Android Development Basics
Android Development Basics
Important Classes:
SmsManager : Used to send SMS messages.
Full Example:
String phoneNumber = "9876543210"; String message = "Hello! This is a test SMS."; SmsManager
smsManager = SmsManager.getDefault(); smsManager.sendTextMessage(phoneNumber, null, message,
null, null);
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SEND_SMS"/>
Real-life Applications:
Sending OTPs (One-Time Passwords)
FusedLocationProviderClient fusedLocationClient =
LocationServices.getFusedLocationProviderClient(this); fusedLocationClient.getLastLocation()
.addOnSuccessListener(this, location -> { if (location != null) { double latitude =
location.getLatitude(); double longitude = location.getLongitude(); } });
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION"/>
Real-life Example:
An app like Uber needs an API Key to show Google Maps inside the app.
Basic Syntax:
<com.google.android.gms.maps.MapView android:id="@+id/mapView"
android:layout_width="match_parent" android:layout_height="match_parent" />
Important Methods:
getMapAsync() : Loads the map.
Add permission:
googleMap.getUiSettings().setZoomControlsEnabled(true);
Especially useful in apps like real estate (property location), tourism maps, etc.
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Step-by-Step Process:
1. Set up the map using SupportMapFragment .
Geocoding Example:
Purpose: To get the latitude and longitude of a location (e.g., "New York").
Syntax:
Syntax:
Real-Life Example:
Ride-hailing apps use reverse geocoding to show users their current location (e.g., "123 Main St, New
York") before booking a ride.
2. Network Provider — Uses cell towers and Wi-Fi signals; faster, but less accurate.
3. Fused Location Provider — Combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers to give the best result.
Syntax:
Best method for high accuracy: Using FusedLocationProviderClient with high accuracy setting.
Example:
Fitness apps monitor location changes to track the user’s movement.
3. Encryption: Android uses encryption to protect user data both at rest (stored data) and in transit (data
being sent).
Example:
When you open a bank app, Android ensures your financial data is safe by using encryption and permission
checks.
Important Methods:
Context.checkSelfPermission() to check if an app has the necessary permissions.
2. Enforce Permissions:
Before accessing a sensitive feature, check if the app has permission. If not, request it.
if (ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) !=
PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) { ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]
{Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION}, REQUEST_CODE); }
Real-Life Example:
In a camera app, permissions are crucial to ensure the app only uses the camera when you're actively taking
pictures.
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Choose Create new under the Key store section and fill in the required details.
After creating the keystore, Android Studio will generate a signed APK.
4. Finish:
Steps:
1. Create a Developer Account:
Check if the app is ready for release (no debugging code or unnecessary permissions).
Select a language and enter the app's details (title, description, screenshots).
3. Test Thoroughly:
Remove any Log statements or testing code that shouldn't be in the release version.
Steps:
1. Beta Testing:
Use Google Play Console to release the app to a small group for feedback.
2. Review Process:
Google will perform a security check and review the app's content and functionality.
3. Final Release:
After passing the review, publish the app to the Play Store.
Features:
1. Track App Performance: View app downloads, ratings, and user feedback.
2. Manage Releases: Upload new versions, track updates, and handle app promotions.
3. Monetize Your App: Set pricing, subscription plans, and in-app purchases.
4. Analytics: Monitor user engagement, crash reports, and performance metrics.
Crash Reports: View which parts of your app are causing crashes and fix them.
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Steps:
1. Log in to Google Play Console: Go to the Google Play Console and log in with your developer account.
Under the Statistics section, view key metrics like Downloads, Revenue, Retention Rate,
and Ratings.
Under Android Vitals, view crash statistics. The console highlights apps with high crash rates.
View user reviews and ratings in the Reviews section. Address negative feedback and improve
based on suggestions.
Integrate Google Analytics to track specific user actions within your app.
Real-life Benefit:
Example: A game app developer uses crash reports to identify that a certain feature causes crashes. By
fixing it, they improve the app’s rating and reduce churn.
Apps must ask for permissions to access sensitive data like location, contacts, camera, etc.
Example: Location permission: The app needs user consent to access their location.
2. App Sandboxing:
Each app runs in its own isolated environment, preventing other apps from accessing its data unless
explicitly shared.
3. Data Encryption:
Android encrypts sensitive data stored on the device, making it unreadable to unauthorized users
or apps.
4. Biometric Authentication:
Android supports biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition) for sensitive app actions
like payments.
Real-World Example:
Banking apps: Use biometric authentication (fingerprint) and data encryption to ensure secure
transactions and account access.
Use: Best for apps requiring high accuracy like navigation apps.
2. Wi-Fi-based Location:
Use: Works well in urban areas or indoors where GPS signals are weak.
3. Network Provider:
Use: Ideal for situations where high accuracy is not required (e.g., checking if a user is in a city).
Code Example:
2. Request Permission:
Code Example:
if (ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) !=
PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) { ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]
{Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION}, 1); }
For instance, an app may request location permission only when the user tries to access a location-
based feature.
Best Practices:
1. Test Thoroughly:
Reduce the app size (use Proguard, optimize images, remove unused resources).
3. Check Permissions:
Ask for permissions only when absolutely necessary, and provide an explanation to the user if
needed.
Bonus Tip:
App Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics before launch to track user behavior and
engagement.