For Dummies Android Application Development 978-0-470-77018-4 User Manual
Product codes
978-0-470-77018-4
Chapter 1
Developing Spectacular
Android Applications
In This Chapter
▶
Seeing reasons to develop Android apps
▶
Starting with the basics of Android programming
▶
Working with the hardware
▶
Getting familiar with the software
G
oogle rocks! Google acquired the Android project in 2005 (see the side-
bar “The roots of Android” later in this chapter) to ensure that a mobile
bar “The roots of Android” later in this chapter) to ensure that a mobile
operating system (OS) could be created and maintained in an open platform.
Google continues to pump time and resources into the Android project,
which has already proved to be beneficial. As of July 2010, 160,000 Android
handsets have been activated daily, which is good considering that handsets
have been available only since October 2008. That’s less than two years, and
Android has already made a huge impact!
Google continues to pump time and resources into the Android project,
which has already proved to be beneficial. As of July 2010, 160,000 Android
handsets have been activated daily, which is good considering that handsets
have been available only since October 2008. That’s less than two years, and
Android has already made a huge impact!
It has never been easier for a developer to be able to make money on his
own. Android users may not know who you are, but they know what Google
is, and they trust Google. Because your app resides in the Android Market —
which Google controls — Google assumes that your application is okay too.
own. Android users may not know who you are, but they know what Google
is, and they trust Google. Because your app resides in the Android Market —
which Google controls — Google assumes that your application is okay too.
Why Develop for Android?
Well, the real question should be “Why not?” Do you want your app to be
available to millions of users worldwide? Do you want to publish apps as
soon as you’re done writing and testing them? Do you like developing on
open platforms? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I think you
have your answer, but in case you’re still undecided, keep reading, and I’ll
explain what I mean.
available to millions of users worldwide? Do you want to publish apps as
soon as you’re done writing and testing them? Do you like developing on
open platforms? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I think you
have your answer, but in case you’re still undecided, keep reading, and I’ll
explain what I mean.
05_9780470770184-ch01.indd 9
05_9780470770184-ch01.indd 9
11/2/10 8:51 AM
11/2/10 8:51 AM
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL