In 2014, the Android Studio was made available. It completely changed how apps for smartphones are made. It was an improvement over the open-source Eclipse and simplified mobile development.
The remarkable increase in the market share of Android is a result of this. With iOS coming in second at 28%, this holds over three-quarters of the worldwide market.
Why is it a choice that’s so popular? Does development with Android Studio make developing easier?
What’s Android Studio?
It’s known as an IDE, or integrated development environment. Google made it so that developers could make apps.
However, in contrast to different IDEs, it’s made especially for Android. It has some tools and features specific to this mobile operating system.
Its overall goal is to simplify things for programmers. Using it is free. Thus, utilizing it won’t require you to spend more money.
TOOLS
It’s made up of a toolkit that assists developers with each step of the process. The Android Software Development Kit or SDK is the name of this toolkit. Among them are the following:
Build Tools
These aid developers in the process of assembling and creating their applications. This is accomplished by translating a developer’s code into machine language. It’s thereafter executable on hardware. The primary purposes are to create, debug, test, and operate applications.
ADB
Programmers can use this command-line tool to interact with a machine. It makes several tasks easier, such as installing and troubleshooting apps.
AVD Manager
An instrument that lets developers design and control virtual devices. In essence, these are emulators that let you check how a program will function on various hardware.
Layout Editor
You don’t need to know how to write code to use this drag-and-drop tool to swiftly design and change UI elements.
Studio Dolphin
It’s a tool that assists programmers with the UI design and layout of their applications. Visit https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/past-releases/as-dolphin-release-notes for further reading.
FEATURES
IntelliJ IDEA-Based
Because of its foundation in the well-known Java IDE’s IntelliJ IDEA platform. It’s a great option for programmers who are already comfortable using IntelliJ IDEA.
Gradle-Based
It makes use of the build automation system Gradle. It aids developers in the process of assembling and creating their applications. This aids programmers in setting up several builds for various mobile devices.
Profilers
These assist creators in locating and resolving performance problems with their applications. By giving them access to real-time metrics data, this is accomplished. This covers how much of the CPU, structure, memory, and other hardware components are used.
Supported PLs
Officially, the two primary languages supported are Java and Kotlin. But it also works with other languages, like C and C++.
ADVANTAGES
Faster Coding
It facilitates quicker coding. Live rendering is to blame for this. You can view the real-time modifications you apply to your code with it.
Fast Emulator
One major advantage of the freshly released emulator is that it’s said to be incredibly quick. It’s claimed that the latest version can boot up in a mere six seconds. This enables you to simulate your application across a variety of devices.
Solid Testing
When you develop a mobile application, it’s imperative. Everything required for developers to assess their apps across a variety of devices is available.
Firebase Support and Cloud Combined
It has cloud messaging that is integrated with support for Firebase. This is a huge benefit since it makes it simple for programmers to integrate push alerts.
Feature-Rich Environment
Gives developers all the resources they require to produce a mobile application of the highest caliber, such as:
- Analytics
- Indexing
- APK Analyzer
- Vector Asset Studio
- Translation Editor
Native
It’s intended exclusively for application development. This implies that it includes everything required to produce an excellent application.
Templates
You can select from a variety of project templates when you build a project. This may spare a lot of time, which makes it quite helpful. It might assist you in getting past the initial obstacle of beginning a project.
Collaborative
It facilitates teamwork. It makes it simple for programmers to exchange and access source code snippets.
Additionally, they can combine edits made by several team members. Emails and texts being sent back and forth won’t be an issue.
When to use Android Studio
Designed with a specific use in mind, it has drawn an increasing amount of third-party plugins. These offer an enormous number of useful features that are not directly accessible through the IDE. This comprises, among other things, modules to speed up build timelines and troubleshoot a project over WiFi.
Its layout editor is considerably preferable for developers who need to create content for numerous platforms. It provides a blueprint, design, and text views. Above all, it limited the layout tools available for each task or section.
A drag-and-drop design tool and an intuitive theme editor are also included. It has an extensive preview feature built in. It’s for easy-to-use translation editors and layout viewing across several devices.
Arranges every job uniquely. It makes use of modules that allow for simultaneous work without requiring workspace switching.
Benefits of Android Studio
Intelligent Code Editor: You can program faster as a result. This system can quickly locate, highlight, and recommend changes for code issues. Overall, this boosts productivity.
Rapid Emulator: For testing the program while it’s being developed. It comes with an emulator. An emulator lets you run apps on your PC.
You can use this to assess the compatibility of the hardware and software. You may click this for more information.
Code Templates: For both inexperienced and seasoned coders, it’s a great addition. These code templates come with a range of code patterns. It helps write complicated code and serves as a navigation system.
Testing Tools: Includes code framework testing tools like JUnit4 and Functional-UI. It takes the program and creates an emulator user interface test for it. It enables developers to determine the app’s ongoing functionality.
Flexible System: Offers an adaptable user interface system that allows for total customization. Programmers can add different integrations from outside sources and customize their projects. They can shape them following their inclinations.