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10 Tips For Android App Development
The Android platform may be full of opportunities, but it is also full of developers seeking recognition and profits. As such, it takes smart thinking to get to the top. Android developers learn and become better over long periods, but it helps to know the tricks of the industry.
Here are ten tips for aspiring Android developers learning how to build Android apps.
- Understand Android
Ironically, most Android developers do not use Android devices as much as ordinary users. Consequently, most of these developers do not know the tricks to succeed, and many more do not know what Android users want. If you are such a developer, please try to spend more time using the platform that will one day make you a renowned developer (and a rich one too).
If, on the other hand, you use Android regularly and still do not understand it well, then take tutorials and read extensively about the OS.
- Play by the rules
Google has always been a trendsetter, and it regulates all its developers through a strict set of guidelines. These guidelines are designed for the benefit of your app to make it attractive and secure. What’s more, Google may reject apps that do not follow essential guidelines from the Google Play Store.
As such, make sure that you study the platform’s guidelines and apply them as best as possible.
- Make your apps fast and efficient
No one enjoys using an app that takes longer to load. Additionally, users loathe apps that take up too much space on their phones and slow down their performance. Besides, the goal of succeeding in virtually everything today is to offer the best product possible.
Make sure that every feature in your app is accessible instantly by using just as much space as necessary.
- Keep up with the trend
As mentioned, the best way to stay ahead of the competition is to offer a better experience. Google knows this, and it is always updating its platform. It also ensures that its developers do this by updating its SDK. These updates are designed to offer new and better features and improve on important factors such as security and privacy.
As such, keep up with developments in Google’s guidelines and SDK. Additionally, be quick in updating your app to keep it interesting for your users.
- Ditch the ads
Android developers work hard to make money from their apps. Ads are the most common source of income, but not necessarily the best. Ads are irritating and intrusive; besides, they are so distractive that it is almost impossible to use the app. As such, ditch the ads. After all, there are other ways to monetize your app including in-app purchases and charging for downloads.
Most developers assume that fewer people will download their apps if they charge money. However, you will be surprised by how much people are willing to pay for useful apps.
- Interact with other developers
Every Android developer has his/her strengths and weaknesses. You may have answers to some questions, and another developer may have answers to your questions. As such, it pays to keep in touch with other developers. One way to do this is to join an online community or go for seminars. You can also work on group projects as a team to increase your capabilities.
- Listen to your users
The primary objective of your app should be to engage the user. To do this, you need to know what your users want. Most Android app developers simply assume they know what their users want. What’s more, most developers do not check their apps’ user reviews and those who do don’t reply or make changes.
User reviews on the Google Play Store may be insightful, but they are not sufficient. As such, set up a professional social media page for your app on sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
- Make your app flexible
Android users use a broad range of devices from basic smartphones to sophisticated tablets. They expect all their apps to function flawlessly on each of these devices. For developers, this would mean developing an app for virtually each type of Android device.
Luckily, there is a way to make your app compatible with almost every Android device by using density-independent pixels instead of the standard pixels.
- Lessen required permissions
Android users have become cautious of the apps they download owing to privacy and security issues. Some apps require access to sensitive information such as phone records and messages. Surprisingly, some of these apps do not even need this information. Others even take advantage of users by selling this information to marketers and fraudsters. Avoid this fatal mistake too, or else you will make your app look suspicious.
- Have fun
Developing Android apps does certainly pay, but money should not be the motivation. Instead, you should approach every project with passion and with the intention of having fun while developing the app. It will help you with creativity, and the app’s future users will have just as much fun using it as you did when developing it.