Android App Development For Dummies, 3rd Edition

This is the updated edition of the bestselling guide to Android app development. If you have ambitions to build an Android app, this hands-on guide gives you everything you need to dig into the development process and turn your great idea into a reality! In this new edition of Android App Development For Dummies, you’ll find it easy-to-follow access to the latest programming techniques that take advantage of the new features of the Android operating system. And, two programs are provided: a simple program to get you started and an intermediate program that uses more advanced aspects of the Android platform. Android mobile devices currently account for nearly 80 per cent of mobile phone market share worldwide, making it the best platform to reach the widest possible audience. With the help of this friendly guide, developers of all stripes will quickly find out how to install the tools they need, design a good user interface, grasp the design differences between phone and tablet applications, handle user input, avoid common pitfalls, and turn a “meh” app into one that garners applause. It helps to create seriously cool apps for the latest Android smart phones and tablets. It helps you to adapt your existing apps for use on an Android device. It helps you to start working with programs and tools to create Android apps. It helps to publish your apps to the Google Play Store. Whether you’re a new or veteran programmer, Android App Development For Dummies will have you up and running with the ins and outs of the Android platform in no time.

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Your First Android Application
Chapter 1: Developing Spectacular Android Applications
Chapter 2: Prepping Your Development Headquarters

Part II: Building and Publishing Your First Application
Chapter 3: Your First Android Project
Chapter 4: Creating the User Interface
Chapter 5: Coding Your Application
Chapter 6: Understanding Android Resources
Chapter 7: Turning Your Application into an App Widget
Chapter 8: Publishing Your App to the Google Play Store

Part III: Creating a Feature‐Rich Application
Chapter 9: Designing the Tasks Application
Chapter 10: Creating the Task Detail Page
Chapter 11: Going a la Carte with Your Menu
Chapter 12: Handling User Input
Chapter 13: Getting Persistent with Data Storage
Chapter 14: Reminding the User
Chapter 15: Working with Android Preferences

Part IV: Android Is More than Phones
Chapter 16: Developing for Tablets
Chapter 17: Supporting Older Versions of Android
Chapter 18: Wearing the Tasks App
Chapter 19: Look Ma, I’m on TV!
Chapter 20: Moving beyond Google

Part V: The Part of Tens
Chapter 21: Ten Free Sample Applications and SDKs
Chapter 22: Ten Tools to Simplify Your Development Life