Interested in mobile development? Learn Java!

Are you choosing a programming language and are interested in mobile development? We believe that Java is the best choice for this use case, and in this article we will tell you why.

Android or iOS?..

First, it is important to decide on the platform. Today there are only two popular mobile operating systems for which it makes sense to create applications. These are Android and iOS. The iOS mobile operating system is most often written in Objective-C and Swift. In fact, these languages ​​are needed for the software of Apple gadgets and are not used almost anywhere else. If you are an “Apple” apologist, do not recognize other technology, and dream of connecting your life with the products of this company, take a closer look at them. However, this is a rather dangerous choice, because if you change your mind, switching to a different type of development will not be easy. As for Android, they write for this platform in different programming languages, with a huge advantage in favor of Java. And Java is a universal language, so if something happens, you can easily change your field of activity and switch from mobile to other types of development. Now the Kotlin language is actively developing, in which you can write for Android; C++ is also suitable for these purposes (using the Java NDK). But still, the main language of Android remains Java. And also - there are much more Android devices in the world (about 86%) than iPhones, and this is not speculation, but official statistics from Gartner . In addition, it is quite easy for a novice programmer to post his creation in the Play Market installed on Android smartphones. For better or worse, the rules for selecting applications for the Apple App Store are much stricter. So for most potential mobile programmers, the best combination is Android + Java .

Java is the native language for Android

Now let's take a closer look at Java, the most natural language for Android. Why is that? It's simple: this operating system itself is partly written in Java, and its basis is the Linux kernel and its own version of the Java Virtual Machine, developed by Google and fully compatible with the Oracle JVM familiar to Java developers. There are a lot of ready-made tools for Android development, most of which are created by Google or with the participation of Google. Today, the vast majority of Android developers use the Android Studio IDE, which by default “understands” Java and Kotlin.

Java is the most popular language for Android and more

If you look at any site searching for Android programmers, 9 out of 10 vacancies will be about searching for a developer with knowledge of Java. Likewise, 9 out of 10 apps on Google Market are written in Java. And, as we already wrote above, if you decide to “switch over” to the enterprise development camp, you will not need to retrain, but only learn a few additional technologies. There are a huge number of vacancies for Java developers, and what’s nice is that their work is paid very well.

Approximate algorithm "Android student path" in JavaRush

1. Learn Java. Our site will help you. With us you can get all the Java knowledge that an Android developer needs.


2. Go to the Android section . Here you will find an excellent free course “Android Programming” created by Google specialists. Well, we translated it into Russian. The course is very simple, so in principle you can study it in parallel with the first levels of JavaRush.


3. The course will advise you to install Android Studio. Do it. In principle, you can develop for Android in IntelliJ IDEA, an environment with which you are already familiar if you have completed at least a few levels of JavaRush. But it will be much more convenient to use a specialized tool that has become an official standard.


4. After completing “Android Programming” and JavaRush, when you become more proficient in Java, come up with your own project. For example, a small game or time management application, and start implementing it. If something is unclear, you can always ask questions in the “Help” section on JavaRush


5. Publish your application on the Play Market.


6. Write a review of your project and publish it in the Android group on JavaRush to receive constructive criticism, tips for improvement, and simply popularize your program.


7. And then... Next is the standard path of a beginning developer. Don't be lazy, create new applications and publish them. Study technologies, look for vacancies for Android developers.

conclusions

In addition to all other advantages, Java is also good because it opens up a career as an Android developer. So, quickly start solving problems in JavaRush, and also get acquainted with tools for mobile development in the “Programming for Android” course. And, of course, feel free to ask questions in the “Help” section if something doesn’t work out. Learn to program, write as much code as possible, and you will be rewarded with your dream job.