Introduction to Android App Development for the Kindle Fire (Learning)

Building iOS apps require using a Mac or a virtual machine. Android has two officially supported programming languages — Java and Kotlin. The first has been the beloved language for two decades already and named 5th most popular technology in It takes all the complexity and verbosity from Java and makes the whole app writing process faster and more enjoyable. Another good thing is that Jotlin and Kava see what we did here?

It makes sense to mention that Java and Kotlin are not the only — albeit official — options. Both of which are more complicated than Java but can be handy in certain cases, such as gaming apps. Apart from the massive amount of information on the web, Google offers its own Android dev training for beginners, experienced engineers, and even special cases that require deeper knowledge.

Materials are well-structured, enabled with graphics, animations, and explainer videos, along with some interactive exercises. As of now, the training includes three streams: Android dev fundamentals, Kotlin boot camp, and native apps with Flutter. Besides, programmers can receive official Google Developers Certification.

Although cross-platform tools have been popular on the market for some time, Google offers its own take on the growing demand for the write-once-run-anywhere programming style. Although not without some drawbacks, as we proved in this Xamarin vs Flutter comparison , Flutter offers a few interesting features that make Android development easier and smoother. For instance, the tool has a built-in Material Design library that eliminates the need to write UI code when you simply want to achieve the standard Google look and feel.

And you can also use the existing Java code, so your native applications can be easily transported into the Flutter environment. While there are many cross-platform tools out there, Android developers should take a closer look at Flutter and consider what it may bring to the table. The Android developer conference was rife with innovations. Besides Kotlin, Google introduced Instant Apps — native applications that can be launched directly from Google Play without downloading. Similar to progressive web apps , these are faster, easily available, and engaging applications that can give access to the limited functionality of the full service or give users a preview of the paid app.

How Instant Apps appear to users Source: Technically, there are no limitations to Instant Apps. Just by tapping the Try Now button on the store page, users can sign up, make purchases, and access all content — only the publisher can set limitations.

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• Getting Started with Android App Development for the Kindle Fire.
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The building process is also easy — you write a regular app as you normally would and simply make a few configurations to adjust the user experience during publishing. Google, the crown prince of mobile VR, already has two headsets — the cheap Cardboard and the serious Daydream, and, in a truly ecosystem manner, you can develop apps for these devices using the same Android Studio and Android SDK.

The only addition would be Google VR SDK, but considering tech stacks for other devices, this is certainly the most approachable one for the experienced Android programmer. The publishing platform for VR apps is also the same — you can upload the release-ready APK to Google Play or make it discoverable on the Daydream app. The technology allows you to use the same toolset to build applications for a variety of products. This is the Android version that serves as an entertainment platform built into many TVs and streaming video devices. With knowledge in developing mobile Android apps, programmers can build wearable software and watch faces — dynamic screens that include animations and contextual information like smartphone widgets.

This platform allows engineers to create applications for low-power Internet-of-Things devices such as cameras or smart speakers. Any Android app can be optimized for use on Chromebooks, the first and only devices operating on Chrome OS. Although the overall logic and the interfaces are the same, some aspects such as resizable and free-form app windows need to be rewritten.

Getting Started with Kindle Fire

You can also customize your apps to make sure the content looks organic on a bigger screen and also change the interface orientation. Numerous research will tell you that Apple users spend way more on their apps than Android enthusiasts. Statista claims that App Store takes more than 60 percent of all mobile spendings while Google Play lags behind with a little over 30 percent. The staggering difference between app downloads and consumer app spend Source: Not only does it concern app downloads, but also in-app purchases.

The reasons for that may be one or several of the following:. While malware and hacks target millions of Android users almost weekly, Google quickly releases security patches. Unfortunately, most people fail to update their phones regularly. This means that app developers often have to take care of user data themselves by conducting complex encryption, including additional security features, or avoiding personal data input altogether.

The Good and the Bad of Android App Development

Testing for Android is a big, fat con. The range of operating systems is large and one of the challenges related to app customization. Not only does it present another update-staggering layer, but also leads to changes in functionality that may affect how your app works on all smartphones. Sony and Samsung are the biggest offenders known to create complications for programmers.

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In the official documentation for Material Design, Google shares a long list of Android and iOS devices with corresponding screen dimensions and resolutions. Screen size fragmentation map created in Source: Product owners have two solutions in the device fragmentation issue: Earlier we made a point that Google takes less time checking and accepting apps to Google Play, which means that you can release your MVP way easier compared to App Store. Second, you can suffer from copyright infringement yourself when Google Play releases an app that repeats your unique solutions. However, it makes no sense to release even half-ready apps for iOS, which is why Android is a perfect place to test your beta product version, an MVP, or even a high-fidelity prototype.

If you prefer independence, openness, and more free possibilities, at least from the beginning, Android is also a way to go. And if all fails, consider the cross-platform approach. For more information about the pros and cons of the most popular technologies, see the other articles from the series: The Good and the Bad of Node. The Good and the Bad of. Engaging interface and tutorials will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets. This well-designed game introduces basic coding syntax and is best used for practice.

Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences. The well-designed Python lessons and user interface make this a great choice for serious coding instruction. While not everyone loves fighting ogres, CodeCombat offers a classroom-ready platform and an authentic learning experience. Puzzler's use of real code fills niche in crowded learn-to-code genre. A great intro to coding, with solid teacher support, gets kids using a real programming language and digging into some meatier concepts than other early coding tools. Thimble is an excellent, free resource for teaching students to code through experimentation.

Brilliantly designed iOS coding app great for newbies or pros. If iPad devices are available, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code. Remix tool reveals code, can strengthen kids' understanding of the web. It's a blast to use and an easy way to get experimentation and prototyping going with plenty of student choice -- kids are really in the driver's seat! Challenging puzzles teach with real code; best for more advanced kids. A superb programming tutor, well worth the effort to keep students going.

Computer science curriculum offers great feedback, fun challenges. Effective tools and clear lessons teach real programming, but you'll have to spend some cash to help kids master it. Limitless game options, reasonable cost, and extensive support make this programming environment perfect for an educational setting.

System Requirements

This app will no doubt help individual, motivated learners see how coding works using real code. Zelda-inspired puzzler lets players peek behind the code curtain. A great intro to variables and how algorithms work, this game would shine as a supplement to a larger unit on programming. This versatile tool for learning how to program with blocks or text is a nice fit for STEM classes and clubs.

In this excellent coding application, in-game practice and real-time guidance crack open the world of programming and turn your students into whiz kids.

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Codea is a professional tool that has enough help features that kids can learn programming hands-on. Like an interactive textbook, TapCoding wastes no time to get older students programming. Cool coding tool tuned to teen girls' passions aids creativity. Learn-to-code programs for youths often too narrowly define what can be done with code; Vidcode expands the options, helping girls see code's value in culture and express themselves. Awesome interactive coding lessons can make anyone a programmer.

These lessons will keep learners engaged as they grow from novice to beginning programmer, ready to tackle small projects in only a few days. Fun, self-paced web development and coding lessons offer high value. A solid learning solution for self-starting students who want to grasp the wide array of programming topics. Codeable Crafts Animate stories with accessible drawing tools and coding blocks. Cork the Volcano - Puzzlets Fun elementary coding through hands-on puzzle tiles. This bundle includes the Play Tray and an educator guide. Other bundles are available on the site.

Kodable - Coding for Kids Fun procedural reasoning for kids; great curriculum for teachers.

Summary | Getting Started with Android App Development for the Kindle Fire | InformIT

Free, Paid In the free version, eight weeks of scripted lessons and activities are available. The entire curriculum is included in the School Plan and District Plan which includes professional development. Contact the developer for a pricing quote. Visit website See full review. Scratch Jump-start future programmers with adaptive sandbox tool. Itch Full-featured tool makes teaching with Scratch easier than ever. Free to try, Paid Free to try for two weeks.

Request a quote for multiple teachers. Codemoji Emoji-based coding tool demystifies web design and animation. School and district licenses are also available. Evo by Ozobot Versatile mini robot tailor-made for teaching coding. Free, Paid The app is free; requires Evo robot. Cozmo A little robot with big personality brings code to life. SAM Edu Wireless blocks promote design, engineering, and programming skills. Tickle Robots, Arduinos, and drones -- the block coding app to rule them all.

Free, Paid Additional characters and challenges are offered as in-app purchases. Wonder for Dash and Dot Robots Serious robotics programming with seriously adorable robots. Sphero Edu Cool robots and creative play make programming irresistible. Tynker Cute, colorful coding platform caters to strong independent readers.

Free to try, Paid Plans and pricing vary widely. Quotes for district-wide plans are also available. Kodu Game Lab Open-ended game design and programming tool for visual thinkers. Microsoft MakeCode Bring code to life with circuits, robots, Minecraft, and more. Free Users can find links to purchase various hardware and kits that are featured in MakeCode's projects.

Made with Code Enticing projects and inspiring videos offer anyone an intro to coding. Algo Bot Simple coding game a fun intro to algorithms. Thunkable Build a working iOS or Android app, even without coding experience. Free Thunkable is free for now, but they note on their site that they may charge for some features in the future. GameSalad Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap. Custom quotes are available for schools and districts. Codesters Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences.

Free to try, Paid Free to try. Contact Codesters for a quote on professional development.