Getting Started With Android

NC State University is a member of the Google Android Developer program, allowing staff the to publish apps in the Google Play App Store for distribution on Android devices.

Developing Your App

As you begin developing your app, you should familiarize yourself with the various resources available.  Google has provided several development training guides to assist you.  Other resources you should review are the design guidelines for Android apps and the app quality guidelines.  You will want to adhere to these guidelines in order to have a successful app.

Another consideration is which versions of the Android OS to support.  Currently, the main versions in use are:

• 4.4.x (KitKat) API 19
• 5.x (Lollipop) API 21,22
• 6.0 (Marshmallow) API 23
• 7.x (Nougat) API 24,25
• 8.x (Oreo) API 26,27

Information regarding the Android platforms currently deployed is available here.
Additionally you should consider what screen sizes to support.  i.e. phones and/or tablets.  Google has created a guide for supporting multiple screens.

Testing Hardware Devices

You will want to test your app on an actual hardware device as opposed to just a simulator.  The simulator provided by Google is a great way to develop, but before you call your app “ready for the app store”, you should test it on an actual device.  You do not need to register any of your Android devices with us in order to use them for testing.  You should also test your app on multiple Android OS versions if possible.  Note that testing on Kindle devices is not supported.