Introduction to Android Application Development, Fourth Edition focuses on Android essentials,
including setting up the development environment, understanding the application
lifecycle, user interface design, developing for different types of devices, and the mobile
software process from design and development to testing and publication of commercialgrade
applications.
The book is divided into six parts. Here is an overview of the various parts:
■ Part I: An Overview of the Android Platform
Part I provides an introduction to Android, explaining how it differs from other
mobile platforms. You become familiar with the Android SDK and tools, install
the development tools, and write and run your first Android application—on the
An Overview of Changes in This Edition 3
emulator and on a handset. This section is of primary interest to developers and
testers, especially white-box testers.
■ Part II: Android Application Basics
Part II introduces the design principles necessary to write Android applications. You
learn how Android applications are structured and how to include resources, such as
strings, graphics, and user interface components, in your projects. This section is of
primary interest to developers.
■ Part III: Android User Interface Design Essentials
Part III dives deeper into how user interfaces are designed in Android. You learn
about the core user interface element in Android: the View. You also learn about the
most common user interface controls and layouts provided in the Android SDK.
This section is of primary interest to developers.
■ Part IV: Android Application Design Essentials
Part IV covers the features used by most Android applications, including storing
persistent application data using preferences and working with files, directories, and
content providers. You also learn how to design applications that will run smoothly
on many different Android devices. This section is of primary interest to developers.
■ Part V: Publishing and Distributing Android Applications
Part V covers the software development process for mobile, from start to finish, with
tips and tricks for project management, software developers, user experience designers,
and quality assurance personnel.
■ Part VI: Appendixes
Part VI includes several helpful appendixes to help you get up and running with the
most important Android tools. This section consists of an overview of the Android
development tools, two helpful quick-start guides for the Android development
tools—the emulator and DDMS—an appendix of Android IDE tips and tricks, as well
as answers to the end-of-chapter quiz questions.
