Android-based smartphones are flooding the market. While the iPhone continues to dominate the US market, Android smartphones and tablets from different manufacturers like Samsung, Asus, Sony, and HTC are selling like proverbial hot cakes all over the world. At a time like this, the demand for custom Android apps development is extremely high.
Developers and programmers who possess the ability to create custom apps for Android on the basis of client requirements can make a lot of money. Seasoned developers can learn Android development and create apps through the help of tutorials and books. While a basic understanding of programming is essential for people who are planning to develop apps on their own, you don’t have to be an expert at mobile development to teach yourself how to build apps for Android mobile devices.
The following are five of the best books that will help you hone your skills and teach you how to create custom apps for one of the most popular mobile platforms of our time.
1. Android Application Development All-in-One
Written by Donn Felker and a part of the “Dummies” series, this book is ideal for people who have never tried their hands at developing mobile apps. As the title suggests, the book covers all the different aspects related to developing apps for Android. It begins with the basics: how to download the Android SDK and how to use Eclipse to create apps. By the end, it gives detailed instructions on how to submit the apps, how to price them and how to market them.
2. Beginning Android Tablet Application Development
It is not just Android-based smartphones that are succeeding – Android tablets are doing quite well too. Developing apps for mobiles is quite different from development apps for tablets. This book, authored by Wei-Meng Lee teaches you how to use Android 3.0 Honeycomb and later versions of the operating system to build apps that work perfectly with different Android tablet devices.
3. Sams Teach Yourself Android Application Development in 24 Hours
Authored by Lauren Darcy and Shane Conder, this is the ideal book for seasoned developers who want to master app development for Android quickly and efficiently. The book is broken down into 24 sections; developers can tackle each section in about an hour. It covers all the common aspects of programming Android apps, including designing, developing and marketing Android apps using different versions of the operating system.
4. Professional Android 4 Application Development
Part of the Wrox Professional Guide series, this book, written by Reto Meier, helps you create cutting-edge applications using Android 4 version. Whether you are a newbie plunging in the world of mobile development, or are an experienced developer, looking to unravel the mysteries of the latest versions of Android, this is the book you need.
5. App Inventor for Android: Build Your Own Apps – No Experience Required!
If you know nothing about mobile development or Android, but want to benefit from the popularity of Android by creating innovative apps, this is the book for you. Written by Jason Tyler, this is an immensely accessible book that even developers with limited experience can comprehend. Not only does it teach the basics of app programming, but it also walks you through the development and integration of several handy Android OS features.
To wrap it up
After learning these skills, developers can either work for a mobile development company, or they can create apps on a freelance basis. You can also make a lot of money by developing apps on the basis of your own concepts. The best part is that when you sell the apps on Android, you get to keep 80% of all the sales revenue your app generates!
