Head First Android Development

What will you learn from this book?

If you have an idea for a killer Android app, this fully revised and updated edition will get you up and running in a jiffy. You’ll go beyond syntax and how-to manuals and learn how to think like a great Android developer. This hands-on book teaches you everything from designing user interfaces to building multi-screen apps that persist data in a database. It covers the latest features of Android Jetpack, including Jetpack Compose. It’s like having an experienced Android developer sitting right next to you! If you have some Kotlin know-how, you’re ready to get started.

Why does this book look so different?

Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, Head First Android Development uses a visually rich format to engage your mind rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multisensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.

Table of Contents

1 getting started: Diving In

2 building interactive apps: Apps That Do Something

3 layouts: Being a Layout

4 constraint layouts: Draw Up a Blueprint

5 the activity lifecycle: Being an Activity

6 fragments and navigation: Finding Your Way

7 safe args: Passing Information

8 navigation ui: Going Places

9 material views: A Material World

10 view binding: Bound Together

11 view models: Model Behavior

12 live data: Leaping into Action

13 data binding: Building Smart Layouts

14 room databases: Room with a View

15 recycler views: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

16 diffutil and data binding: Life in the Fast Lane

17 recycler view navigation: Pick a Card

18 jetpack compose: Compose Yourself

19 integrating compose with views: Perfect Harmony

About the Authors

Dawn Griffiths has over 20 years experience working in the IT industry, working as a senior developer and senior software architect. She has written various books in the Head First series, including Head First Android Development (1e and 2e) and Head First Kotlin, and developed The Agile Sketchpad animated video series with David.

David Griffiths is an Agile coach and software developer. He began programming at age 12, after being inspired by a documentary on the work of Seymour Papert. At age 15 he wrote an implementation of Papert’s computer language LOGO. David has written various books in the Head First series, including Head First Android Development (1e and 2e) and Head First Kotlin, and created The Agile Sketchpad video series with Dawn.