Android App Development with Google App Inventor: A Quick Guide
Exploring Android App Development with Google App Inventor
From the moment I began using a Droid device, I became fascinated by the process of creating applications available on platforms like the Android Market. While I possess programming skills, I don't consider myself an expert in complex hacking techniques.
My proficiency lies in languages such as Visual Basic and Coldfusion. However, the idea of building a mobile application entirely from the ground up seemed initially to be outside my skillset.
Previous Mobile Development Approaches
Here at MUO, our closest exploration of mobile app creation was Beth's guide on iPhone app development. Even that method necessitates learning Objective-C, effectively requiring one to become a proficient coder.
Fortunately, for those who, like myself, prefer a visual programming environment, Android now offers a pathway to app development accessible even to those with limited coding experience.
Introducing Google App Inventor
The key to unlocking Android app development for a wider audience is Google App Inventor, a tool previously hosted at Google Labs.
This platform empowers individuals with even fundamental programming knowledge to design and build robust, fully functional Android applications.
App Inventor utilizes a block-based visual interface, simplifying the coding process and making it more intuitive. This approach allows developers to focus on the logic and functionality of their app rather than getting bogged down in complex syntax.
With Google App Inventor, creating Android apps is no longer limited to seasoned programmers. It opens up a world of possibilities for anyone with a creative idea and a desire to learn.
Getting Started with Google App Inventor
Google App Inventor is comprised of three key elements: a design interface, a blocks editor, and the process of configuring your mobile device.
Initially, device setup is required. Navigate to Settings -> Applications and ensure "Unknown sources" is enabled. This permission allows the Blocks Editor to install and establish communication with your phone for testing purposes.
Subsequently, access "Development" settings and activate both "USB debugging" and "Stay awake."
These steps represent the entirety of the phone configuration needed to utilize the programming environment.
Upon registering for App Inventor, installing the Block Editor is a necessary step. This Java application is installed on your computer and facilitates the modification of "blocks" created in the design environment. It also enables direct communication with your phone.
After signing up and entering the design tool, select "New" to begin a new project and assign it a name. For demonstration, a matching game for children, featuring cat images on a 3 x 4 grid, will be created.
The design tool’s layout resembles that of Visual Basic and Visual C++, with available objects displayed on the left and the design area, or "form," positioned in the center. The form represents the individual screen, and applications can incorporate multiple screens with appropriate navigation.
When a component is dragged onto the screen, it appears on the right side under Components. The "Properties" section allows for viewing and modifying the component’s initial display characteristics.
A screen with a 3x4 table, found under "Screen Arrangement," has been created. Twelve buttons, each displaying a unique cat image in their "image" property, were then added.
These design properties can be further adjusted within the Blocks editor. As illustrated, the image of Button 1 is set to a blank image (a grey image named "Image1" loaded during design).
The system is entirely visual, requiring no traditional coding. Under "My Blocks," the "Screen1" component was selected, and the "Initialize" event was dragged to the central programming area. An event requires an action, so the Button1.Image property was added, instructing it to display "Image1".
Approximately an hour was spent programming the initialization of all buttons upon app launch, and defining the action triggered when the user clicks the first button.
Developing even a simple application like a matching game necessitates careful consideration of all potential scenarios. Component events can be defined and programmed to handle all possibilities. For beginners, starting with simpler examples, such as those provided by Google, is recommended.
The design tool’s left navigation bar provides access to a wide range of Android functionalities, including sensors, contact lists, and video players.
The resulting application, programmed, tested, and installed on a phone within an hour, demonstrates the platform’s capabilities. Further programming of the remaining buttons is still required.
The ability to achieve a functional application with minimal effort is noteworthy. It was initially considered a challenging undertaking.
Therefore, consider signing up as a developer and exploring Google App Inventor. You might be surprised to discover your ability to create innovative applications. Patience and experimentation with the development tools are key.
Share your experiences developing Android apps and your thoughts on the design and block editor tools in the comments below!
Image Credit : Svet
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