of the following programming languages: Objective-C or Swift. On the other hand, if I am creating an app for an Android mobile device, then I definitely code in Java.

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_{6. Testing and approval of Mobile Applications} 

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So much for development; the next step will be to carry out assessment on the mobile application. You will have to check the application on various devices and test if it is working without any errors. Also, prior to its official launch, you will also be able to liberally test the application and assess its reception from the users.

During beta testing, you will be able to know if users enjoy your app and what features they would want included in future versions of your app. This advantage incorporates enhancement of the current features of the application as well as development of new ones from the users’ suggestions.

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_{7. Implementing The Application} 

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After all the user testing has been completed on your mobile application and you are happy with how it works, it is now time to release the application. You can release your smartphone app either on the Google Play Store or the iTunes Store by simply publishing it for review.

After the review process comes approval of the application, then further activities on promotion of that application may commence in order to facilitate downloads of the application. You will still have to adapt your mobile applications on a regular basis to avoid becoming obsolete in the future.

Lastly, developing a good mobile application takes effort and a lot of commitment from your side, so do not forget that. If, for example, you have chosen to develop an app on a particular software platform, such as the iOS or Android operating systems, then know every bit of their capabilities before going ahead to create an app on a specific software platform.

The corporate sector undergoes constant changes. And as mobile technology becomes more pronounced, there is a need for businesses to develop a strong mobile strategy.

As mobile technology is on the rise, the demand for Android app development is jumping on a daily basis. This is because owners of businesses are appreciating the advantages that owning an Android app presents. It also enables customers to reach out to you even while on the move; this encourages direct engagement with them.

Seek assistance from ValueCoders, a reputable Android app development company, if you are planning to create an Android application. This will ensure that you source a mobile application expert who will design, develop, and publish your app on Google Play Marketplace.