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Android

Andrew Curnow
Andrew Curnow
1,954 Points
Posted by Andrew Curnow
Andrew Curnow
1,954 Points

Recommended Tracks?

I'm a newbie to programming looking to get some basic knowledge to somewhat bridge the gap between me (design/UX) and a technical co-founder so that I can build my own Android Apps, at least a very basic level.

So let's say I wanted to build something like Instagram, what Tracks should I take?

Once I get through the basics I'll obviously the Android Tracks and I'm thinking Python and Django also. Do I need PHP and MySQL for the backend?

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated

2 Answers

jacksonpranica
jacksonpranica
17,610 Points
jacksonpranica
jacksonpranica
17,610 Points

I mean, if you are looking for just programming only focused on Android and you have no experience at all, you should definitely start at "Learn Java". Regardless of whether or not you want to just dive right into Android, Java is the backbone for Android and will make it make sense when you are doing the "Beginner Android Development" track. There really are no other requirements for dealing with Android and as someone who is taking those Android tracks currently, that "Learn Java" is really the only necessary track. Just with that you can get developing basic apps within a matter of a month or two depending on your schedule. As someone not doing anything at the moment, I was tackling Treehouse's simple apps within a month.

It seems you are also looking for backend database management in SQL? SQL tracks are pretty straight forward and simple. Anyone with a knowledge of excel and access can breeze through the SQL track in no time, but I still am not sure about its connection with android as I have yet to see an example in TreeHouse's beginner android course (Still not onto Intermediate just yet).

I have no real knowledge of PHP so I can't help you there, but if you deal with the "Java Web Development" track, you get Java's web applications, web design, and SQL. And once again Java is the backbone of Android so some web interaction you learn in there might align with some Android equivalents? Not sure but always good to practice more Java.

Livia Galeazzi
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Livia Galeazzi
Java Web Development Techdegree Graduate 21,083 Points

"Learn Java" and "Beginner Android Development" are definitely the right ones for you. Regarding databases, you won't need the complete SQL track, just go on to "Intermediate Android Development" track and take the data persistence course. It'll tackle the SQL topics you need for a basic app. If you want to build a web server that your app can then interact with, that's another story, though. We're not talking "very basic level" anymore. You can indeed take the "Java Web Development" track, all the way to the end, and learn to build a backend server and develop an API that your app will then interact with. But be ready for some complex stuff, and you'll have to bridge some gaps on your own with research.