Which Java Should You Learn for Android App Development?

When starting your journey in Android app development, choosing the right Java variant is crucial. Understanding the basics of Java is essential to get you started, but as you advance, you'll need to know specific concepts and libraries that streamline the Android development process. This article will guide you through the necessary Java components for effective Android app development, emphasizing the importance of core Java knowledge and why Kotlin might be a better choice in some scenarios.

Java for Native Android App Development

If you're new to programming or just want to get started with Android app development using Java, a basic understanding of Java is sufficient. Java, at its core, serves as the foundation for most Android development. It’s important to have a strong grasp of key OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) concepts such as classes, objects, constructors, methods, and collections. These form the backbone of any Android app you might develop using Java.

Why Kotlin Might Be a Better Choice for Android Development

While Java remains a viable option for Android app development, it's noteworthy that Kotlin has gained significant traction and is now officially supported by Google. Kotlin is often considered a more modern language with a cleaner syntax and fewer boilerplate code, making it easier to learn and use. If you're already comfortable with other programming languages and not already invested in Java, learning Kotlin could be a wise choice for Android development. However, if you plan to focus exclusively on native Android development and are already familiar with Java, you can confidently continue with Java.

Core Java Concepts for Android Development

To develop Android apps, you need to have a thorough understanding of the following core Java concepts:

Declarations and Access Control: Understanding how to declare variables and control their accessibility is crucial. ObjectOrientation: Comprehensive knowledge of OOP concepts is mandatory, including classes, objects, constructors, and methods. Assignments and Operators: Grasping the assignment operators and various types of operators will greatly enhance your coding skills. Flow Control, Exceptions, and Assertions: Learning how to manage program flow and handle exceptions is essential. Strings, I/O, Formatting, and Parsing: Working with string data and handling input/output operations is fundamental. Generics and Collections: Familiarity with generics and the Java Collections Framework will make your data handling more efficient. InnerClasses: Although not strictly necessary, knowledge of inner classes can be useful in certain scenarios. Threads: Understanding how to work with threads is important for app performance.

Recommended Books for Learning Java for Android Development

For beginners looking to focus on learning Java for Android development, two books stand out:

Learn Java for Android Development: Jeff Friesen - This book is designed specifically for those new to Java and looking to build Android apps. It covers the essential Java concepts needed for Android app development.

Programming Android: Zigurd Mednieks, Laird Dornin, G. Blake Meike, Masumi Nakamura - This comprehensive book provides in-depth guidance on Android development, including Java programming. It's ideal for those with some programming experience.

Java SE vs Cross-Platform Development

While Java SE is the primary language used for native Android app development, there are other cross-platform development environments worth considering. Tools like Ionic, PhoneGap, and Xamarin use JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, allowing you to write your code once and deploy it on multiple platforms. These platforms are particularly useful if you want to develop apps for both Android and iOS without having to learn multiple programming languages.

Note that there have been rumors about Google planning to remove Oracle’s Java from upcoming versions of Android, but for the current version, Android N still relies on Java SE, along with Collections for most app development needs. Knowing XML is also a useful skill in Android development, as it is extensively used for UI design and configuration.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Java version for your Android app development journey is crucial for your success. If you're already familiar with Java and want to continue using it, focus on mastering the core Java concepts mentioned above. However, if you're new to programming or prefer a more modern language, consider starting with Kotlin. Familiarize yourself with the essential concepts and recommended resources, and you’ll be well on your way to building impressive Android apps.