Android Applications Support Checklist

Google’s Android platform is creating a lot of buzz in the  industry, but before you dive in, there’s a lot there to become familiar with.  To help IT professionals get some perspective on how to get started and what  they’ll need to support Android development, we’ve created this Android  Applications Support Checklist. Please note: This checklist a good starting  point, but not meant to be complete guide to creating an Android program. For  that, dig into the great resources at http://code.google.com/android/.

Philosophy and background

• Find the Home Base. Check out the Android Web site (http://code.google.com/android/).
• Understand the Philosophy. Understand the platform and goals of Android by reading its  design philosophy. (http://code.google.com/android/toolbox/philosophy.html).
• Get an overview of an application. Review the Overview of an Android  Application to get a feeling for the way that Android applications work.

Tools and software

• Use  Eclipse. The fastest way to get started with Android is to use the Android plug-in  for Eclipse, since it automatically generates a complete project structure for  your application. Install and download the SDK and Eclipse plug-in (http://code.google.com/android/intro/installing.html).
• Set  up the development environment. After downloading and installing the SDK, a  good place to start is the Hello Android application (http://code.google.com/android/intro/hello-android.html).

Developing an application

• Learn the Android structure. Android applications have four possible building  blocks: Activity, Broadcast Intent Receiver, Service and Content Provider. Not  all applications have to have all four. Once you decide which ones you need,  create an XML file called AndroidManifest.xml to declare your components and  capabilities (see http://code.google.com/android/devel/bblocks-manifest.html for more info).
• Have  some Java experience. Experienced developers can use Google’s notepad  tutorial to get a hands-on walk-through of the Android framework and tools  (available here: http://code.google.com/android/intro/tutorial.html).  It helps to have Java experience.  If you  do it right, you’ll have a functioning Android application.

Kick it up a notch

• Be good to the environment. Take the time to understand the life cycle of an  Android application (http://code.google.com/android/intro/lifecycle.html).  Since you’re writing an application that needs to behave well with other  applications, it’s important to make sure you’re a good citizen and use memory  correctly and clean up any messes you make.
• Dig in deeper. Once you’ve made it through the basics, dive into the details of  individual application components, including UI, data retrieval and storage,  security, resource management and building blocks (available here: http://code.google.com/android/devel/index.html).
• Leverage all the goodies. Explore the optional components, including APIs for Wi-Fi,  location-based services, media and 3G. (http://code.google.com/android/toolbox/optional-apis.html).

Go for it!

• Congratulations! You’ve made it through the necessary steps to support an Android Application.