We’ve spent many years building awesome mobile apps for our clients, and through that process we’ve gained a lot of insight into both iOS and Android app development. That’s why we know how important it is to use the right technology and the right tools for each client, as each mobile product has different needs and goals. By constantly trying out new tools in our mobile app development process, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to developing Android apps.
So, because sharing is caring, we’re going to go through the technology stack we use when it comes to Android app development. If you like what we do and would like us to help you turn a product idea into an awesome app, reach out and let’s make it happen!
First thing’s first: What is a tech stack?
A technology stack is essential for any mobile app development company. A tech stack is something that needs to be discussed with the client before any project, so that both parties can agree on what tools will be used in the development process. Whether you’re developing a native app or using React Native app development, presenting your tech stack to potential clients is an important step of the development journey.
A tech stack is basically a set of technologies used by an agency or product studio to develop a mobile app. Think of it as a toolkit, if you will, which includes everything from programming languages, libraries and frameworks to devices, software, UI/UX tools, and more. The concept of a technology stack has its roots in development, but today it’s applied to various areas, including marketing and sales.
Tapptitude’s Android tech stack
The Android app development process is something we’ve become very familiar with, having spent years building mobile apps for clients in diverse industries. We’ve tried and tested pretty much all available tools and technologies out there, so we can easily figure out what tools will work best with a certain client. We’ll go over our Android tech stack so you can get a better picture of what we work with, and what kind of tech we can apply to your mobile project.
1. Programming languages
When it comes to developing an app for Android, there are two main programming languages used, namely Java and Kotlin. Our team of developers are well-versed in both of these programming languages, so we can choose the best option for your particular business goals.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a cross-platform programming language that first launched in 2011, and it’s been growing in popularity ever since. Google announced Kotlin would become its preferred programming language for Android app developers in May 2019.
Java
Java is a widely-used programming language that’s been around since 1995, and it’s the language that Android was actually built on. It’s one of the most popular programming languages among developers, as it’s relatively easy to learn, stable, and simple to use.
2. Android Toolkit
The tools we use as part of our Android app development Toolkit include Android Studio and Android SDK Tools.
Android Studio
Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for the Android operating system. It has replaced Eclipse as the primary IDE for native Android app development, and it’s available for macOS, Windows and Linux systems. When downloading Android Studio, you also get Android SDK, which gives access to all the native functions of the operating system. We like to use these tools because native app development is by far the most stable option, at least in our opinion.
Android SDK
The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) contains all the necessary tools for developers, including a debugger, an emulator, sample code, tutorials, libraries, and more. The Android SDK can be used on macOS, Linux, and Windows, and it’s been the official IDE since 2015, replacing Eclipse. The latest version of the SDK also supports older versions of the Android platform, so our developers can improve older or outdated applications with ease.
Android SDK Platform Tools
The Android SDK Platform Tools component is separately downloaded from the official Android developer website, and includes additional command-line tools that work with the platform, including adb, fastboot, or systrace. These tools are necessary for Android app development, and they are also compatible with older versions of the software.
3. Crash/product analytics
Knowing how to work with crash analytics software is crucial when developing mobile apps. Our developers use various crash analytics tools to diagnose and fix any app issues in a timely and effective manner. These tools have multiple benefits: they alert the user when a mobile app crashes, they monitor performance and identify bugs, they provide details on specific crashes, their duration and impact, and they provide reports regarding what caused a crash in the first place. Below are the crash analytics we use when developing mobile apps for Android.
- Firebase Crashlytics
- Amplitude Analytics & crash analysis (non-Google Play devices)
- Firebase Analytics
- Google Analytics
- Mixpanel Analytics
- Flurry Analytics
- Appsflyer Analytics
4. Device types
We’ve developed mobile apps that work on all kinds of devices, so we’re well versed in figuring out the best development route for your unique product. Though our clients usually need apps for commercial mobile devices like phones or tablets, our area of expertise has a much wider reach.
Among the devices we’ve worked on are:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- smart TVs
- Smartwatches
- E-scooters
- Car infotainment systems
- Kiosk devices that have explicit functionality and clear use cases
- Mobile devices with barcode scanners attached
- TV set boxes.
5. App integration tools
Our work doesn’t just end once the mobile app development process is complete. We provide services related to app integration with social media platforms, payment platforms, cloud systems, and more. Basically, we want to make sure that your Android app is fully integrated into the online ecosystem, and that it performs well across devices and user channels. Below are some of the tools we like to work with:
- Payment platforms – Stripe, PayPal, GPay, and others;
- Social platforms – Facebook, Google, Apple, and others;
- Mapping technologies – Google Maps, Mapbox, and others;
- Cloud messaging systems (push notifications) – Fabric Cloud Messaging and others;
- Real-time, socket-based data capabilities – Pusher, socket.io, and others;
- Audio & video communication – Vonage (ex Tokbox), Quickblox, and others;
- Media playback integration – Spotify and others.
These are the tools we like to use when developing awesome Android mobile apps for our clients. However, we’re not focused only on Android, so if you’re looking for iOS app development services, we’ve got your covered. Just reach out to use and tell us all about your product idea.
Erika Kramarik
Full-Stack Marketer
Erika is a full-stack marketer passionate about the intersection between technology and social impact. She mixes research with content design and a human touch to help people and startups succeed in delivering value through their work. When not writing or talking to people, you’ll find her reading or quoting Hamilton for any life situation.
