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Advice on Learning Programming Android Apps

A

Ant01

Lurker
I would appreciate if someone can someone can give me advice on the best way to learn Programming Android Apps.

I started learning Android Studio and know my way around to do simple apps but I would like to learn more complex apps including linking to a msql database.

Should I rather learn Java Programming first (as my knowledge is very basic) before continuing with Android Studio or should I just learn as I go along.

Also is it better to learn Kotlin or Java as I have no experience in either.

Thank you
 
Ant01 said:
I would appreciate if someone can someone can give me advice on the best way to learn Programming Android Apps.

I started learning Android Studio and know my way around to do simple apps but I would like to learn more complex apps including linking to a msql database.

Should I rather learn Java Programming first (as my knowledge is very basic) before continuing with Android Studio or should I just learn as I go along.

Also is it better to learn Kotlin or Java as I have no experience in either.

Thank you
Click to expand...

You don't say what other programming experience you have, which would likely make a difference. I've recently jumped into Android after many years of other programming.

I found that trying to learn Java and Android simultaneously was a bit challenging. The biggest problem was not always knowing if the problem was directly code related or Android specific. I think a little bit of Java first is helpful. Not too much, just learning the basics, then move to Android.

But also, you say you already know how to do simple apps already, so maybe you're past that point.

For me, where I am now, I just determine what the next thing is that I need to figure out, then learn how to do it. In one case, i wanted to get info from a REST API. For that, I created a super-simple app that made the API call and read in the data, and output it to the screen. From that, I created a class HtmlLoader that I now use whenever I need that functionality.

When I wanted to save simple data, I learned how to save data to files. When the data was more complex, I learned how to use the Android DB. I recently learned how to add ads, and now I'm working on Firebase push notifications. If you're at a point where you can build basic apps, then maybe that's the route for you to take.

As for Kotlin vs Java, that seems to have been a topic of discussion on several threads lately. Here's a couple:
https://androidforums.com/threads/w...g-language-for-mobile-app-development.1053432
https://androidforums.com/threads/new-to-programing.1309911

It really seems to be down to personal preference. Kotlin is Google's baby now, so will be well supported on Android. Java is probably not going anywhere, and is useful for programming other things as well.
 
Thanks for the reply, I think the way you going about it makes absolute sense. When I mentioned that I had years of experience in coding, I am not a professional coder but rather someone that gets by by writing small php programs via ide's to create database programs to run my businesses in the cloud. I can get my way around some php and html.

Since starting to learn adroid programing I have jumped everywhere from python to java and I feel I'm just confusing myself. So to start with Kotlin, I think is not a good idea. I will continue with Android Studio and then when it comes time to write code I will refer to the Java tutorials. This way I can practise what im learning.

Thanks again for the advise...
 
Tony, do you have a good source that you can recommend for learning Android Studio

23tony said:
You don't say what other programming experience you have, which would likely make a difference. I've recently jumped into Android after many years of other programming.

I found that trying to learn Java and Android simultaneously was a bit challenging. The biggest problem was not always knowing if the problem was directly code related or Android specific. I think a little bit of Java first is helpful. Not too much, just learning the basics, then move to Android.

But also, you say you already know how to do simple apps already, so maybe you're past that point.

For me, where I am now, I just determine what the next thing is that I need to figure out, then learn how to do it. In one case, i wanted to get info from a REST API. For that, I created a super-simple app that made the API call and read in the data, and output it to the screen. From that, I created a class HtmlLoader that I now use whenever I need that functionality.

When I wanted to save simple data, I learned how to save data to files. When the data was more complex, I learned how to use the Android DB. I recently learned how to add ads, and now I'm working on Firebase push notifications. If you're at a point where you can build basic apps, then maybe that's the route for you to take.

As for Kotlin vs Java, that seems to have been a topic of discussion on several threads lately. Here's a couple:
https://androidforums.com/threads/w...g-language-for-mobile-app-development.1053432
https://androidforums.com/threads/new-to-programing.1309911

It really seems to be down to personal preference. Kotlin is Google's baby now, so will be well supported on Android. Java is probably not going anywhere, and is useful for programming other things as well.
Click to expand...
 
23tony said:
Not really. I used this: https://developer.android.com/training/basics/firstapp/ which doesn't really provide a lot of help.

I also used Murach's Android Programming 2nd edition - but that uses an older AS version, so you would have to adjust some.
Click to expand...
Yeah I' following a number of online tutorial videos and https://developer.android.com/training/basics/firstapp/ but find that developers each have their own logic and way of structuring code which makes it difficult for a newbie
 
You might also try browsing through the interesting forum topics on the B4A (basic for Android) website. Like your entry, most of the topics are started by members' questions. You don't have to be a member to view the questions and answers.
Link: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/forums/android-questions.26/
In addition to that suggestion, Udemy.com has an Android Studio class (as in school class) which I just started after trying B4A for a year.
 
Shelby Swayze said:
You might also try browsing through the interesting forum topics on the B4A (basic for Android) website. Like your entry, most of the topics are started by members' questions. You don't have to be a member to view the questions and answers.
Link: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/forums/android-questions.26/
In addition to that suggestion, Udemy.com has an Android Studio class (as in school class) which I just started after trying B4A for a year.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link Shelby, ill definately will check the forum out. I did the free intro course (basic for Android) and it was very helpful although I haven't registered for the paid version. At the moment im working though Android fundamentals https://codelabs.developers.google....t-a/index.html?index=../../android-training#0
 
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