Database Users

Materials For Learning Android Development?

Hey guys, I'd like to learn how to develop for the Android OS.
What materials would to recommend that start from a beginner level that fully explain every step? Examples and learning tasks would be excellent too.
Was shown Professional Android 2 Application Development by Reto Meier which I'm considering buying, but will it be too advanced to start with?
Thanks for any help.

Im looking for exactly the same thing, although i do know a bit of java, it would be nice too have some comprehensive guides.

video learnings
xtensivearts.com have posted 11 series on how to do development on android
and
follow this link for an hour tutorial on android development http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8XseabG5j0&feature=player_embedded
and u can find many more videos on related section

First you need to learn java
Here:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/essential/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/collections/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/ui/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/deployment/index.html

Depends on how beginner you are
What sort of programming experience do you have? Are you familiar with Java?
It's probably worth taking a look at some of the examples at the Dev Guide section of the Android Developer site (developer dot android dot com). If you're comfortable with that you should be fine to use Professional Android 2.
The book assumes you're a fairly experienced developer who is comfortable with Java (or at least experienced with similar OO languages), but that you have little to know knowledge of Android or mobile development.

houseonfire said:
First you need to learn java
Here:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/essential/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/collections/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/ui/index.html
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/deployment/index.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't include that first link in my opinion
About the Java Technology
Java technology is both a programming language and a platform.
The Java Programming Language
The Java programming language is a high-level language that can be characterized by all of the following buzzwords:
# Simple
# Architecture neutral
# Object oriented
# Portable
# Distributed
# High performance
# Multithreaded
# Robust
# Dynamic
# Secure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just sounds like marketing and someone stroking themselves.
[Second link]
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/concepts/object.htm
I'm so ****ed... does anyone any where ever teach things in a manner that shows how things work, besides the bull****???
I'm never going to learn at this rate. Seems like their are peices of the puzzle people don't understand, which i fully understand and have no patience for.. and the stuff every one grabs onto easily is that stuff i can't find taught
[Next page]
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/concepts/class.html
For some reason I doubt if I plug that code in its just going to flat out work...
Any tutorials that teach in a fashion that says... hey this is what you need to know..
There are variables, classes and this is what needs to go into place for them to work.
In the real world, you'll often find many individual objects all of the same kind. There may be thousands of other bicycles in existence, all of the same make and model. Each bicycle was built from the same set of blueprints and therefore contains the same components. In object-oriented terms, we say that your bicycle is an instance of the class of objects known as bicycles. A class is the blueprint from which individual objects are created.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who CARES??
I want to see the tools and see what needs to be in place for them to work and how to work them.
This turtorial isn't for me
I need a no bull**** tutorial for newbies that flat out says these are the things you needto know how to utilize and this is how you utilize them, in explainable code that works, that isn't missing code someone assumes ill know to put there.
I'm coming to the conclusio that the most difficult part about developing is finding out where you need tolearn from and a good resource to teach you in your own learning style.
I'm a genius in an area everyone is retarded in and a retard in an area that makes the rest of the world seem to have genius about something im missing..

I'd recommend the book called Hello, Android.

I was thinking the same thing... i just can't afford to spend any more money on something that isn't going to teach me in my style...
I'm afraid something might be wrong with the area of my brain that handles communication, language and the english language because there seems to be something about specific things that i just can never grasp unless shown piece by piece a couple of times.
nobody seems serious about showing me anything eer.. they just want to tell me :/
[edit\
Starting here.. ill just tough through what I can but im certain ill be asking some basic stupid questions because there will be something ill be having trouble wraping my head around
2.1 The Big Picture
Let’s start by taking a look at the overall system architecture—the key
layers and components that make up the Android open source software
stack. In Figure 2.1, on the next page, you can see the “20,000-foot”
view of Android. Study it closely—there will be a test tomorrow.
Each layer uses the services provided by the layers below it. Starting
from the bottom, the following sections highlight the layers provided by
Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
**** it, i just skipped to the creating menus section.... who in the world has time for people wanting to jolly themselves by talking a bunch of bull****?
I need to know "how" not "why"...damn it,

Bunnnyman said:
I'd recommend the book called Hello, Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The example code for enabling the menu button to pop up a menu appears to be incomplete.
I might be stupid but im not that stupid...

Trying to become a developer

Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka

cesarcerros31 said:
Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're stuck getting Hello Android to work or whate to do after hello android? Do you know any development languages such as Java or C#? (you'll be writing android apps in java, but C# is really MS version of java with a few syntax differences) If not, are you familiar with object orientation? If not, it's gonna be tough dude but if you're smart and pick stuff up quickly you can learn by reading.

Pick up some books and look at youtube videos.
Sent while sitting on the toilet.

Alright thanks its just that helloandroid project wouldn't start right but I will look up massively on how to start a different way or just try to find the solution and youtube always helps and anyone knows how to make roms looking to make aosp
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka

There's a few free Eclipse and Java books out there that a beginner will understand especially if you already understand the concepts of object-oriented programming. Eclipse IDE itself will need a book as it's full of plugins and tools you need to understand to compile your project effectively.

It's going to be a very very long and slow road.
This may help, a series of YouTube videos for beginners.
http://eclipsetutorial.sourceforge.net/totalbeginner.html
I've been thinking the same thing, learning to develop for Android. Since I have near zero experience programming (save for a VB class in college) I decided I would be better off hiring someone to write what I want.
Just keep in mind though, Hello World is just where people start.
You may want to check out the android Appinventor. It's made by Google, and is in beta testing now, but it's a graphical way of programming for android. Though there isn't any code involved and won't be good/used outside of Android, it does a good job imparting the logic of programming.

I'll give you some tips that I've learned over the years as a developer.
First if you haven't done any development before I highly advise obtaining a book. True there are tons of web tutorials out there but personally I find a good author can do wonders in learning how to develop software. Anytime I want to learn a new platform I pick up a book on that platform. Of course you can find a ton of books used but another great source is a library. If you're in college with a computer science program chances are your library will have a couple of books on Android development. Your public library probably has some books on the subject as well. If all else fails see if you have a friend who will loan you a book.
Reading about development is only part one, part two is hands on. You can read an entire book on developing software and walk away with no knowledge. You can mindlessly follow the examples in the book but I find it best to use the examples in books as a guideline. In other words take the idea in the book and morph it so you're working on something original. Trust me here, you'll learn a lot more doing this instead of just mindlessly following the examples.
Next thing you'll need is a problem. Why? Because you need something to write. I find myself most motivated to write software when I either have a problem or something else has one and a checkbook. What do you want your phone to do? Are there applications out there that solve your problem but you think you can do better? Think small and easy since you're still new. Realistically you're not going to be able to make a web browser from scratch as your first project but you can certainly make a database of movies you own.
One thing that is debatable is whether you should learn to write something quickly or well. Frankly I'm in the school or writing something quickly and ignoring "correctness" when you're new. People new to programming spend too much time worrying about doing things "correctly" (very important when you're developing actual software) instead of learning how to do things in the first place.
Your code may not be readable, may not be optimized, and may crash every time an invalid input is entered into a field but you'll learn from those things. I think most people who end up hating programming do so because they spent too much time on worry about the little things and thus seeing no results for their work. Once you have the basics down you can concentrate of the details of optimizing code, validating inputs, and making your code readable.
Honestly not matter what you write you'll look back at it in embarrassment ten years from now anyways.

Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka

cesarcerros31 said:
Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a Java book that also covers Object Orientation basics and principals. (you'll also need to understand some XML to do android programming) If you want to make kernels/ROMS, definitely look into Linux and shell scripting. (you can find most of this info online though)

By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.

Sirchuk said:
By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it might be good, but it wont teach him how to actually code. Most of those books are made for people that know other languages like javascript/php/c/etc.. and are wanting to move to java and learn the new syntax.

I have no idea as to what you know. So ftw.
Write what ever you decide in a pseudo code, first.
Two things will fall out of that, a design, and java methods of implementing the pseudo language ( as you decide what java syntax does your psuedo code) which invariably returns you to (1) the design. I think it's called iterational refinement, or some such other bs.
So don't get bogged down, now that you know hello, make it start "right"...
You all do realize that eclipse was a machine.. a sunny>dg joke.

[Q] Learning to Dev

I have been a member of XDA for a while and now I want to contribute. I have a basic understanding of computers and want to learn more. Obviously our greatest devs were not born devs they had to learn everything from somewhere. I'm looking for suggestions on where to start on the road to become the best dev I can be. Keep in mind I'm flat broke so I cannot hit up the local bookstore or download any paid software, but with the way the internet is today there must a free legitimate source for everything somewhere. So anyone willing to help a noob If I posted in the wrong section please kindly redirect me rather than flame me. Thanks in advance.

It all depends on what you want to contribute. I'm a beginner myself (only developing since august). It is easy to learn Java, for the most part. I would suggest heading over to http://developer.android.com/index.html for starters. There are many examples and if you want to know something specific, try using the search bar at the top right (it comes in handy). I have already published an app, a simple one, but still an application none the less. I am working on two other projects simultaneously (a live wallpaper and a home-replacement app). You can come to my website http://futurinnovations.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm working on. I am still in the process of learning, and being in college slows things down a bit. Just make sure not to give up. If your stuck, ask someone (or everyone) on forums like this.

Futur Innovations said:
It all depends on what you want to contribute. I'm a beginner myself (only developing since august). It is easy to learn Java, for the most part. I would suggest heading over to http://developer.android.com/index.html for starters. There are many examples and if you want to know something specific, try using the search bar at the top right (it comes in handy). I have already published an app, a simple one, but still an application none the less. I am working on two other projects simultaneously (a live wallpaper and a home-replacement app). You can come to my website http://futurinnovations.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm working on. I am still in the process of learning, and being in college slows things down a bit. Just make sure not to give up. If your stuck, ask someone (or everyone) on forums like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention I want to learn to dev for Android. I want to start out with simple apps then work my way up to building/porting roms. Also I just downloaded the Java JDK and am using Java's "Greenfoot" Tutorial to get started since I have no experience with Java. And I will be sure to check out your blog and thank you for the reply.

porting and building is something far different from app development...you have to know much more if you want to work with kernel,drivers,basically you have to know everything from hardware level to user level (if you want to be top of the class)...good luck

farukb said:
porting and building is something far different from app development...you have to know much more if you want to work with kernel,drivers,basically you have to know everything from hardware level to user level (if you want to be top of the class)...good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well we all gotta start somewhere. Now is probably a good time for me as I'm only 18 and a senior in high school. Since I don't have a job at the moment I have plenty of free time after school and on weekends.

I'm only 18 myself. I started straight with downloading Eclipse and all of the appropriate software for developing and just dove in. I would recommend watching these tutorials: http://www.xtensivearts.com/topics/tutorials/. They helped me A LOT. I am taking a programming in C class in the spring semster, which I am looking forward to. Programming in Java for Android is different than regular programming. It's the same concepts, just different APIs and tools. I like using Eclipse because it is easy to learn and get used to. There are a lot of fancy features like a type of autocorrect (not like on the phone, but smarter). Like you said, just start from the basics, like "Hello World" (Hello Android) and practice creating different layouts using the tutorials given on the Developer site. Explore the site and look through everything because eventually you may need to know where its located for quick access. Just don't set too high of goals for yourself, other wise you might be more prone to give up (like I almost did). Good luck

Im in ths same boat as you we got to start somewhere

mit have a fantastic course in computer science online.
search for MIT open courseware then introduction to computer science.
I'm on 10 now, getting very complicated

crowstar said:
mit have a fantastic course in computer science online.
search for MIT open courseware then introduction to computer science.
I'm on 10 now, getting very complicated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro I'm checking out that MIT course right now it looks really helpfull

This is a great starting point for Android development, as it deals quite well with getting the Android SDK and Eclipse IDE set up and working together.
http://www.vogella.de/articles/Android/article.html

Futur Innovations said:
I'm only 18 myself. I started straight with downloading Eclipse and all of the appropriate software for developing and just dove in. I would recommend watching these tutorials: http://www.xtensivearts.com/topics/tutorials/. They helped me A LOT. I am taking a programming in C class in the spring semster, which I am looking forward to. Programming in Java for Android is different than regular programming. It's the same concepts, just different APIs and tools. I like using Eclipse because it is easy to learn and get used to. There are a lot of fancy features like a type of autocorrect (not like on the phone, but smarter). Like you said, just start from the basics, like "Hello World" (Hello Android) and practice creating different layouts using the tutorials given on the Developer site. Explore the site and look through everything because eventually you may need to know where its located for quick access. Just don't set too high of goals for yourself, other wise you might be more prone to give up (like I almost did). Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm 24. And I learn how to 'program' since 14-15.
It's easy to write apps for Android. But it's hard to write good apps.
You should take Software Engineering course (NOT Computer Science course).
If you take CS (Computer Science) course, than you will learn mainly about algorithm.
But if you enter SE (Software Engineering) course, you will learn about SDLC, software QA/testing, and planning to write programs for living
:-D

I personally don't like eclipse, it's just bloated IDE :-(
I use SciTE, apache ant, MinGW/MSYS (GCC 4.5.0), Java SDK, ActivePerl, Dev-C++ IDE. That's should be enough for development :-D

I will see if there are any software engineer classes at the college I am attending. If so, then I will sign up for it. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Is taking the programming class still beneficial?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

Futur Innovations said:
Is taking the programming class still beneficial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd really recommend a class if it's a viable option. It will help you understand object oriented programming, where just working through examples won't actually teach you how to understand what you're doing. Things like classes, inheritance and polymorphism are pretty difficult principles to grasp unless you've got someone to explain them to you. Then it's pretty easy.

Learn how to create android applications / modifications, any recommendations?

Hello,
A short time ago I bought tecnology android and I've realized that I love to make changes, delete, re-program, install Rom, etc..
I always liked this programming, the only limitation I had was my financial situation, but it does not allow a limitation, short steps going forward.
For this reason I come to ask those who already know how to program, where I can find good tutorials, PDF materials, sources serve me to learn programming this wonder?
I would also like you to tell me how hard it can be. I already I have some knowledge of codes, mainly web design, HTML, CSS and some PHP.
Since today I get to work .
Greetings all,
Diego
PD: Translated by Google

help you
Argdie said:
Hello,
A short time ago I bought tecnology android and I've realized that I love to make changes, delete, re-program, install Rom, etc..
I always liked this programming, the only limitation I had was my financial situation, but it does not allow a limitation, short steps going forward.
For this reason I come to ask those who already know how to program, where I can find good tutorials, PDF materials, sources serve me to learn programming this wonder?
I would also like you to tell me how hard it can be. I already I have some knowledge of codes, mainly web design, HTML, CSS and some PHP.
Since today I get to work .
Greetings all,
Diego
PD: Translated by Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can get some open source cede to learn, and also learn to develop some simple app demo. hope you have a good start

step by step, u can improve a lot
Argdie said:
Hello,
A short time ago I bought tecnology android and I've realized that I love to make changes, delete, re-program, install Rom, etc..
I always liked this programming, the only limitation I had was my financial situation, but it does not allow a limitation, short steps going forward.
For this reason I come to ask those who already know how to program, where I can find good tutorials, PDF materials, sources serve me to learn programming this wonder?
I would also like you to tell me how hard it can be. I already I have some knowledge of codes, mainly web design, HTML, CSS and some PHP.
Since today I get to work .
Greetings all,
Diego
PD: Translated by Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 PM ----------
maybe i could teach u something.
Argdie said:
Hello,
A short time ago I bought tecnology android and I've realized that I love to make changes, delete, re-program, install Rom, etc..
I always liked this programming, the only limitation I had was my financial situation, but it does not allow a limitation, short steps going forward.
For this reason I come to ask those who already know how to program, where I can find good tutorials, PDF materials, sources serve me to learn programming this wonder?
I would also like you to tell me how hard it can be. I already I have some knowledge of codes, mainly web design, HTML, CSS and some PHP.
Since today I get to work .
Greetings all,
Diego
PD: Translated by Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Have you tried looking at the official web site for Android developers from google? I would post a link, but I still don't have enough reputation to post links. You should be able to find it by just googling.
In any case, you could start with Coursera or Udacity. For Coursera, you may have to wait until a class starts. But for either of them, note that you don't need to pay any money to take their classes. On Coursera, click on the title of each course to avoid the paywall. On Udacity, click on the blue buttons to "get free access to the materials", and don't bother with the "nanodegree" or the "free trial", that's where they ask for your credit card number.
On Udacity, it goes from the extremely easy to the extremely hard. Their beginner materials may be too easy for you. And their intermediate materials usually starts getting too hard for most people at around week 4. If that happens to you, go to the Coursera web site.

A few steps to start:
1. Google: android development
2. Install Android Studio
3. Set up a GIT repository: hint: google GitStack
4. Create a new app using Android studio template: hello world.
5. Start adding features to it.
It's not as hard as it looks .

Can I learn by my self?

Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you really need to know Java basics, and then just start learning off the getting started guides on the official site

deanwray said:
Well you really need to know Java basics, and then just start learning off the getting started guides on the official site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks

It's possible to learn on your own, but it can be good to have others to either learn from or run your ideas by also. It's difficult to notice you're stuck in a box sometimes!
It's also a good idea to play with the SDK sample apps when you're learning not only Java but Android APIs.

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES YOU CAN
The best place to start would be to download and import the source codes of very simple open source android apps, read them thoroughly and then start making little modifications to it to learn what code affects what part of the app's functionality, try adding new functions and features. This way you will learn and build up your confidence.

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although it would probably be easier if you were taught it in an educational envrionment (university maybe?) or, like driving lessons, you had an actual android developer sit down next to you when learning/developing I personally think the official android Design and Develop series can take you from novice to intermediate - low end of complicated development. You could use these in conjunction with xda dev or stackoverflow to get any information/code that's missing or you don't understand how to implement.
developer.android.com/design
developer.android.com/develop
developer.android.com/training (especially this one)

Thankyou very much, I will start download source code and test modifys.
Android Developer official Israel very difficult for me.
But thanks
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can...Headfirst Java is a good book for beginners plus there are many web Tutorials on Youtube. You just need to be patient and work hard.All The best.

voilaworks said:
Yes you can...Headfirst Java is a good book for beginners plus there are many web Tutorials on Youtube. You just need to be patient and work hard.All The best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you

You can learn the basics by reading books or doing online Tutorials Did it aswell - successfully ofc

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, the answer you are looking for is absolutely! You can learn everything you need to by yourself, granted it will take much longer than if you had someone to ask questions.
How do I know? I started programming on Android ~3 years ago, by myself. I had nobody that talked me into it, and I didn't attend any colleges. A motivational spark encouraged me. I had absolutely no programming experience, how it worked, or anything about it. Now, I have 5 apps on Google Play, and am working on my 1st game. All with the knowledge I've accumulated over the years out of pure interest. People laugh when I tell them it's my hobby, I stand serious haha.
For me, youtube (something visual) helped me get started, as you can easily follow along. After you feel you have a grasp on the basics, I started looking online further. Searching this site, and StackOverflow.com are great learning resources. Before you know it, you'll be a master! Good luck!:good:

Firstly, it might help if you describe what is your exact situation. How much experience (not job experience, but coding experience) do you have in programming? How much comfortable you are with any programming language, say C? How familiar you are with OO concepts? Are you uncomfortable just because there's something different with Java, or is it because Java is your first programming language? If you read carefully, the preface of SCJP book says that this book is not to be used to learn Java from the scratch.
Btw, unless you get all building blocks in place (e.g logic constructs - loops, basic data structures, OO concepts etc.) don't go for other stuff like threading, swing, JDBC, xml parsing etc. :good:

You can definitely learn it on your own as long as you have to drive to do so. I taught myself ( I had no computer background). I am no expert but I can get by. And I just released my first multi-player game, Word Cloud Social, on Google Play yesterday. Check it out .

auricPuneet said:
You can definitely learn it on your own as long as you have to drive to do so. I taught myself ( I had no computer background). I am no expert but I can get by. And I just released my first multi-player game, Word Cloud Social, on Google Play yesterday. Check it out .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thanks for your words, inspired to me.
A friend teach me a little and gime me a source code of a theme pack and I know change the image and customize this, but I need learn more.
Thank youvery much

As auric stated, you have to have the motivation and determination to learn by yourself, but it is definitely possible.
Don't rush it, take your time and try to understand it. Analyze everything, and if you have questions search the web, or ask on sites like here right away.
You have to believe in yourself
Noted to self thrice via tapatalk

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you CAN, i did it my self one year back, now i have my own app in playstore
useful links:
http://www.vogella.com/tutorials/android.html
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/android
http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
http://omapzoom.org/
http://grepcode.com/project/repository.grepcode.com/java/ext/com.google.android/android/

angelgavipo said:
Hi, I dont know java but I know a little about Eclipse and make apps.
But I nedd know if is possible learn by my self.
And How??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course you can, read a lot of tutorials or watch a lot of video tutorials depending on what you prefer and how you learn best, but most importantly: practice.
I think the best way is to find a simple idea you like for an app, and learn just what you need to create this app along the way, start off with a basic "how to setup an android app project" tutorial and work your up from there.
The android framework is quite wide, you can't learn all at once, I think this method allows you to stay on a defined path and actually achieve something.
And by learning the APIs you need for your app idea, it'll open more doors for you to learn other APIs to improve upon your project, or start a new one being more comfortable with the environment.
If you're more the type of learner which learns best by watching, I recommend you watch the 200 videos series for beginners by TheNewBoston, it's a good start:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2F07DBCDCC01493A
The official training courses and docs can be a bit overwhelming for beginners I think.
If it's something you really want to do, then just practice a lot and stick with it, you'll get there.
Just 3 or 4 years ago I didn't know anything about programming except some very basic HTML, I learned by myself and now I work full-time as a front-end Web & Android engineer at a french startup (IZIPass), on projects for clients such as McDonalds and Subway.
If you're looking for some inspiration, the series about Hacker Schools by former XDA TV producer Jayce Broda is an awesome one.
It shows how Mark Rossetti evolved from a total beginner to being hired by SalesForce in the SF bay area in 12 weeks.
You really get to see his progression as these are weekly interviews, it's great, I know it inspired me a lot. And still inspires me to try and go live in San Francisco, but that's another subject^^
Just make your own "Hacker School" for yourself

You certainly can. I'm still in highschool and I'm self taught. I educational book I've enjoyed reading was Java Notes 6. Its free of charge on his website!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

gh0stslayer said:
YES YOU CAN
The best place to start would be to download and import the source codes of very simple open source android apps, read them thoroughly and then start making little modifications to it to learn what code affects what part of the app's functionality, try adding new functions and features. This way you will learn and build up your confidence.
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Love this idea.

ricky310711 said:
Love this idea.
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Thank you
To get interesting app's source codes one could use F-Droid (it's an app store which only hosts open source apps).
And also people with somewhat limited coding knowledge could use APIs to further reduce their efforts.
I found this app very helpful and inspiring in this regard.