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Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
I want to start developing in different parts of Android, Applications being the top priority.
I have found and got many guides such as Sam's Teach Yourself for helping me build applications.
I know I can't start off building advanced apps. But the place I need help is where should I start, and what things I should learn such as Java, Adobe Air being a few.
If you guys can please maybe make a list I should follow or something...This would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks A lot
If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪
Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements
Thank you so much
Thanks a lot. I would have no idea where to start, despite many guides available out there.
Both you have made it a lot simpler.
Thanks once again.
pigeonaras said:
If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪
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Click to collapse
pyko said:
Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems
Oh, forgot to mention in my original post... the only reason I'm using IntelliJ is because I use it at work (so used to the shortcuts etc).
imo, both IDEs are comparable - just what you are used to.
If you haven't used either, probably go with Eclipse since there are a lot more tutorials/guides out there related to dev with Eclipse/Android.
I started developing about 8 months ago. I am going to be a Junior in High School, so we are in the same boat here.lol
Anyways, I spent a lot of time looking at many books and resources. Alos another thing that helps is to teach your self how stuff works by studying source codes. But dont only do this. Look at tut's and other resources as well. Remember, start small then work your way up! Dont go out and try to make a super amazing awesome app. You will just frustrate your self. So start simple. I was making small apps that only had text when i first started. Now where am i you may ask? I am the developer of the Android Markets only Honeycomb Launcher and a couple other larger apps!
Just remember it takes time, alittle money, patiences and PRACTICE! Make an app or at least work on an app EVERYDAY if possible.
If you get stuck use the resources on the Android site that Android gave to us.
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals/activities.html
Check out the DEV guides, resources and sample code.
Also, do you have eclipse and Android SDK already set up?
ZAIGHAM ALI said:
Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
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Click to collapse
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!
matistight said:
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...
IntelSoftApps said:
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...
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Click to collapse
i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)
depending on how complicated you want to go, you can try using phonegap or html5 to create apps, if not, you would need to learn java
PS: you want to make a rom from scratch? what?
Thanks to everybody above i really really appreciate it, i learnt a lot of nice advice.
killersnowman said:
i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)
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Click to collapse
That is A LOT of code!!! You guys should probably start with the "Hello, Android" tutorial. That can be a challenge if you dont know how to work eclipse. But luckily, Android provides a nice little "Hello, Android" tutorial.
P.S. You or anyone will never past Cyanogenmod for awhile. I think they know what they are doing.lol
But it is always good to dream big! Like i want to be a Trillionare.lol (I dont even know how to spell it) "But dreams do come try"
Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
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I am in the exact same position as you. I have just got the "Head First Java" book, but I dont think it looks like it will help that much.
monkeychef said:
Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See i was in that boat like you guys were, and it SUCKS! All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
Heres what i suggest. Play with the source of apps. Download some source codes and create new android projects in eclipse from THAT source. (LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THAT)
And with in those projects, view all of the sources and xml files. Learn how stuff works. such as imports and buttons and permissions. I first started messing with layouts, xml files, strings, and buttons. This is good, BUT you will get to a point were you will see force closes. Thats because the java must match... That got me into looking at the java files more and more. Now that is almost the first thing i dive into.
Like i said along time ago, i am not anywhere close to being an expert at all! But i am getting a good handle on Android in the following ways...
- Visit XDA daily and other sites. Stay up to date and learn what is going on now. not what was being developed a month ago. Stuff is aways changing!
- Surround yourself with a group of developers! They can and will be your BEST friends! As many of you had said before, many of you want a hobby not a profit. Trust me, thats what everyone says.lol. There is some good money to be made out there!!! Some of your best developers can make every developer on a team some money. They also have your back if you get lost or stuck on something.
- Try finding people in your same boat or position. Kind of like the other kid on the site... You two can work something out. Exchange emails. share names and interest. This doesn't mean y'all need to hold hands but just create some chit chat once in awhile. If you learned something, tell him about it!
- USE YOUR F'IN RESOURCES!!! Android/Google made this AMZING site called Android.com. On that site they have developer guides, resources, tut's, and even sample code! Another amazing resource is Stackoverflow.com. Here you can find a lot of answers to any problem. I must have visited that site 1000 times.lol
and dont forget about GOOGLE.COM. ask questions in your search, but be SPECIFIC. Be sure to include "Android" in your search so you can get android support not some iPhone or Windows support...
Anyways, just get out there! try to be the best you can! Absorb as much as you can. LIVE ANDROID! but also have a life.lol
IntelSoftApps said:
All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
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Click to collapse
very true. i had been a java programmer for 4 years prior to learning android dev and what really got me going was coming up with an idea for an app and moving to make that a reality. if you just go through and do tutorials you wont get as much out of it as actually trying to make something you can use, be it a small and simple something.
also, i had always done command line java programs and had ignored the java swing ui like the plague, but android has a great layout and ui system. if you are learning java for use in android dont be disheartened by javax.swing package
You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
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If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.
Thanks a lot, I will get that book asap.
apreichner said:
You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
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Sorry, but what "web-based" ?
Kevincod said:
If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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Sam's teach your self android development in 24 hours?
Sent from my Nexus S 5g.
I have purchased this book, Android Wireless Application Development, its a pretty good book. For me personally, no book or no course could ever teach me anything in 24hrs, I need to practice with examples to get the hang of things. While trying to develop I found online is actually better than most books.
Stackoverflow (Android) has been a great resource for me, as well as the Android Developers site. Sorry I am new here so I can post links, but you can google them.
I have used SAM's books before, and they have been OK.
I agree with spawn782 though, I found online resources were better than any book. Stakoverflow is great if you run into problems.
The ones you find in Comp Sci college classes
Head First Java is a great book for beginners. You won't get bored at all.
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I read a couple of books. by far the for dummies book and wrox's beginning android are the best..
Which one?
How do you think Professional Android 4 Application Development (Wrox Professional Guides) and Pro Android 4 (Professional Apress) would compare? I am considering purchasing one of these. I have heard good stuff about them both... Has anybody had both of them?
Search Internet and developerandroid.com,
Jrcon said:
Search Internet and developerandroid.com,
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I tried googling for a comparison of the two books, but I was unable to find one. Maybe it was only the lack of proper search terms.
Now that you said about it, I remember seeing a book list on the android developers page, but can't find it now...
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So nobody has bought both of them? Maybe I'll just buy the more expensive one(not big difference), and wish it's also the better one
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Hi,i think referring online forums is the best way to learn android.Can somebody suggest some book,website to teach myself android developement...
Hi,
I am a recently laid off 30 year old SAP consultant from India. Over the last few weeks, I have been reading about the wonderful world of android apps. There is a great opportunity in India for android apps as millions of smart phones are sold every year. I have decided on building apps targeted at the Indian stock market - like stock screeners, that help people reach a proper investment decision. I want to make money out of my apps, so I want then to be fairly professional so that somebody buying them wont feel cheated. Also, there are not many (any) stock screener apps targeted at Indian stock market. So there is an opportunity there and I want this idea to be my first.
But how do I go about it ? I learnt Java at college, 10 years ago. My Java is highly amateurish even after I refreshed it over the last few weeks.I have bought a book on MIT App Inventor...and developed a few simple example apps already and tested them on my mobile. I am not yet sure App Inventor can help me develop more complex apps like the one I mentioned above.
So, I am desperately looking for advise from people who have been there, done that. How do I go about developing my first app ? Should I go about it the hard way - learn Java better ? Read a book on Android application development ? Build Web Apps using HTML5, JavaScript, JQuery ? Or stick to MIT App Inventor ? Try some app builder development tool like Tiggzi, Codiqa or Kinvey ?
I really need your advise as I really need to develop something quickly and make money out of it. :fingers-crossed:
Hi!
As far as i can help....i made some apps, some of them native with Java and others with HTML5.
From my experience, if you plan to make somekind of "atlas app (like wikipedia)" or not very user interface intensive or if you already know html5+css+javascript, you could go with html5, but i will always recomend native with Java as you have much more control over you app.
Anyway, if starting from 0, go for Java (Android SDK) get any tutorial around the web, there are tons of them, some better than others ofc, and free.
Hope you find your way to go!
good luck!
forgin said:
Hi!
As far as i can help....i made some apps, some of them native with Java and others with HTML5.
From my experience, if you plan to make somekind of "atlas app (like wikipedia)" or not very user interface intensive or if you already know html5+css+javascript, you could go with html5, but i will always recomend native with Java as you have much more control over you app.
Anyway, if starting from 0, go for Java (Android SDK) get any tutorial around the web, there are tons of them, some better than others ofc, and free.
Hope you find your way to go!
good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. But may I also know your opinion on MIT App Inventor ?
I started with App Inventor and quickly out grew it. Using java will make it easier to move on to complex apps or add more complexity to any current ones.
RedDevil99025 said:
Thanks for that. But may I also know your opinion on MIT App Inventor ?
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Click to collapse
I personally wouldnt use app inventor nor any other kind of "easy app maker"
I would not use the inventor, too.
I recommend reading the Head's First Java books (skip the UI part) and for Android the Vogella tutorials.
---------- Post added at 09:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 PM ----------
(Btw, you cannot build an app quickly to make big money. If you want to be successful, you need to spend a lot of time on development.)
RedDevil99025 said:
Hi,
I am a recently laid off 30 year old SAP consultant from India. Over the last few weeks, I have been reading about the wonderful world of android apps. There is a great opportunity in India for android apps as millions of smart phones are sold every year. I have decided on building apps targeted at the Indian stock market - like stock screeners, that help people reach a proper investment decision. I want to make money out of my apps, so I want then to be fairly professional so that somebody buying them wont feel cheated. Also, there are not many (any) stock screener apps targeted at Indian stock market. So there is an opportunity there and I want this idea to be my first.
But how do I go about it ? I learnt Java at college, 10 years ago. My Java is highly amateurish even after I refreshed it over the last few weeks.I have bought a book on MIT App Inventor...and developed a few simple example apps already and tested them on my mobile. I am not yet sure App Inventor can help me develop more complex apps like the one I mentioned above.
So, I am desperately looking for advise from people who have been there, done that. How do I go about developing my first app ? Should I go about it the hard way - learn Java better ? Read a book on Android application development ? Build Web Apps using HTML5, JavaScript, JQuery ? Or stick to MIT App Inventor ? Try some app builder development tool like Tiggzi, Codiqa or Kinvey ?
I really need your advise as I really need to develop something quickly and make money out of it. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Hibernate trainer quoted the following "You guys are brought up with IDE we used to compile on console". My sincere suggestion even in this RAPID developmental technologies around refresh your "Java skills" on console (DOS or Unix your wish) and make use of Eclipse IDE with Android SDK plugins for fast development. That would do. Start with Eclipse Helios and Google Android SDK and AVDs. Here you go... http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
I have developed a couple of very good apps and I use one myself but Google play store expects payment to become one of their developers Why should I pay for my own app to releasing to public for free? I choose XDA let them validate and evaluate my apps and enjoy. Let us CJava++++
The day is not far may be you get donated enough expand your ideas.
My advice is - don't read books, just start coding. A year ago I knew absolutely nothing about Java or Android. Find a webpage with sample android Activity. Start spawning your code from there. That's how I did it. Then lear something about deriving from View class... and so on...
Hey guys, thank you for all the advise. I will go through what each one of you has said and do things systematically.....I am basically starting from zero......so, lets see how far I go....and I will inform you guys about my progress and seek guidance from you.
Thanks again.
developer.android.com
Best site there is to start it has a training part and other examples. I'd personally work my way up from there if I was starting now.
radical_thinking said:
Best site there is to start it has a training part and other examples. I'd personally work my way up from there if I was starting now.
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Click to collapse
I didn't like the site when I started. In my opinion it is too difficult for beginners.
Better now
nikwen said:
I didn't like the site when I started. In my opinion it is too difficult for beginners.
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Click to collapse
Yea it wasn't always good but now they have a good training part + they provide sample code that you can run and fiddle with
It has a couple good step by step stuff, but its mostly "add this code" and has snippets that don't often make sense till you have a decent understanding of the rest of the code.
Hey guys! I'm new to app development world, I have a good amount of knowledge of c/c++ and learning java right now (I'm an engineering student), and totally interested in making my own app for android, I have made some basic apps, but it would be a real help if I get a good tutorial for bigger apps and also a tutorial for 2-D gaming on this platform for now....thanks in advanced!
I just recommend you to visit http://d.android.com/training it'll introduce you in all the basics and advanced techniques.
Not this buddy....I want a bit simpler tutorial....that one is too vast, I want a tutorial that specifically teaches for one particular type of app, example: making a 2-D game, or building a browser, or a messaging app, etc.
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rulerofthehell said:
Not this buddy....I want a bit simpler tutorial....that one is too vast, I want a tutorial that specifically teaches for one particular type of app, example: making a 2-D game, or building a browser, or a messaging app, etc.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think those topics are a collection of hundreds of patterns, knowledge, implementation and understanding, so better to start simple rather than ....well.... as the saying goes...learn to walk first before you try and pilot a space shuttle
Just a suggestion
Note : there maybe dvd sets that show what you ask, but I would suspect it would be months if not years of learning for a nice grounding in what you will need.
I know basic bro....
deanwray said:
I think those topics are a collection of hundreds of patterns, knowledge, implementation and understanding, so better to start simple rather than ....well.... as the saying goes...learn to walk first before you try and pilot a space shuttle
Just a suggestion
Note : there maybe dvd sets that show what you ask, but I would suspect it would be months if not years of learning for a nice grounding in what you will need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just said I made a few basic apps, I don't wanna sound rude but I have learned to "walk" , just needs a few directions before I start to fly.
rulerofthehell said:
I just said I made a few basic apps, I don't wanna sound rude but I have learned to "walk" , just needs a few directions before I start to fly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry was speed reading to just try and offer help... as I said there are lots of resources, but for something like a game, you have mass resources based on the tech/engine you choose (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/17163446/what-is-the-best-2d-game-engine-for-android)... if you choose one of the popular ones there are tonnes of resource. As for building an app, it's just a little ambiguous. A screen that displays a black view fullscreen is an app. I think it's best to evaluate the market see whats missing or can be improved upon and start that way.
BTW I was confused on you saying you wanted simpler than d.android.com/training (which is like the starting point from zero) But I think I get what your asking now
That helps a lot thanks!
deanwray said:
if you choose one of the popular ones there are tonnes of resource. As for building an app, it's just a little ambiguous. A screen that displays a black view fullscreen is an app. I think it's best to evaluate the market see whats missing or can be improved upon and start that way.
BTW I was confused on you saying you wanted simpler than d.android.com/training (which is like the starting point from zero) But I think I get what your asking now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! That helps a lot and if I may ask for more then are there any tutorials for simple multiplayer games....I know I have to set up a server to which a user can connect to,but I don't exactly know how to do that...so a tutorial on it would help
Also tutorials on multiplayer games via Bluetooth connection would be nice
rulerofthehell said:
Thanks man! That helps a lot and if I may ask for more then are there any tutorials for simple multiplayer games....I know I have to set up a server to which a user can connect to,but I don't exactly know how to do that...so a tutorial on it would help
Also tutorials on multiplayer games via Bluetooth connection would be nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that I cant help with and would be on par with you in having to google, if I were to speculate then I would assume that lots of the core elements like profile linking, indents, scores/stats and states are/can be handled by the new google play services game stuff... but just have a read on google/android site, cause I would say yes to having a server for MMO games but no if it's either 1 to 1 or not realtime.
btw not many do bluetooth these days, wifi network or wifi direct for local games
I highly recommend "android bootcamp series" (sorry I can't add link, so please write it in google).
This screencasts explain all building blocks in Android in easy way
Check vogella.com, you'll find a bunch of examples. Really helpful.
Hi all,
Was looking for some guidance. I want to make a very simple app. Your traditional wallpaper app - I know there are already a ton out there, but I want to experiment. Basically have the user browse by category, then download a wallpaper. For someone who has never made an app, what is a good way to go about it? Would you recommend starting from scratch or using one of those free app websites? I know a little bit of Java, not nearly enough to make an app, but I wouldn't mind learning (lotta free time ATM). Is this something that can easily be made with a free app website? I've looked into those, but am not fully sure what their capabilities are. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum!
I'd start by installing Android Studio. Then I would dissect what your attempting to do here in goals and separate the coding tasks. Then I would glean what I could from the reference.
Start with simple apps
hpizzle12 said:
Hi all,
Was looking for some guidance. I want to make a very simple app. Your traditional wallpaper app - I know there are already a ton out there, but I want to experiment. Basically have the user browse by category, then download a wallpaper. For someone who has never made an app, what is a good way to go about it? Would you recommend starting from scratch or using one of those free app websites? I know a little bit of Java, not nearly enough to make an app, but I wouldn't mind learning (lotta free time ATM). Is this something that can easily be made with a free app website? I've looked into those, but am not fully sure what their capabilities are. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start create a simple Calculator with good looking UI ! Its my favorite @
the best first app is something you can explore android with it, like an app with simple buttons each one runs a sound, or change background color....
Can anyone help me with the user interface ..
I want to learn advanced designing ..
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