How to Program Android Apps - Learn Android Programming from Beginner Level

Now is a good time to learn Android programming. There are some great books and free online classes. If you already know how to program in Java and can afford to spend about $30, just buy Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide. I'm about halfway through the book and it's an excellent tutorial.

If you'd rather learn for free, scroll down for online guides and resources. This article isn't about selling books, although I find learning from a good book to be the easiest and most direct way to learn. I like that I can follow it at my own pace and the example programs in the The Big Nerd Ranch Guide really teach a lot of concepts in a way that's memorable.

If you don't know Java programming already, have no fear! Below I will outline how a beginner can learn to program android apps.

Don't give up! Take your time. If one book doesn't work out for you, buy another one. There is a lot to learn, but if you are determined, you can do it! Read, write code, ask questions, and read more. I gave up programming for almost 15 years... and then one day, I decided that I really wanted to learn how to program. Set goals for yourself.

If you've done any basic programming before, you can skip to Step 2. That means, if you know about variables, loops, and if/else statements, you can skip this step.

I skipped ahead because I did some BASIC programming back in middle school, then I spent a year learning PHP recently, but if you've never programmed anything, then start here.

You need to get some basic programming concepts under your belt. Follow one of these books from start to finish and then you'll be ready for step 2. It doesn't matter what language you learn here. It's all about getting the basic concepts.

In my opinion, you can't learn Android programming without understanding Java concepts. So, don't get confused... start with Java. It's just like you can't go to medical school without first going to college. Too often people try to jump ahead in their eagerness but not understanding the basics can cause a lot of frustration.

There is only one course I've seen that teaches Android without knowing Java, and that's Coursera's online class "Creative, Serious and Playful Science of Android Apps." I followed part of this course and the professor really helped me learn how to use Eclipse. But, you don't actually write much code because you need to understand Java to write the code!

I found that I like learning from books. Spending $30 on a book gives me an extra incentive to not waste my money and to complete the book. I've also found that some books put everything together in a more linear way that saves me time.... I learn some skills without having to hunt around on the 'net.

However, there are lots of online resources to learn code, and here are a few that will help you understand the basics.

Can you believe it, only 3 steps?

No need to raise your hand, just submit your thoughts! :)