Guiding Android Development: A Practical Handbook for Survival

In the world of mobile app development, Android stands as a dominant player. This article aims to provide an overview of the key aspects of Android app development, from the tools and processes to the best practices.

Firstly, it's important to note that Android development can be approached in various ways. You can opt for native Android development using the Native Development Kit (NDK), which will be covered in the next installment of our mini-series. Alternatively, you can download only the command-line tools to obtain the SDK components without needing the Google-blessed IDE. Using these command-line tools allows the use of preferred code editors and integration with IDEs like Qt with Qt Creator.

When it comes to development environment, Android Studio, the successor to the Eclipse-based IDE with the Android Development Tools (ADT) plugin, is a popular choice. However, there are other options available, such as RAD Studio by Embarcadero, featuring Delphi and C++Builder, and Lazarus, an open-source IDE compatible with Delphi, which uses the Free Pascal compiler and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Debugging is a crucial part of the development process, and IDEs like Android Studio or Qt Creator make it easier. Debug builds are the default when deploying, and creating a release build is also an option. Exception handling in the code can sometimes prevent backtraces from exploding, providing a smoother debugging experience.

Testing is another essential aspect of app development. Using an Android Virtual Device (AVD) allows testing of applications with various screen resolutions, while real hardware can directly access the network and internet, whereas an AVD requires network redirects.

Android application development can be done using existing templates and example code, or using WYSIWYG app generators. For a high-level way to use the AndroidX API layouts, Jetpack Compose is a valuable tool. Qt Quick can also be included within an existing Android application.

Logging in Android can be verbose and requires filtering with the LogCat functionality. Documenting solutions to previous errors is important as they may occur again in the future. Google requires developers to send in a scan of their government ID and full address, which has led some developers to distribute Android builds via GitHub.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the build system for Android is based on Gradle, which is considered one of the worst build automation tools. However, it's possible to streamline the build process using best practices and integrating it with your preferred IDE.

In conclusion, Android app development offers a wealth of opportunities for developers, with a variety of tools, processes, and best practices to master. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, there's always something new to learn in the ever-evolving world of Android app development.