Are mobile app developers in demand? What is the income for mobile app developers? From where can I find projects on mobile application development? What skills do app developers need? What does a mobile app developer do? Is mobile app development hard?
We know you have several such questions hovering in your mind when you plan to start your career as a mobile app developer. Whether you are an engineering grad or a techie geek who wants to learn everything, starting off the ground takes a lot of time and dedication. You need not worry; we will help you with answers to all such questions. As you are here, we know you are ready to commit to learning and experimenting with the learned skills for long hours. First, start with the groundwork and strengthen your brain muscles with the theoretical aspect of app development.
Wondering where to learn mobile app development from?
Learning and learning by doing is the best approach to earning expertise in any field. In this blog, we will list the best books on mobile app development to experiment with your skills.
10 Best Books on Mobile Application Development
Listing the best books based on recommendations from our team of experienced app developers. Since smartphones are in rage and Android is winning the race for the most preferred and affordable device, you will find plenty of recommendations for books on Android app development compared to iOS app development.
1. Android App Development All-in-one for Dummies
Learn the Android programming concept with in-depth knowledge of cool features and dive into the Android software developer’s kit enhancement here. It’s a compact book that comprises knowledge of 6 books on Android app development, namely –
- Android Jumpstart
- Background material
- The Building Blocks
- Programming cool phone features
- Apps for all kinds of devices
- Publishing and Marketing your app
Take your first /step into the world of app development with this book. It covers all the basics to successfully design, develop, and launch an Android app. Further, you can enhance your knowledge with Java Programming for Android Developers Dummies and detailed seven books in the Android app development series for Dummies.
2. Programming Android
Aspiring developers with basic coding knowledge can start with Programming Android and its newer edition, emphasising Java Programming for the newer generation of mobile devices. You will learn to use Android SDK with Eclipse IDE, create captivating UI, understand database issues, use sensors/gestures, and much more.
However, beginners will need a greater understanding of Java and design elements. So, here’s another book recommendation from O’Reilly’s publisher, “Head First series”, to enrich your Java and design knowledge.
3. Head First Series – O’Reilly
A. Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Learning Java and understanding fundamentals with an interactive and fun approach is possible through this book. You will find striking visuals, problem-solving use cases and in-depth interviews to motivate you to work on mind-bending exercises. From Understanding the basics to developing logic, “Head First Java” focuses on an engaging approach to teach the latest version of Java development to freshers in the app development field.
B. Head First Design Patterns: Building Extensible and Maintainable Object-Oriented Software
Get exposure to the software design problems and industry best practices you must follow while designing a mobile app. This book will guide you on the design principles you need to build object-oriented software. The complex designing concepts are well explained with small code exercises to implement the learnings rightly. No doubt it nourishes your design thinking capability.
C. Head First Android Development
The third book in the “Head First” series out of 44 books is the ultimate read for aspiring developers. You will learn to structure an app, gain knowledge of design interfaces, and create a database. Take this book as your mobile app development lab manual; you will learn theories accompanying practice code problems that will help you understand Android’s ecosystem.
4. Android Programming for Beginners
Learn the fundamental concepts of Android programming to build several fantastic apps on your own in the future. This book will introduce you to 3 real-world apps and around 40 mini-apps to develop a more practical approach you should be taking while working on projects on mobile application development. You will learn to set up an Android dev environment, create UI, add high-quality media elements and make it live on Google Play Store.
5. Android Studio 3.0 Development Essentials
Add this book to your list of must-have books on mobile application development, especially if you plan to have a career as an Android developer.
Android Studio is the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of Android App, making it compulsory for every developer to master. In this book, you will learn how to use IDE, SDK, and Java together to make a fully functional app. From database management to utilizing smartphone features to debugging in the testing environment, you will learn about everything in detail. Moreover, you will read about material design in this book to make your UI more interactive and engaging.
6. Kotlin in Action
Learn the basics of Kotlin to minimize development hassles in building JVM applications. Get the benefit of strong tooling support and work in seamless interoperability with Java libraries and existing code. You will know how to minimize runtime overhead and launch high-performing apps within promising timelines. This book is divided into 2 parts; the first will introduce you to Kotlin, and the second will guide you to embrace Kotlin with enriching implementation.
7. Flutter for Beginners
Though Android has greater popularity than iOS, other OS users are still there. That’s where comes the need for cross-platform mobile applications. Flutter and React Native are popular languages for hybrid apps, and hence the need to learn Flutter.
If you want to learn how to add animation, add widgets, and apply new themes & different styling of design elements, Flutter for Beginners can be your go-to book. The Flutter framework is well explained in the book, even to the extent that you can learn how to start a new project with Flutter or link with remote services like Firebase.
8. Android Security Cookbook
Security is the utmost priority of businesses and hence for mobile app developers. Though the basic security measures are compulsory and policies are a must for launch on the Play Store or App Store, developers need to be ahead of rejection to ensure deliveries are made to the clients without any delays.
This book will brief you about security vulnerabilities and measures to be taken before the app goes for testing. Although published in 2013, it’s future-proof as the security insights in the book are also applicable in the evolving security-first era.
Wrapping Up:
In Asia alone, there are 760K app developers. Now, you can imagine the demand for Android app developers across the globe. Depending upon their expertise, app developers are drawing fancy salaries in the market. That’s why the time in learning the art and science of mobile app development is worth investing.
We believe abovelisted books on mobile application development will brighten your path towards a successful career as a mobile app developer.
Happy Reading!
If you already have experience in mobile app development, you are most welcome to join our tribe. WeDoWebApps LTD is a mobile app development company with more than a decade of serving businesses globally. We love to have energetic, young talent in our team.
