Powerful free toolkit with customizable emulator for creating and testing mobile apps, but requires experience
Powerful free toolkit with customizable emulator for creating and testing mobile apps, but requires experience
Pros
- Customizable Device Emulator
- Complete Developer's Tool Kit
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve
The Android SDK software suite is designed to let users create their own apps for Google's Android mobile OS. This software is entirely free and open for those who develop software, and Google is hoping that by making this software readily available, they will inspire their customers to generate app content for the Android system that others will also want to use. This API has the potential to completely shift the utility of phone software.
Developers who might be interested in creating an app for the Android system should take advantage of the Android SDK, which stands for Software Development Kit. It allows you to play with the Android platform to see what it can do, and it contains every tool you'll need in the process of developing your own apps. When you've completed your apps, you can test them in the device emulator that comes included in the software.
Those who aren't development-minded can still have fun with the emulator since it doesn't take much skill or knowledge to install and launch. Of course, as with most complex pieces of software, the launch time isn't quick. You can even change the resolution and skin of the emulator. Once you've taken the time to look through the operating system, you'll see why everyone makes such a big deal over the software. It has Google Maps integration, which points to the fact that development might eventually discover how to create perfect apps that work for both mobile and PC systems.
Unfortunately, if you want to install any software on the emulator, it will take some advanced skill. You'll need to alter some code, which can be daunting to some users, but there are numerous online tutorials to walk you through the process. With all the online content, you could easily learn how to master the controls, but it's really only worth the effort if you plan to develop a mobile app. Those who are simply curious about the workings of the Android OS or the way apps appear on a device might not be able to enjoy the software since it seems so complex.
Android remains one of the most relevant and popular mobile platforms, and the Android SDK can help you join the growing community of entrepreneurs and general users who want to learn about app development.
This software has seen some significant updates since it was released, and the most recent update adds a number of new features and options. It expands the storage settings for WiFi phases, and the Camera function has a sleek new UI. The SensorManager function received new parameter fields, and the ItemizedOverlay function improves your ability to handle overlays.
There are several new ways to use the AudioManager function to unload and load sound effects, and the Android.net.wifi command has been given several new classes. Other existing classes have received alterations to their methods and fields.
Pros
- Customizable Device Emulator
- Complete Developer's Tool Kit
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve
Pros
- Comprehensive SDK
- Includes customizable emulator
Cons
- Not suited to beginners
Android SDK provides the resources you need to build, test and emulate Android apps.
If you want to develop, test and emulate Android apps, then the Android SDK has everything you need to get started. This is a comprehensive software development kit specifically for the Android OS. Furthermore, the SDK is available to everyone, so you don’t have to be a developer, and enthusiasts can make good use of the SDK when it comes to learning how to programm smartphones and tablets.
Perhaps the neatest aspect of the Android SDK is that it includes a full-blown emulator. This is a Windows program that emulates an Android device, and you can skin it, configure it as a smartphone or tablet, and even have it assume behaviors and characteristics applicable to certain brands and models. Capable users can also use this emulator to run Android games and apps on their PCs. Nevertheless, the average user is more likely to be better off using a third-party solution.
One area where the Android SDK really shines is in the integration of Google Maps. This can be a complex topic, and the SDK provides a robust solution. Not only does it work well and you can use it, but you can also analyze in order to learn techniques and how to integrate the services into your own apps.
The Android SDK can be a bit tricky to install and configure, and the emulator is certainly the hardest aspect of that configuration. Some features of the SDK are buried, and you may never know about them until you happen to stumble across them. The SDK does have documentation and some tutorials, but you’ll probably need a third-party reference if you’re just learning the ropes.
A potential challenge is knowing what you need. The Android SDK isn’t just a single download. It’s a collection of packages, and you have to use the SDK Download Manager to get the desired aspects. Downloading everything can take up more space and resources than is necessary, but anytime you realize you need something, getting that particular package is pretty easy and fast.
Pros
- Comprehensive SDK
- Includes customizable emulator
Cons
- Not suited to beginners
