How to write an application for. How to create a mobile app in Android Studio. App Development Tools: MobiCart

01.08.2017 16:02:00

The number of applications for Android is growing by leaps and bounds. At the moment, the database of the digital store Google play has about 2.5 million utilities for all occasions. It is not surprising that many users are interested in how difficult it is to develop Android applications, and whether it is possible to create a simple program on their own.

Answering the first question, let's say that the complexity of developing mobile utilities depends on the user's knowledge and skills. With minimal programming experience, such as in Java, writing a small application can be quite a feasible task. In the same case, you can "pump" your knowledge by studying a few more popular languages for building applications like Kotlin or Python.

By the way, in order to master a programming language, it is not at all necessary to sign up for special courses. You can learn the same Java yourself with the help of tutorials, as well as video tutorials on YouTube.

If the user has never encountered the world of programming before, but he really wants to make his own application, we recommend reading our article "How to make a website or application on Android yourself for free." Here we have described in detail the most accessible and popular services and programs, including for a smartphone, that will help the user create an Android utility from ready-made templates or turn an entire website into an application.

This article is intended primarily for those who have at least a minimal understanding of programming on Android. We will show you programs for developing applications for Android and tell you about the basic tools for developing mobile utilities. Before creating an applet, you need to master basic principles popular programming languages:

• Python
• Kotlin
• C / C ++

Main groups of development tools

The tools with which applications for Android are created can be roughly divided into two large groups:

1. Programs that are installed on a PC
2. Private cloud services

The main difference between the two groups is that in order to work in programs on a PC, it is important to understand the development environment for utilities, know how to connect libraries, understand the structure of the framework, and so on. " Cloud services", In turn, provide not only the framework of the application, but also a set of templates that can be connected like a constructor, and, if possible, add your own commands to the utility code.

Among the programs for personal computer the most popular and accessible is Android Studio. This is the official publicly available IDE released by Google. The program is downloaded from the offsite, which also hosts detailed instructions on the use of software. Android Studio includes all the necessary Android developer tools you need to create an application.

After you have downloaded and installed the program, you can start creating your application.

Step 1. Click on the line Start a new Android Studio project

Step 2. Select the name of the application and specify the folder in which the projects are stored.

Step 3. Select the device form factor and OS version.

Here you need to specify on which device the application will run. By default, this is a smartphone and a tablet, although Android Studio allows you to create software for smart watches, set-top boxes and on-board computers in the car. You also need to specify the minimum version of the SDK, application development kit. It is better to choose the version for Android 2.3 - in this case, the application will start even on an old smartphone.

Step 4. Choose a template for a new application. Leave the template name unchanged.

Now click on the Next button and wait for Android Studio to create the project. After that, you can start developing the application: connect libraries in Java, create and edit code, create a shell software product and fill it with content.

In addition to desktop programs for creating applications, Android development tools are provided through special virtual platforms. In this case, the user is given software platform, or a framework that becomes the skeleton of a future project. Immediately, we note that creating utilities using such services is not completely free and requires some investment. The price depends on the functionality that will be included in the application.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of services for developers on the Web. We will focus on the most popular and affordable ones.

"Cloud" platform for creating applications. No additional installations the platform does not require - just go to the page, register and get to work. V demon paid version you can work up to 14 days. At this time, the service will allow you to create an application with a volume of up to 50 MB. Next, you need to pay from $ 60 to $ 135 to access a set of ready-made programming interfaces (APIs), the number of which is precisely determined by the price.

A service for developing applications, when working with which you do not need to dig into the code. On the other hand, it is desirable for the user to have a minimal idea of ​​what visual and functional principles are used to create mobile utilities. Goodbarber is an extensive collection of templates, color schemes, fonts and icons to create mobile programs.

The user just needs to choose a theme for their application, for example, entertainment, business, education, and so on. After that, on the service desktop, you can make detailed customization of the future utility. If the user has the skills of a programmer, even more fine tuning in individual elements of the application, for example, in the header or links.

Issue price - from 24 to 200 dollars per month.

This service has and mobile version... Such a constructor can be easily run on a powerful and productive smartphone from the British company Fly.

Online service for creating Android applications. This platform does not require knowledge of programming languages ​​from the user, however, it gives a very clear idea of ​​what elements a mobile applet is composed of. So, after working with this designer, after a while you can independently master the tools for developing applications.

Appmakr is the service with the most affordable pricing policy. The cost of work in the constructor varies from $ 2 to $ 39 per month. The user is given the option of unlimited updates to his application. You can add photos, videos, maps, online broadcast codes, calendar, store and more.

Have you tried to create an Android application yourself through a web service or special program? Tell us about your experience in the comments to this article.

Disclaimer:
This article is a free artistic retelling-translation of the introduction of the book "App Savvy
Turning ideas into ipad and iphone apps customers really want "

She can interest people who are just entering the world. mobile development and think about where to start. If you are an experienced businessman who already has a stable income from your own mobile applications, most likely, it will seem useless and obvious to you.

It is true that leading developers live very well - the most popular applications, usually games like Angry Birds or Doodle Jump, receive millions of downloads. Having estimated that you can get $ 1 on each download, and looking at the colossal download volumes of these applications, it is very easy to look at the App Store and see only bundles of money that float past you.

Business Insider: Angry Birds Maker Rovio Reports $ 200 Million Revenue in 2012, image via techcrunch.com

At this point, it is very easy to think “Why not me?”, To create your own application - and face the harsh reality that is usually very different from the cloudless existence of such leading developers. As statistics show, more than half of the paid apps in the App Store do not receive even 1000 downloads a year, which means that after deducting the Apple commission for all your work, you will receive only about $ 700 - therefore, if I were you, I would not indulge optimistic looking at the staggering performance of popular games.

Does this mean that if you are new to mobile app development, you'd better give up this idea right away? Not necessarily, but, in any case, first I suggest you face the truth and study everything that is already in the App Store - then you will realize that you have very few chances to come into it and immediately launch a very popular application. I don’t mean to say that it’s impossible, but many successful iPhone developers have created a lot of applications before reaching their goal. The main thing that you will get from launching your first application is the knowledge and experience of self-development of applications.

When you study the market, you may feel that you will not succeed. My advice to you in this situation is to think wider. Do not develop an application, but something that has value for you and for people, not only as a program on the phone. Solve real user problems, do it easily and naturally for them - and then you can create an application that will become really popular.

But before you start developing your mobile application, do not forget to think everything through. Successful mobile app developers are different in that they treat development like a business. They calculate the cost of development, the cost of entering the market, think over a way of return on investment - and this allows them to make stable earnings from the development, and not attempts to draw out a lucky lottery ticket.

The more time you spend studying the market, the more clearly you will learn to distinguish real opportunities for earning from the ghostly. Consider application development as an investment, and you will learn how to interact with clients, media partners, you will be able to create your own library of design elements and program code that you will use in all your applications.

When you learn to understand the economics of the App Store, make the right connections, and start building your library, you will have a significant advantage over the people who just wander the App Store trying to find a place in the sun.

Unlike the rest, you will not come to the App Store filled with emotions and megalomania of your idea. On the contrary, you will be able to objectively assess your capabilities and understand how much money and time you will need to invest in your application, and how you will return your investment.

Strategy
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2: What Should Your Application Have?
Chapter 3: From Idea to Concept

Development of
Chapter 4: Finding a Team: You Need Help
Chapter 5: Getting a Working Application
Chapter 6: Improving the Application Before Adding It to the App Store

Launch
Chapter 7: Getting Ready to Upload Your App to the App Store
Chapter 8: Building Our Marketing Strategy
Chapter 9: Measuring Success and Considering Future Development

Google Play, App Store, Windows Store full of the most varied applications. It is wrong to assume that all this assortment is created by professionals of various levels. More and more ordinary users create comfortable and simple applications having no programming skills at all. Where and how to follow their example, we will tell you in detail below, choosing for example the programs of smartphones based on Android.

Who will benefit from a self-created application

If you decide to create an Android application without programming skills for the sake of sports interest, then you can safely go to the "Online Constructors" section. Those who decide to take up this business to promote and popularize their business, creative or business project, it is important to determine whether a simple, self-created application is enough for them, or is it still necessary to turn to experienced developers for help.

So, when this option is optimal:

• a starting business or project: the audience will forgive you a number of shortcomings, citing your inexperience;
• users need an application with simple functionality - a convenient version of the site, for example;
• launching an unsuccessful application will not be painful for you - you create it working for the future;
• you don't want to depend on developer requests.

What the application should be

Before creating an Android application, you need to outline the key points that you will rely on in your work. You are creating a program that will work on smartphones and tablets, will be designed to solve the user's practical tasks: to acquaint him with the news, help make purchases, carry out communication functions, etc.

The audience is attracted by applications that meet the following points:

• security;
• smooth functioning;
• convenient navigation;
• Personal Area;
• the presence of push notifications;
• informativeness - a person must find the answer to all his requests inside the application.

Choosing an app designer

Since we are creating the first Android application without knowing any programming languages, online designers will be able to help us in this matter. Before choosing, carefully read its characteristics. He must have:

• intuitive interface;
• clear logic of work;
• the ability to work with both code and graphics;
• detailed instructions, technical support, forum.

The designer must provide hosting for the application, give you the ability to manage it, and publish your creation on Google Play.

Top 10 online builders

For those who are looking for how to create an Android application without skills, the following line of builders is offered that meets all the requirements listed above:

1. Mobile Roadie. One of the oldest services used by Madonna, Circus of the Sun, San Diego Zoo. Most of all focused on show business, marketing and PR agencies. Through the created projects, you can sell tickets, repurpose them for a specific event. The price for using the constructor is not symbolic: at least $ 149.

2. AppsBuilder. How to create an Android application here - you just need to assemble it from ready-made templates. In addition, features for programmers have been added to the constructor. It costs 49 euros to create one application per month.

3. Viziapps. The constructor also offers ready-made templates for your application, as well as the ability to send messages from it to email, on Twitter, Facebook. Minimum monthly package price: $ 33.

4.iBuildApp. A constructor for those who are looking for how to create a simple application for Android - it is used to create mobile catalog programs, brochures, resumes. In addition to the English version, the Russian version is also available. For 2,400 rubles a month, a client gets the opportunity to install three thousand of his application without embedded advertising.

5. My-apps.com. Works in both Russian and English versions. For creating own application here it takes about five minutes, because it is enough to select only the necessary modules and program design. The minimum "Start" package will cost 599 rubles per month. The amount includes a designer of applications only for "Android", free templates and icons, updating the program no more than once every two months.

6. AppGlobus. Russian designer is available in 8 languages. For 900 rubles per month, the following are provided: application design, the admin panel, the absence of embedded ads and restrictions on the use of push notifications in the project, the number of installations.

7. Biznessapps. For those interested in how to create an Android app from scratch to make it work for the good of the business, this is the best option: chat, notifications, shopping cart, integration with social networks, service catalog, news section. Minimum app creation fee: $ 59 per month.

8. Appsmakerstore. Allows you to create applications not only for Android, but also for 5 more platforms. Interface in 23 languages, including Russian. Key feature constructor: ready-made templates for various projects: trade, beauty salons, restaurants, etc. Monthly use - $ 9.78.

9. TheAppBuilder - free constructor providing ready-made standard templates for business, creative, news, sports, educational projects. But one drawback is that the app will have embedded ads. It is proposed to disable it for $ 5 per month.

10. AppsGeyser. The constructor offers free conversion site content in mobile app... You can sell your creations, as well as place your own advertisements in them.

Now let's look at examples of specific constructors to create your own application.

How to create an Android app: choosing a template in AppsGeyser

Registration is not required to work in this constructor - just click on home page on Creat now.

Creating a blog app in AppsGeyser

So, how to create a mobile application for Android yourself for a blogger:

1. Select the type of blog: RSS, Tumblr, WordPress, etc. Next - its email address and color scheme for your future application.
2. Now the name of the mobile application being created.
3. In the "Discrimination" place a concise and informative description of the application (although the interface is in English, you can enter text in Cyrillic).
4. Choose from the suggested options a logo for the application or upload your own.
5. To create a boot file for your project, click on the Creat App. To do this, you must be sure to register in the system.
6. V personal account AppsGeyser you can upload your creation to your own smartphone, as well as place it in Google store Play. If you activate monetization, in-app ads will be displayed in the app, and you will be charged a certain fee for user views.

In your personal account, you can also monitor the number of downloads, edit the application, create push-banners, publish the project in other stores.

How to create an application for Android in the "Guide" format

With the help of the same AppsGeyser, it is also possible to create an application-instruction, a user's manual.

This is also done in a few simple steps:

1. Customize the color scheme of the mobile application and the way the guide steps are displayed: one by one or several on the active screen.
2. The editor will help you download the necessary text, links, videos or pictures necessary for clarity. Use Imgur hosting to add photos. Copy the link of the image on this resource into the Image URL.
3. At the end of the work, add a description and logo of your application, then click on the Creat App. The application has been created - it remains to check its performance and upload it to Google Play.

Creating an app for a store

Let's see how to create Android apps from scratch for online store owners. For example, we will use another constructor - Mobi Cart, which specializes in this area. The service supports the Russian language, works in both paid and free modes. For the latter, there is a limitation - adding no more than 10 products.

So, how to create an Android app:

1. The first point is registration. Next, in your personal account, click on Creat Application.
2. Upload logo - upload your store logo. At this stage, you also choose the color theme of the application.
3. Selection of tabs, pages that will be in your application: "News", "My Account", "Home", "Store", "Contacts", etc.

Store settings in Mobi Cart

To configure your online market, click on Store Settings:

1. Enter the name, admin email, currency.
2. To use Google Maps, you need to register an API key - then it is copied into the window.
3. Check the box free shipping if your store offers it. For cash on delivery, select the amount of the margin (if it is, for example, 12%, then 1.12 is prescribed in Cash On Delivery).
4. Shipping indicates the shipping cost for a specific region. This process is laborious, since for each region the price is indicated by you manually.
5. In the Tax section, Russian stores indicate the price with VAT included, so check the Prices to include tax box here.
6. In Payments Gateway, specify the payment systems you work with. Be careful - Mobi Cart does not support the popular Yandex.Money.
7. Languges is the language of your mobile program. Russian is not set by default, so you need to register the translation of the suggested commands manually.
8. App Vital - the name of the program and the countries whose residents will be able to download it are indicated here.
9. Images - application logo, Home Gallery - picture on the main screen.

Adding product information to Mobi Cart

Next important step: Add your product line to Store Builder. This can be done using any method convenient for you:

• using a CSV file containing all the information about the assortment;
• using a constructor plugin to synchronize your site with the created program;
• manual input of information in your personal account.

For last way two sections are used: Departments and Products. Adding is carried out using the Add Product button. Next, you enter its name, price, category, detailed description.

Other useful options for the store in Mobi Cart

Let's touch on the options that may be useful to those who are interested in how to create an Android application yourself:

1. More Pages - information displayed on the pages of the program.
2. Push Notification - manual creation push notifications. Here you can choose to send both to all users and to specific recipients.
3. News Tab - copying news into the tab of the same name from Twitter or RSS sources. Enter the username for the first and the URL for the second here.
4. Publish News allows you to post news to the app yourself.

By going to Create Application - Submit Apps, you can create an apk file (installation) by agreeing to the license agreement. When you select the paid version, your application is automatically uploaded to Google Play; when the free version is selected, you have to do it yourself through the Play Console. Mobi Cart will send you instructions on how to register in this system, as well as how to download your own application, to your e-mail.

Thus, creating an Android application with the help of mobile program data constructors is a task that any confident PC user can handle. After all, this process on most services can be carried out without even knowing the initial basics of programming.

Do you have an idea for creating a mobile application, but doubt whether you have enough knowledge and skills to create it? Even if you do not understand anything about creating mobile applications, you can still create one and even make money on it.

Idea

The work on creating an application starts with an idea. First, think about who you want to make the application for. For example, if you live in a big city with a lot of tourists, then you might consider creating an app for them. There are a lot of options.

Also, think about your hobbies and interests. Let's say you travel frequently and want to visit the most famous clubs around the world. You have compiled a list of your favorite places. Why not turn this database into a travel app?

Many well-known applications are not centered around special interests, but they are always in the top three ratings - these are games. You probably already downloaded to your smartphone - Temple Run, Minecraft. Gaming apps tend to make more money as users are more willing to pay for them, especially if they are very popular with your friends.

Don't be discouraged if you find something similar to your idea when searching through the App Store. Learn to think outside the box. For example, there are several apps that provide information and maps about all of the most popular tourist spots in Moscow. But there is an application that provides information about unusual places in the city that not everyone knows about.

Try to come up with an idea that has few competitors. But if you're determined to turn your idea into an app despite the competition, take a look at your competitors and try to figure out what you can do to make your app better than them.

Here are some important points to keep in mind while you are thinking about your application:

Monetization options

Before you start developing an application, you need to decide how you will make money on it. There are several main ways to monetize apps:

• Free application. Typically used by large companies, the app helps sell their products or services.
• Free app with ads. Used in popular applications that actively interact with the user
• Paid application. The most popular and profitable type of monetization. From every sale of your Apple apps takes a commission of 30%.
• Lite and Pro. Lite application is free, but with limited functionality. By purchasing Pro you will unlock all functionality
• In-app purchases - you can sell new functionality or new levels of the game directly from the application

Development of

Now you have an idea. Great, that's half the battle! But now what? We assume that you, like most people, have no programming experience. And that's great! There are tons of options.

If you want to take the easy, but more expensive path, then take a look at the websites of mobile application developers. The AppBooker site allows you to enter your platform, country, budget, and then it will display a list of developers that meet your needs. Once you select a developer, you can see a list of their clients and the types of applications they specialize in.

A good list of domestic developers can be found here - ratingruneta.

Another option to find a developer is to contact the flinaser exchanges. It may even be cheaper, but more risky, as you may find an unscrupulous employee.

Here are some questions to ask your future developer:

The cost of their work?

Who have they worked for in the past?

Are their applications successful?

Will I have full rights to the application?

Do they have the experience and knowledge to bring your idea to life?

What platforms (IOS, Android, etc.) can they create applications for?

Development cost

As they say, in order to make money, you must first spend it. This is not entirely true when it comes to mobile applications, but we will return to this below. For now, let's say you decide to order an app from a developer.

Depending on the type of application you want to make, the price can range from $ 500 to $ 100,000. This price may seem very high, but it is worth keeping in mind that the profit from a successful application covers the costs several times. In addition, gaming applications are the most expensive in terms of development and are also top sellers.

If you already have some work (like layout and graphics), you can significantly reduce the price. Another way to reduce costs is to offer the developer a portion of the app's profit.

To find out approximately how much it will cost to develop an application, you can use the howmuchtomakeanapp calculator. It was created by the Canadian company ooomf.com. The resulting price can be safely divided by 2, and you will find out the development price from us. You can also see examples of the pricing apps they have already created - crew.co.

Placement of an already finished application on App store will cost you $ 99.9 per year. Placing an application on the Android Market costs $ 25.

This is certainly not enough to live on in-app income, but great if you just want to make some extra money.

Of course, you can make another hit like Angry Birds that will make you $ 100,000 a month!

In order to make good money on your application, read a few tips:

• your application should be of interest to a wide audience
• research the most popular apps on the market
• nowadays, it is easier to make money from iOS apps
• make your app available for iPad

How and why to create a mobile application. A mobile application is not only a tool for communication, receiving the information you need or a way of spending leisure time, but it is also an opportunity to earn money, maintain an image, spend effective. With minimal investment or completely free of charge, you can create mobile apps that meet the needs of consumers, and, in fact, are your own mobile browser which only opens your website.

Idea

The birth of any product begins with the idea of ​​creating it. The creator puts into the basis of the idea what he is most familiar with. Think about your interests and hobbies. If you travel a lot or visit various public places in your city, why not create an app based on this knowledge? Create apps for counting calories, sports apps if you are closely related to nutrition or sports. If you have always been attracted by astrology, you can create a star chart application.

Mobile applications are gaining momentum every day and, according to some forecasts, can completely replace Internet browsers and websites.

Try to think outside the box and come up with an idea that has no competitors, or, conversely, analyze similar ideas and create an application that would be better, more convenient and more useful for users.

Application types

Almost every consumer uses mobile and web browsers mobile traffic... These are all kinds of maps, navigation, games, online photo processing services, libraries, storage facilities, news, music players, video programs and much more. ... A program designed for use in mobile phone or a smartphone can be paid or free, and is also subdivided into types, depending on the tasks to be solved:

• entertainment (multimedia) applications - any video and audio file players, programs for viewing images, reading books, playing games;
• communication - those responsible for the user's communication, his contacts, social networks, SMS messages;
• navigation - applications that work with geographic coordinates, with a GPS system;
• applied - all kinds of calculators, organizers, notebooks;
• reference - encyclopedias, dictionaries;
• business applications that allow you to organize work, recruit employees, develop strategies, and increase profits;
• training programs.

Monetization options

If you are not Euroset or Megafon, not the AliExpress online portal, then you may want to make money on creating your application. The easiest way is to create a paid app. But here you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. What is your proposal, how does it benefit people?
2. What advantages does it have over competitors?
3. How many downloads do competitors have?

Only by correctly calculating the number of users who are interested in your application, you can roughly calculate how much you can earn.

Other monetization options:

• in-app purchases;
• in-app advertising;
• sponsorship and offers;

Development of

You have an idea, but no programming experience, then the following options are for you:

• AppBooker will give you a list of popular developers based on your budget and needs;
• apps4all.ru - here good list domestic developers;
• the cheapest option is to contact the freelance exchange.

The cheapest does not mean bad, but it means more risky: you can get a great application, but you can also get caught by an unscrupulous employee.

Development cost

The cost of developing an application depends on its type, varies greatly from the wishes of the customer and can be from 2.5 thousand to 10 million rubles. Most expensive apps, as a rule, are further hits for a long time.

To find out the approximate cost of developing an application you have invented, you can go to howmuchtomakeanpp.com. Divide the resulting price by 3 and find out the cost of Russian manufacturers. Examples of completed applications and their cost can be found on the crew.co website.

How to create an app for free?

If you have at least minimal programming skills, then online mobile application designers will help you. In them, pay attention to what system the mobile application is written for, for example, for iPhone or Nokia Corporation, Android, Java. The most popular system is Android. The algorithm for creating a mobile application is similar to the algorithm for creating websites. But keep in mind right away that if you want to create something unique to the highest degree, then your development will require either money or a serious investment of time.

How much can you earn?

If you approach the development of your application correctly: study popular offers on the market, create a product that will be of interest to the general public, use applications for different operating systems, - you can earn about $ 100,000 per month.

A study by Giga OM Pro showed that nearly half of the mobile app developers they surveyed earn less than $ 200 a month. ? First of all, decide whether you will invest in the project: time or money.

If you are afraid to trust the developers, do not want to depend on them and pay too much for support and updating the program, then create the application yourself.

By using online constructors it is really possible to make workable high-quality mobile applications. In the future, they should be advertised, published on Google Play and the AppStore. In-app purchases generate 25% less revenue than in-app purchases, according to Apple research, but 30% more than in-service advertising and other ways to make money.