In this article, you will learn about Android and its best features that have made it popular not just among millennials and the Gen Z population but also among the other generations. Further, we will discuss in detail some of the most popular Android books that will help you become familiar with Android app development.
Android is an operating system based on several open-source software, including the Linux kernel. It is specifically suitable for smartphones, tablets, and other similar gadgets. Apart from being a modern operating system, Android is the most popular mobile OS in the world today.
As such, most smartphones today make use of Android, and according to StatCounter , it has the highest market share of around 72.7%. So, let us get started by learning briefly about Android.
An Overview of the Android Operating System
Most smartphones today, such as Sony Xperia, Samsung, and Google Nexus, use Android. This open-source operating system allows developers to customize it as per the needs and demands of the clients, keeping in mind the handset. The code and programs in Android are written in Java programming language with the help of the Android Studio. These programs run via Java Virtual Machine (JVM) , which is optimized for smartphones.
Now, let us take a look at the reasons why most users prefer Android over other mobile operating systems.
Merits of Android
There are numerous features and benefits of the Android OS that have helped it gain and maintain its popularity among users.
Following are some of the key features of Android:
- Free and open-source.
- Intuitive interface.
- Cost-effective for app development.
- Huge options for connectivity.
- Room for a great deal of customization.
- Rich environment for development.
- Supports multitasking.
- Offers resizable widgets.
10 Best Android Books
In this section, we will list down the top 10 Android books that can help you learn various aspects of Android for becoming a professional Android developer.
1. Headfirst Android Development: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Author: David Griffith and Dawn Griffith
Headfirst Android Development is among the best Android development books. This book by David Griffith and Dawn Griffith allows both beginners and experienced professionals to enhance their knowledge of Android app development. Although any beginner can take up this book to learn Android development, a basic understanding of the Java programming language is a must.
As an individual having familiarity with Android, Headfirst Android Development might start out as a slow read. However, you can use it to quickly revise the various concepts that you are already familiar with. This Android development book is full of witty remarks by the author, making it more relatable and easy to learn to code.
Also, the book contains several modules that cover various concepts. Also, learning with this book does not seem like a burden due to the effective methods, graphics, and techniques followed by the author.
About the Author
David Griffith started programming at 12, and at 15, he wrote an implementation of Papert's computer language LOGO. Currently, he is an agile coach with Exoftware in the UK.
Dawn Griffith is a mathematician and was awarded a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics. Also, she has more than 15 years of experience in the IT industry.
Publisher:
Shroff/O'Reilly
Paperback Print Length:
932 pages
You can buy this book from here .
2. Android Application Development All-in-one for Dummies
Author: Barry Burd
Android Application Development All-in-one for Dummies is designed to pique your interest in Android development. It is written by Barry Burd and is one of the most useful books for beginners as it covers all the basic concepts that entry-level developers need to know. All the concepts in this Android development book are explained in such a way that it allows individuals to understand them without any difficulty.
Here, the writer aims to cover everything necessary for beginners to become successful Android developers. Also, the book does not burden you with complex modules and terms. Though this Android development book expects you to have some programming skills, it begins with the basics of Android development. Further, it discusses numerous tricks and tips for developing Android apps efficiently.
About the Author
Barry Burd is a professor of computer science and mathematics at Drew University. He delivers lectures at global conferences. Also, he leads training courses for professional programmers.
Publisher:
For Dummies
Paperback Print Length:
768 pages
You can buy this book from here .
3. Android Programming: Pushing the Limits
Author: Erik Hellman
Android Programming: Pushing the Limits by Erik Hellman is among the best Android books. However, it is not ideal for beginners. This is because the book is created for those who are familiar with Android development, have already done a few projects, and are aspiring to upskill themselves to work on more complex projects.
The content in this Android programming book is precise, clear, and to the point, which allows you to understand it easily. Apart from that, it covers all the latest trends related to Android development to prepare you as per the current market requirements. As an Android developer who wishes to improve their skills and explore new challenges, this book is a must-buy for you.
Another notable thing about this book is that it teaches you several basic as well as advanced-level topics, including unit testing, threads, and performance tuning. Also, the topics are covered in-depth so that you can get a clear idea of how to implement them.
About the Author
Erik Hellman is a senior mobile consultant at Factor10. Formerly, he worked as a lead software architect and research engineer at Sony Mobile. Moreover, he specializes in web technologies, mobile apps, cloud & enterprise services, and 3D graphics.
P
ublisher:
Wiley
Paperback Print Length:
432 pages
You can buy this book from here .
4. The Busy Coder’s Guide to Advanced Android Development
Author: Mark L Murphy
Number 4 on our list of the best Android books is The Busy Coder's Guide to Advanced Android Development. This Android app development book is an ideal choice for professionals who are already capable of developing simple Android apps. This book by Mark L Murphy is a comprehensive book to refer to while working on complex Android projects. The author also discusses the technical aspects of Android development along with its best practices.
Moreover, you can leverage this book to gain expertise in Android development and land high-paying jobs. The main goal of this book is to help readers in the development of innovative and advanced Android applications. It gives an overview of Android development and moves on to discuss topics like Android structure, various elements of Android development, and simple projects to test your knowledge.
About the Author
Mark L Murphy is the founder of CommonsWare. Additionally, he is a freelance developer. His experience ranges from offering consultations to Fortune 500 companies for open-source development to application development on a variety of platforms.
Publisher:
CommonsWare, LLC
Paperback Print Length:
443 pages
You can buy this book from here .
5. Android Programming for Beginners
Author: John Horton
It is one of the best Android books for beginners. John Horton is the author of this Android development book. As the name suggests, it is specifically designed for beginners who are keen to learn Android development and pursue a career in this field. The book talks about the fundamental concepts of Android development and programming, including the use of Java with Android API.
Also, this Android development book will help you understand the working of Java and Android as a single unit. Some of the key concepts covered in detail include the app development process and layout design. By the time you are through with this guide, you will be skilled enough to develop Android apps.
About the Author
John Horton is a gaming and coding enthusiast. He has written various apps, games, books, and blog articles on coding for beginners. Also, he is the founder of the Game Code School.
Publisher:
Packt Publishing Limited
Paperback Print Length:
698 pages
You can buy this book from here .
6. Android App Development in Android Studio
Author: Earl Triggs
Written by Earl Triggs, this is the best Android book for beginners to learn the fundamentals of Android. Although, it requires you to have prior knowledge and experience working with Java. The Android App Development in Android Studio book includes the use of Java and Android.
The beginning of this book gives an overview of the Android operating system and its basic concepts, along with the method required to set the development environment. Further, it moves on to help you learn elements in Java and Test Drive. Not only that, but you will also get the chance to develop six complex apps based on the knowledge you gained through the book.
About the Author
Earl Triggs has also written a variety of books on different programming languages, including Python, Java, PHP, JavaScript, and C#.
Publisher:
Independently published
Paperback Print Length:
202 pages
You can buy this book from here .
7. Android Application Secure Design/Secure Coding Guidebook
Author: Japan SmartphoneSecurity Association
This is yet another popular Android programming book by Japan Smartphone Security Association. It includes a variety of topics, like the development of security for smartphones, Android application security, and using several security functions. Apart from these aforementioned concepts, you will also learn about the Android secure coding literature, the steps used for the installation of sample codes in Android Studio , and the use of web views and notifications.
Further, you will get an in-depth understanding of creating password input screens, making use of HTTPS for communication, methods for handling data, and so on. You can start reading this book to move a step towards becoming a successful Android developer .
Download the PDF here .
8. Application Security for the Android Platform
Author: Jeff Six
We all know that Android is extremely popular, not just amongst millennials and youngsters but also among the older generations. However, to keep up with the market and customer requirements, it is always subject to changes and updates. Owing to this fact, the security of Android needs to be kept in check as well.
Application Security for the Android Platform allows you to understand how to develop a stable, rigid, safe, and secure application on the Android platform. Apart from that, this book offers in-depth knowledge of Android architecture , various security systems, the process of safekeeping data, and more. This book is best suited for Android experts who wish to learn about the security of Android.
About the Author
Jeff Six is a senior security engineer at a popular financial institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Formerly, he worked at the National Security Agency. Also, he was a member of the Adjunct Faculty at the University of Delaware. There he taught object-oriented programming with Java.
Publisher:
O Reilly
Paperback Print Length:
112 pages
You can buy this book from here .
9. Android Cookbook
Author: Ian F. Darwin
Android Cookbook was written by Ian F. Darwin and is among the best books for individuals who are already familiar with Java and Java Standard Edition API. In the beginning, you will learn to build basic applications, such as “Hello World.” Later, you will learn the skills to create and test standard Android applications successfully.
This Android book also covers various other topics like animation, gaming, telephone applications, multitouch gestures, Android features, and location awareness. Also, towards the end of this Android development book, you will become an expert in graphical user interfaces.
About the Author
Ian F. Darwin holds over three decades of experience in the software industry. He has written over 70 articles and courses on C and Unix. Also, he teaches C, Unix, and Java for Learning Tree International, one of the world's largest training organizations.
Publisher:
O Reilly
Paperback Print Length:
668 pages
You can buy this book from here .
10. Beginning Android Programming: Develop and Design
Author: Chris Haseman and Kevin Grant
Beginning Android Programming: Develop and Design, written by Chris Haseman and Kevin Grant, is our last pick for this list of the best Android books. This book on Android development is for those who are interested in pursuing a career in Android programming. However, to get started with this book, you should have knowledge and experience in the Java programming language .
In this book, you will read in detail about the easy and simple creation of root Android development apps via a user interface (UI). These apps can be used on tablets and phones. Along with the basic concepts of Android, the book will also help you learn how to create interfaces, develop applications, navigate at an advanced level, and more.
About the Author
Chris Haseman is a mobile engineer manager at Tumblr. Kevin Grant is an Android engineer at Tumblr.
Publisher:
Peachpit Press
Paperback Print Length:
272 pages
You can buy this book from here .
To Sum it Up
This blog aims to help you become familiar with some of the most popular Android books that will help you become a professional Android developer. There are numerous Android books available in the market, and here, we have tried to pick the best ones for beginners as well as experienced professionals aiming to get ahead in their careers.
So, you can choose one or more Android books from this list that best serve your requirements and help you get started or advance with Android development. Good Luck! If you know other best Android books, let us know via comments.
People are also reading:
Leave a Comment on this Post