Week 1: Lesson 1:Introduction To Java For Android Course Blog

Welcome to class!

Main Course Document
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Java for Android Development Environment

INTRODUCTION

In this lesson you will consider the mobile marketplace and specific tools used to build mobile applications. You will be introduced to the components of the Android Operating System and the development tools used to create Android applications. The readings will provide an overview of the Android Operating System, and the video tutorials will walk you through the necessary setup and downloads to get started with development. In this lesson you will use the Eclipse IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and Android Development Tools (ADT). You will download the development environment onto a removable media device for easy access and use.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Section #1: Why Develop Mobile Applications For Android?

1. Describe market and labor forces and trends that drive demand for skilled programmers.
2. Recognize and identify basic concepts and the language used for Android Mobile Application development.

Section #2: Understanding the Components Of The Android Mobile Application

1. Differentiate the basic components of the Android Operating System.

Section #3: Video Demonstration of Development Tools & Resources

1. Demonstrate how to download and install the Eclipse Development Environment and Google ADT (Android Development Tools).
2. Demonstrate how to open the ADT and set up a workspace (Android Development Tools).
3. Demonstrate how to organize and start a new project using ADT (Android Development Tools).

LEARNING SEQUENCE

Required Reading	Read the following: ·      Section #1: Your next job? Mobile app developer? Application Fundamentals ·      Section #2: Introduction to Android Device Compatibility ·      Section #3: Lesson 1, Part 1 Lesson 1, Part 2
Resources	View the following:  ·      Eclipse (Integrated Development Environment) ·      Android Software Development Tools (SDK) ·      Sample Code ·      Video Transcripts
Assignments	Complete the following: ·      What’s Your Place in the Mobile Market? ·      Uncovering the Basic Tools, Concepts and Processes of Android Environment

INSTRUCTION

Section #1: Why Develop Mobile Applications For Android?

In this section you will be introduced to the fundamentals of Android apps written in Java code. You will also learn about the Android Development Tools (ADT) and Software Development Toolkit (SDK). Additionally, you will identify market forces with the ever-changing demands of and for mobile application development by questioning and interpreting information resources used to discuss the relative value of Android development tools. Finally, you will consider your own level of knowledge and interest in mobile app development for Android. 

Step 1.

Read: Your next job? Mobile app developer?

This article discusses market demands for mobile app developers, making specific reference to salaries and lists both necessary and desired skills. The article also provides specific examples of how companies, both big and small, continue to define their hiring needs in the ever-changing mobile market.

Step 2.

Read: Application Fundamentals

This reading introduces you to the fundamentals of the secure environment of an Android applications environment. The core framework of the application, manifest file and resources for a variety of device configurations are described. Read through the introductory section on Application Fundamentals, then review the heading topics: App Components, Activating Components, The Manifest File, Declaring Components, Declaring component capabilities, Declaring app requirements and App Resources. With this overview, go back and read through the sections on App Components, Activating Components and The Manifest File to solidify your basic understanding of the core framework for the Android application.   

Step 3.

Complete Assignment 1: What’s Your Place in the Mobile Market?

Section #2: Understanding the Components Of The Android Mobile Application

In this section, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of Android app framework. You will also learn about the importance of device compatibility in designing your app for a variety of devices and audiences.

Step 1.

Read: Introduction to Android

Referencing the previous reading on App Fundamentals, you can get a sense of how Android works with the Java language. Review sections on “Apps provide multiple entry points” and “Apps adapt to different devices.” This should give you a solid foundation for how to understand Android and application development basics.

Step 2.

Read: Device Compatibility

This resource explains how Android is designed to run on a range of different types of devices, from phones to tablets and televisions. The term “compatibility” is defined, and you will understand how you can control which devices have access to your apps, and how to prepare your apps to make sure they reach the right audience. Read through the first three sections of this web page, starting with Device Compatibility, What Does “Compatibility” Mean? and “Controlling Your App’s Availability to Devices.” You will revisit these concepts and ideas throughout most of the lessons in this course.

Step 3.

Complete Assignment #2:  Are We Compatible? How to Determine User Interactions?

Section #3: Video Demonstration of Development Tools & Resources 

These two video demonstrations will walk you through the sequence of steps needed to find and download Android development resources online. At the completion of the videos you will know how to set up a new project and run the emulator successfully. Please pause and review the video, as necessary, to complete tasks. Transcripts are provided.

Step 1.

View & Practice: Lesson 1, Part 1 [4:03]

Step 2.

View & Practice: Lesson 1, Part 2 [9:22]

SUMMARY

While the mobile app marketplace continues to evolve, there are plenty of free and open-source resources and tools you can use to develop your skills. Opportunities for Android developers continue to grow, and the setup of Eclipse and Android ADT will set you on your way to creating the next killer app. Now that you have downloaded, set up and configured the tools to begin your Android project, you are ready to XXX in lesson 2.

ASSIGNMENTS

·      What’s Your Place in the Mobile Market?

·      Uncovering the Basic Tools, Concepts and Processes of Android Environment

Answer the questions below for lesson 1(include question number in response):

Question 1: How does the user interface(UI) influence user engagement with an application?


Question 2: What changes have you seen in the mobile marketplace(apps,tablets,screen-sizes) in the past  5 years? How do you think these changes influence mobile development?