Create your own Android app - how it works

The smartphone as a constant companion - why not create your own Android app? We show you different ways how you can program your own application and use it, for example, to present your company.

The project of our own Android app

Even creating a less complex app is still a lot of programming work. But thanks to the general spread and importance of apps and smartphones, a few ways have developed to get results quickly - even without you having to learn tedious programming.

Online construction kits - the quick way to create your own Android app

It is difficult to write a code yourself without prior knowledge - there is only the way of a graphical user interface that independently writes the code behind it. On the web you will find a few modular systems in which you can easily put together graphic elements for your personal app.

• Providers of these kits include AppYourself, iBuildApp or appTITAN, all of which have a similar range of functions and pricing.
• Once you have registered, you can start compiling your app immediately. This works quickly and easily with simple content such as representative offices for a company.
• Take a close look at what is on offer: Often suggested web apps are little more than a mobile website. Only native apps are real applications that can be downloaded, for example, from the Google Play Store. These have more functions, can be called up offline and, with good implementation, have a higher quality.
• Note the costs and disadvantages: the kit providers may even charge up to 500 euros for a self-made app. There may also be monthly hosting costs. However, you usually do not have your app completely: Since the source code is often not visible, you cannot pass the app on to other experts.

App Inventor - Lego bricks for Android programming

If you want to get a taste of Android development out of private interest, the former Google project is more interesting and free of charge. Similar to the online building blocks, the "App Inventor" is a so-called "WYSIWYG editor" ("What you see is what you get"), which can be used to compile an Android app with graphic modules.

• The use of the software requires the installation of Java, which you can also download here.
• Then install the "App Inventor" on your computer.
• According to the Lego Mindstorms principle, you can playfully design simple applications here and dare to use increasingly complex apps. You will also find plenty of tutorials on the homepage of the "App Inventor".

Programming yourself - The long way to your own Android app

If you have previous knowledge, you can also dare to build an app yourself. So you really get into the matter. However, patience is required here: it takes many hours to read in, watch tutorials and try out until you achieve satisfactory results.

• Android apps are basically based on Java: So the best thing to do is to familiarize yourself with this programming language. "Java is also an island" is recommended as a standard work for entry and accompaniment. Of course, this also requires the download of the "Java development environment".
• With this basic knowledge you can start the actual Android programming in the "Android SDK". There are also numerous tutorials and texts on this.

CHIP job market

In our CHIP job market you will find thousands of current jobs in the digital world. Whether as a software developer or marketing expert, at Microsoft or Amazon - we cover the entire breadth of the German tech world. And if you want to start one of these jobs as a career changer, distance learning is worthwhile. Request an information brochure about the current distance learning courses from ILS, Germany's largest distance learning school.

In the CHIP forum you can exchange ideas and experiences with experienced programmers. There experts will also answer further questions about Android apps.