10 Best Places to Learn Android App Development (For Beginners)

Starting with Android app development can be overwhelming for beginners. However, this blog we will introduce you to immersive and user-friendly platforms to help you become proficient in Android app development.

Whether you’re interested in creating your own Android app or pursuing a career as an Android developer, there are plenty of resources and websites available that can help you learn Android development quickly.

If you aspire to become a developer, proficiency in programming language is a must. For Android app development, you need to master two critical programming languages, namely Kotlin and Java.

Quick Overview

Short on Time? Here are some of the best places to learn Android app development online if you don’t have time to review the whole article.

💁 Free Resources For Learning

• Android Developers Training: This website is the official platform for Android development. It offers various free courses and tutorials, including the Android Basics in Kotlin course, which is perfect for beginners.
• The Android Cookbook: The Android Cookbook is a collection of recipes for solving common Android development problems.
• YouTube Courses: Many great YouTube channels offer Android development tutorials, such as The New Boston, Traversy Media, and Coding with Mosh.

💸 Paid Courses

• Udemy: Udemy offers a variety of paid Android development courses. (More information is discussed later in this article.)
• Udacity: Udacity offers various paid Android development Nanodegree programs, such as the Android Basics Nanodegree and the Android Kotlin Developer Nanodegree. (More information is discussed later in this article.)
• Coursera: Coursera offers various paid Android development specializations, such as the Android App Development Specialization and the Developing Android Apps with Kotlin Specialization. (More information is discussed later in this article.)
• Pluralsight: Pluralsight offers various paid Android development courses, such as Android Development with Kotlin and Building Android Apps with Jetpack Compose. (More information is discussed later in this article.)

🤝 Helpful Resources

• Stack Overflow: If you have a problem and can’t figure it out independently, then Stack Overflow is a great resource for getting help with Android development problems.
• Android Developers Subreddit: The Android subreddit is a great place to connect with other Android developers and learn from their experiences.
• Local meetups: There are many local meetups for Android developers worldwide. These are great ways to meet other developers and learn from their experiences and network.

1. Google Codelabs

Google Codelabs is an official website anyone can use as a base to begin their journey as an Android developer. Here, you can find the most basic knowledge, neatly designed tutorials, and hands-on coding experience. It’s a lab with different coding and app development courses.

Like how you learn to speak any language, learning a programming language is also about maximum practice and hands-on experience rather than theoretically reading books. The more you write and code, the quicker and better you know.

On Codelabs, you will find an in-depth, step-by-step guide that will guide you through building your first Android app, or you can use the site to learn how to add a new feature to any of your existing development projects.

• Official Google resources: Regular updates ensure alignment with current best practices and technologies. Courses are available for free and paid Nanodegree programs, allowing for more in-depth learning and keeping up-to-date with the evolving Android ecosystem.
• Hands-on learning: Build real mini-apps while learning, solidifying knowledge through practice. Well-structured learning paths, starting from fundamental concepts and progressing gradually. With various course formats (text, video, code labs) to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Wide range of topics: This course covers diverse aspects like Jetpack Compose, Kotlin, Firebase, Accessibility, and more. For a gentle introduction, you can Start with “Android Basics in Kotlin.”
• Multiple difficulty levels: Choose beginner-friendly labs or dive deeper into advanced topics.
• Interactive and guided: Follow step-by-step instructions with code snippets and explanations.
• Free and accessible: Learn at your own pace without any cost barrier.

2. Coursera

Founded by Standford University’s professors, Coursera works with hundreds of organizations, companies, and universities to provide people with free online courses, certifications, and even degree programs in various subjects, including health, IT, business, and personal development.

Using this platform, you can not only become a master in a subject of your choice but also gain a new skill set or polish existing ones using short courses. You can even get a promotion in your current job, as Coursera provides a verifiable digital certification.

You can find hundreds of relevant courses focused on Java language specialization for Android development. One such course is Object Oriented Programming in Java, a specialization course. There are over four courses, and you can complete them at your own pace.

• Specializations and Professional Certificates: In-depth learning from universities and industry experts. Offers structured learning paths focused on career readiness, like the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate.
• Variety of Courses: Flexible options, including individual courses or full Specializations. Caters to different skill levels, with options for beginners (Introduction to Mobile Application Development) and advanced learners (Advanced App Development in Android).
• Flexible Pace: Learn at your own speed with self-paced video lectures and graded assignments.
• Hands-on Projects: Apply your knowledge through practical projects, such as building a portfolio of Android apps.
• Industry Recognition: Earn certificates from recognized institutions like Vanderbilt University and Meta.

3. Udemy

Udemy works as a platform that connects students worldwide to the best instructors to help them reach their goals. This makes the learning platform an international marketplace for learners and teachers because if you are an expert in any field, you can prepare and launch your course on Udemy and start earning.

If you search for tutorials on Android development, you will come across several hundred courses ranging from beginner to expert level. And there are many available for free.

Also, as you already know, Android is entirely open-source, which means the operating system keeps on evolving. Hence, you must continue learning and increasing your knowledge with the latest courses and certifications. This is where Udemy helps you stay ahead of the learning curve.

• Extensive course library: Offers various Android development courses for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. (Carefully research course reviews and ratings before enrolling.)
• Flexible learning: Courses are self-paced and on-demand, allowing you to learn at your convenience.
• Affordable pricing: Courses are often discounted, making them a cost-effective option.
• Instructor variety: Learn from experienced developers with diverse teaching styles and specialties.
• Community engagement: Some courses offer discussion forums and Q&A sections for connecting with other learners.

4. edX

edX is a not-for-profit online learning website that offers courses to students globally. The team behind the site has a vision where they want learners from every part of the world to have unparalleled access to education so that everyone can find their true potential without worrying about the cost.

For those of you who are looking to become a mobile app developer, edX has a course named Build Fundamental Programming Skills, which is a foundation-level course that helps you learn the basics of Java for programming along with the knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP), data structures, and GUIs.

The course consists of three skill-building courses. It is entirely self-paced and can take about five months to complete if you give it six hours a week.

• Variety of Courses: edX offers a range of Android development courses, from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced topics like Kotlin development and Jetpack Compose.
• Flexible Learning: Courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Some even offer flexible deadlines and start dates.
• Reputable Partners: edX collaborates with top universities and tech companies, such as Google and MIT, ensuring high-quality course content and industry relevance.
• Potential Credit: Some courses offer optional credit for certificates or degrees, adding value to your learning experience.
• Financial Assistance: edX provides financial aid options to make courses more accessible.

5. Udacity

Udacity helps you learn all the latest tech and digital skills to advance your career, discover the most effective way to fast-track your skill sets, and earn the skills to help you land the job of your dreams.

On the site, you can find many courses ranging from cloud computing, business, and programming to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Similar to other platforms, Udacity also offers you self-paced learning. This way, you can earn a new skill set while continuing your current degree program or a full-time job.

What’s unique about this platform is active learning, which focuses on real-world projects that lead to quick learning and help you gain mastery-level skills. This can ultimately lead you to the way where you can land the job you want.

On Udacity, there is the Android Basics Nanodegree program, built in partnership with Google to help Android developers from beginners to intermediate levels and help them become professional Android developers.

• Nanodegree programs: Udacity offers structured learning paths with relevant projects in Nanodegree programs like Android Basics and Android Kotlin Developer.
• Project-based learning: Udacity emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world projects, allowing you to build a portfolio while acquiring practical skills.
• Industry partnerships: Udacity collaborates with tech giants like Google and Facebook, ensuring its curriculum aligns with current industry trends and demands.
• Flexible learning: Udacity offers flexible learning options with self-paced Nanodegrees and affordable monthly payment plans.
• Career support: Udacity provides career services like resume help and portfolio reviews to help you land your dream Android development job.

6. Pluralsight

Pluralsight is a learning website offering all its courses in a fully video-based learning experience. The website’s homepage has a section that features all the most popular topics and skill sets you can gain based on the current trend.

Pluralsight offers an Android mobile development course based on the Kotlin programming language. This language is more efficient than Java, as one can develop Android-based apps with fewer coding efforts.

The fundamental goal of this course is to help anyone with zero knowledge of Kotlin programming language become capable enough to build useful and interactive Android apps. This is why this course requires no prior experience with Android or Kotlin. In this course, you will learn all the fundamentals of app development.

• Courses: Offers a wide range of courses for various skill levels, from beginner to advanced, covering various aspects like Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, and app development fundamentals.
• Expert instructors: Taught by industry professionals with practical experience, ensuring knowledge is relevant and up-to-date.
• Learning paths: Structured learning paths guide you through a specific development journey, helping you stay focused and achieve your learning goals.
• Hands-on projects: Most courses include hands-on projects, allowing you to apply what you have learned and build a portfolio.
• Subscription model: Requires a monthly or annual subscription but grants access to their entire course library, not just Android development.

7. Simplilearn

Simplilearn has gained much popularity because of its short courses and certifications in various topics, which help you move forward in your career. The website offers many post-graduate programs as well, through which you can learn from industry experts and earn certificates presented by some of the world’s leading institutions and universities.

Android developers who want to get certified should opt for the Java Certification Training Course. This course can help them become masters in developing helpful mobile apps and give them a concrete foundation for the Java language.

The course offers a free-of-cost self-paced option to help you learn Java online for beginners to advanced levels, familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of the Java programming language, and gain expertise.

• Courses: Offers various Android development courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.
• Content: Covers essential topics like Kotlin, Java, Android Studio, UI/UX design, and popular frameworks.
• Hands-on: Focuses on practical learning with numerous projects and real-world scenarios. Develops application portfolios for career readiness.
• Certification: Provides recognized industry certifications like Google Professional Android Developer Certification.
• Flexibility: Offers self-paced online learning with live instructors, recorded lectures, and interactive forums.

8. Vogella

Vogalla is a go-to online place for Android enthusiasts and developers. It is also one of the top websites for tutorials on Android apps and development. The site offers tutorials for almost every Android-based development tool and language.

Suppose you are into Android development and programming and looking for a free platform. In that case, you should look at their Android tutorials section, where they have tutorials on Android development related to features like intent, services, activity, and several other aspects.

The site mainly focuses on the development of the Java programming language, so it is best to know Java before proceeding with the tutorials.

• Free Tutorials: Vogella offers a comprehensive library of tutorials on various Android development topics, from beginner to advanced levels.
• Hands-on Approach: Tutorials often involve creating small, practical projects, solidifying your understanding through application.
• Wide Range of Topics: Covers diverse areas like UI development, working with databases, location services, and more.
• Code Examples: Each tutorial is accompanied by well-explained code examples, aiding in practical implementation.
• Active Community: Vogella maintains an active forum where you can connect with other developers, ask questions, and share knowledge.

9. Kodeco (Raywenderlich)

Kodeco, previously known as Raywenderlich, was designed and launched to provide the Android development community with programming tutorials based on the recently implemented programming language Kotlin.

On the site, all the tutorials are written to enhance the overall skill set and improve knowledge of Android app development among the developers. Interestingly, the courses are refreshed with newer content to ensure the users can learn the most up-to-date information they can start implementing from today.

From the most basic and all the way to the expert level, Raywenderlich will help relax and stress-free the journey of learning a new programming language and Android development relaxed and stress-free.

The website allows you to have a real-world experience where you will implement what you have learned in the tutorial and improve yourself with practice.

• High-quality tutorials: Raywenderlich is known for its in-depth, well-written tutorials catering to beginners and experienced developers.
• Focus on Kotlin: They primarily use Kotlin for Android development, reflecting the current industry standard.
• Project-based learning: Their tutorials guide you through building real-world projects and solidifying your skills through practical application.
• Diverse topics: They cover various Android development topics, from basic UI fundamentals to advanced Jetpack Compose and architecture.
• Active community: They have a strong community forum where you can ask questions, get help, and connect with other Android developers.

10. The New Boston

The New Boston is a YouTube channel made by a developer for developers where both can meet and form an open-source community with hundreds of well-thought-out videos related to Android development. The best thing is that all the videos are based on tutorials, so everyone can watch, learn, and implement by following what’s shown in the videos.

The only prerequisite for following this channel is that you need to have at least a beginner’s level of knowledge about programming and the Java language; otherwise, you won’t be able to understand even the most straightforward steps.

As we already mentioned, the channel is designed for developers, so you will come across educational videos related to other programming languages like Ruby, Python, and Rails.

• Free and beginner-friendly: The channel offers a vast library of Android development tutorials, many catered towards beginners, free of charge.
• Wide range of topics: They cover various Android development topics, from foundational concepts like installing Android Studio to building complete apps and games.
• Step-by-step approach: Tutorials are well-structured and presented step-by-step, making them easy to follow for newcomers.
• Large and active community: The channel boasts a large and active community on platforms like YouTube and Discord, offering support and opportunities to connect with other learners.
• Mixed reviews on project depth: While praised for its accessibility, some users mention that projects might not delve as deeply into advanced concepts as other resources.

11. CodeGym

Humans can read all they want, but we are designed to learn best when we apply what we learn in real life. This is where the CodeGym Java programming course makes learning a new programming language easier, even for beginners, as it teaches you how to develop Android and code from scratch.

The instructors have designed this course with practicality in mind so that you will find more than 500 hours of practice coding at levels from beginners to advanced.

The best thing is the freedom to learn Java online on CodeGym, and that too at a self-learning pace. You can put in as many or as few hours as you want, as per your feasibility. By the end of the course, you will be able to master Java and can easily step into Android development.

• Focus on Java & Kotlin: Teaches Java (foundation) and Kotlin (current standard) for Android development.
• Project-Based Learning: Emphasizes practical skills through building real-world projects.
• Mentorship: Provides personalized guidance from experienced developers.
• Beginner-Friendly: Starts with fundamentals and gradually increases difficulty.
• Career Support: Offers career advice and portfolio-building assistance.

Visit the site

Tips on Getting Started With Android App Development

1. Start by researching the various online courses available to learn Android App Development. Find out details such as covered topics, pricing, and customer feedback.
2. Once a course has been selected, create an account and familiarize yourself with the platform.
3. Please read through the course objectives and syllabus before starting so that you understand what is expected of you.
4. Watch any available introductory videos before starting; these can help provide a good overview of the subject matter.
5. Set aside dedicated time each day to complete tasks in the course – try to make it as close to the same time each day as possible.
6. Complete all of the theory work and study materials before attempting any practical activities.
7. Once all theory lessons are complete, begin going through practical exercises.
8. It may help you create a simple Android app to familiarize yourself with its functionality and features.
9. Once the course is finished, take the time to review the material and complete any revision tasks.
10. Finally, when seeking feedback on any projects you’ve developed during the course, consider utilizing practical CSAT survey tools to gather valuable insights from users on platforms such as the App Store or through sharing with family and friends.

Next Steps For Your Career

After completing your Android development courses, you’re ready to dive into real-world projects. Here are some key tips to help you get started:

• Strengthen Your Fundamentals Knowledge:
  • Ensure you have a solid grasp of Kotlin (or Java) and Android SDK.
  • Understand Android lifecycle components (Activity, Fragment, ViewModel, LiveData). Use Coroutines & Flow for asynchronous programming.
  • Get comfortable with Jetpack Libraries (Room, WorkManager, Navigation, Data Binding). Learn Jetpack Compose for modern UI development.
  • Work with RESTful APIs using Retrofit.
  • Explore GraphQL if needed for more advanced data fetching.
  • Use Room Database for local storage.
    
• Build a Strong Portfolio: Create 2-3 fully functional apps to showcase your skills:
  • Personal Projects: Create apps that solve real problems, even small ones. Think about everyday annoyances or needs you have. These projects demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients. Implement essential features like authentication, database storage, and API integration.
  • Showcase Your Work: Host your projects on GitHub or a similar platform. This allows others to see your code and understand your development process. A personal website or online portfolio is also a great idea.
  • Focus on Quality: Don’t rush to build many apps. Instead, focus on creating a few high-quality, well-documented projects. Clean code, good UI/UX, and thorough testing are crucial. Focus on clean architecture (MVVM, Clean Architecture principles).
    
• Specialize In Specific Area:
  • Choose a Niche: Android development is broad. Consider specializing in areas that interest you, like UI/UX, data persistence, networking, game development, or specific Android frameworks.
  • Deep Dive: Once you choose a niche, delve deeper into it. Read advanced documentation, follow experts in the field, and build projects that showcase your expertise.
    
• Become Part of Open Source:
  • Learn Git & GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket for version control.
  • Contribute to Projects: Contributing to open-source projects is a fantastic way to learn from experienced developers, improve your coding skills, and build your network. Understand branching strategies and pull requests.
    
• Master the Fundamentals:
  • Solid Java/Kotlin: Ensure you have a firm grasp of Java or Kotlin (Kotlin is preferred). Understand object-oriented programming principles and design patterns.
  • Use UI testing tools like Espresso.
  • Debug efficiently using Android Profiler & Logcat.
  • Android SDK: Familiarize yourself with the Android SDK and its various components, including activities, fragments, services, and intents.
  • Data Persistence: Learn different ways to store data in Android, such as SharedPreferences, Room database, and cloud storage solutions.
  • Networking: Understand how to make network requests to APIs and handle data in JSON or XML format.
  • Testing: Learn how to write good unit tests and UI tests to ensure the quality and stability of your apps.
  • Keep code modular and follow SOLID principles.
  • Apply Material Design Guidelines for a good UI/UX.
  • Optimize performance (memory, battery, network).
    Write Unit Tests (JUnit, Mockito).
    
• Stay Up To Date:
  • Android Releases: Keep up with the latest Android releases and features. Google regularly updates the Android platform, and you must be aware of the changes.
  • Continuous Learning: The tech world evolves quickly. Make a habit of constant learning by taking online courses, reading books, and experimenting with new technologies.
    
• Prepare for Interviews:
  • Build a strong portfolio (GitHub, personal website).
  • Create a standout LinkedIn & resume highlighting key projects.
  • Apply for entry-level jobs, internships, or freelance gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal.
  • Coding Challenges: Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank, focusing on data structures and algorithms. These are often part of the interview process.
  • Android-Specific Questions: Be prepared to answer Android-specific questions about the Android lifecycle, architectural patterns (MVVM, MVP, MVI), and common Android development concepts.
  • First Job: Finding your first Android developer job might take time. Keep applying, keep building your portfolio, and keep networking.

Concluding Thoughts

And there you have it, our comprehensive roundup of the best places to begin your journey into Android app development. Each platform we’ve discussed offers a unique blend of comprehensive course materials, hands-on learning opportunities, and community support to help you confidently embark on your programming adventure.

Whether you’re drawn to the interactive challenges of Codecademy, the project-based learning approach of Udacity, or the vast resources available through Coursera, there’s a learning path tailored to suit your individual needs and aspirations. Remember, the best place to start is the one that resonates most with your learning style and goals. So pick your platform, set your sights on mastering Android app development, and embark on an exciting journey toward bringing your app ideas to life. Happy coding!

Whether it is communication, commuting, shopping, or ordering food, mobile apps are helping us become more efficient than ever before. We hope the resources reviewed here have helped you narrow your search to become an Android app developer.