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Currently, there are over 2.6 million apps in the Google Play Store, and that number is only going up. Needless to say, it’s a great time to learn how to develop Android apps.

Best android development tips

We asked 7 experts for their advice when it comes to Android app development. There’s something to learn for beginners and master programmers alike. Let’s see what they had to say about building for this mobile operating system.

1. Start old school and write the code with as little dependencies as possible to understand how the framework works. Once you know it, you can use some libraries to make your life easier.

2. Be sure you start with a language that has a big community so that when you have a question you can easily find an answer. StackOverflow is your best friend.

3. Always be learning. Experiment with the newest technologies! Be crazy about the latest things in Android – whether it's the latest SDK or the latest alpha build if possible of Android studio.

4.Research the platform. Learn how the framework (JVM) deals with things like memory management, concurrency, or lifecycle of platform-specific components. This will help you have an overall image of how things glue together.

5. Besides the documentation, read articles written by other developers. Chances are they are having similar struggles, and hopefully successes, as you. Plus, a fresh perspective never hurts.

- Octa Cimpu, Android Developer with Upstack

6. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the vast variation in screen sizes. Test, test, and test again.  Make sure your app displays as it should and be sure to future proof your app for unforeseeable changes in screen sizes and resolutions.

7. Develop an understanding of both agile and waterfall management methodologies. It’s important to realize how each method will impact their decision-making process as they approach a project.

- Aleksandr Sharaev, Director of Engineering at Clearbridge Mobile

 8. Study the Android market and the competition. Before starting to look for clients, you should carefully research and understand the landscape.

9. Create a good portfolio. The best way to attract clients is by showing them what you can do. Take some time to build a quality portfolio that emphasizes your best work.

10. Listen carefully to clients. Even if you have a better solution, that may not be what your client needs. Always follow their instructions carefully and add suggestions if there's room for that.

11. Create your own style and testing different methods. Don’t be afraid to try new things and implement them in your work.

- Nick Galov, Owner of Hosting Tribunal

12. Be thorough. It's no longer enough just to build a mobile app. Such apps must now run natively on any type of device. Mobility for any business app must be the new goal.

13. There are lots of options for developing mobile business apps. But many are light-weight development platforms that lack enterprise capability—the type of functionality that you’ll realize you need down the road.

- Jesse Shiah, CEO of AgilePoint

14. Learning multiple languages never hurts. For Android, learn Java and XML.

15. Rather than trying to go over hundreds of tutorials, set a goal and try to build something. The lesson learned by building something cannot be obtained by watching countless videos.

16. Give it time! Building your first app will always take a lot of it, so patience is key here.

17. It goes without saying but write clean and organized code, and add comments wherever necessary.

-Vipin Johney, Mobile App Development Team Lead at ClaySys

Develop new skills

You know what they say… knowledge is power! Programming is a skill that isn't going out of style anytime soon. Check out these app statistics for more on development trends in 2019.

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