How to create programs for android. How to make an iPhone application yourself. Graphical development environments

The Android operating system is one of the most popular today mobile platforms worldwide. Almost every owner Android smartphone would like to receive unique application, which is suitable for him in a particular case, but it is not always possible to find such an application. In this article we will talk to you about how to make an Android application yourself using free methods.

Because of rapid development Android platforms, some functions of the described programs may change, so to clarify any details, write in the comments. Last edition - 01/20/2018.

Naturally, progress does not stand still and with the development of the Android OS there are more and more opportunities to create various kinds of applications that are suitable for it. And if recently, only a specialist who studied this at the institute could create it, now he can do it any owner of a phone or tablet Android in online mode.

Users can create own application to please yourself unique program. Or they can do it in order to earn some money. Today the Internet provides all the opportunities for this.

The tools described below will allow you to create your own application in several stages.

Some of the presented programs allow you not only to do, but also monetize immediately his. Also, any of the created applications can be placed in Google system Play.

Four ways to make an Android app yourself

Below you will find four “tools” that will allow you to create such an application quickly and without much knowledge. Such programs are reminiscent of construction kits that allow you to create everything you need block by block, a good analogy with assembling the familiar LEGO construction set.

All programs presented here were selected according to the following criteria:

• Convenient use. Naturally, these proposals will not be used by trained specialists, but regular users, like you and me. That is why the application should be very convenient, functional, and easy to use.
• Intuitively simple interface. Logically speaking, this point seems to follow from the previous one, which means the program should not only be convenient, but also intuitive.
• Great functionality. The wide variety of ways to create an application is a definite plus. Although all the programs presented, on average, have the same functions, with the exception of some minor details.

Below we will take a look at a selection of tools that will help you create your very first application.

App Builder - a simple tool for creating applications

This option is in a good way to create your own applications quickly. Without a doubt, the good news is that you can use it without investing a penny, which means for free. Although there are also disadvantages here, at least in the fact that it is completely English language(after the update in December 2017, Russian language was added).

Program features

• Presented huge selection templates to create an application. If you have some simple application in mind, then this program will easily help you select a template;
• After creating the application, you can monitor its statistics;
• If you create an application and it will be tested, then it can be simply and quite clearly placed in the store Google Play.

AppsGeyser - a site for creating high-quality Android applications on your own

Official website - https://www.appsgeyser.com

This tool is better than the previous one, because there are many more opportunities for creating your own application. The site allows you to create your own program in just a few minutes. This editor is the simplest of all that we have encountered. The list of applications that it will help you make is very large, starting from a regular browser and ending with your own messenger.

Benefits of AppsGeyser

• The application is written quite quickly, literally in a couple of clicks;
• It allows you to create simple games for Android, because you must admit that not every tool today can do this;
• Once the application is ready, it can be easily placed in the Google Play store;
• In addition, you can monetize your program directly through the AppsGeyser service. This useful feature, because by showing your imagination, you can also make money from it;
• Create, edit, publish an application online in personal account(so that the results are saved).

IbuildApp - a powerful engine for developing your own projects

This tool deserves a really thorough look. As we discussed above, you don't need to know a programming language to create Android apps. The development platform is so simple that creating your own application will be very simple. The process will only take a few minutes, but the result will be obvious.

The IbuildApp website has both paid plans (development individual application, With further development) and free templates, of which there are a lot.

Russian official website - https://russia.ibuildapp.com

Let's see what it can do:

• A huge archive of topics on the most different topics: these can be restaurants, cafes, sports activities, and many other topics that allow you to choose anything you want. All you need to do is select something specific, and then edit it to suit your needs;
• It also has built-in ways to promote the created application. The program not only helps you quickly create an application, but also promotes it. In other cases, this process takes a very long time;
• In addition, you can connect the application to advertising network, which means you will earn money from it.

AppsMakerstore - platform for creating simple programs

Official website - https://appsmakerstore.com

The fourth cool platform that is designed for Android creation applications. Probably one of the most important advantages is that using the AppsMakerStore website you can create programs that will be multi-platform (for example, on Android, iOS and Windows Phone)

Let's look at the advantages of the platform:

• Work with the designer takes place online;
• Possibility of free registration;
• Writing applications using ready-made layouts, while a huge selection of templates on the topic is provided to each user.

Video instructions for creating an application using APK Creator

That's all, we hope that you found what you were looking for and were satisfied with our selection. This set of tools will become something special for a novice programmer and will allow you to understand the intricacies of creating simple applications for free.

The Android operating system has become widespread - as of the end of 2015, more than 80% of mobile devices and the graphs show a steady increase. Interest in mobile applications, judging by the number of new products in the Playmarket. How to create an Android application yourself? Do you need to be a real programmer for this? We will talk about this in our article.

A professional approach to Android programming

In order to create your first Android application, you need to work hard. We will need:

• Books on programming;
• Development environment (includes many programs and plugins);
• Additional manuals on programming for Android OS;
• Knowledge in building algorithms.

Having completed the installation of the development environment, you need to start studying books and manuals. They will help you gain knowledge about operators, classes, arrays, and ways to interact with mobile device equipment. Also you need to learn to read other people's code and find the necessary knowledge and programming techniques in it. Looking at the listing itself small program, your head begins to spin - it seems that it is impossible to learn all this.

In fact, many manuals have been written for Android programming and teaching aids. Therefore, there will be no problems with learning the basics of programming - the main thing is to have the ability to do so.

Android app builders

If operators, classes and the development of algorithms scare you, and program listings plunge you into primitive horror, then we are ready to offer you another solution - creating applications in special constructors. Their number is growing by leaps and bounds, so there will be no problems finding them. Constructors allow you to write applications various levels complexity using pre-developed modules and capabilities. Based on them you can create:

• News applications;
• Catalogs of culinary recipes;
• Mobile blogs;
• Online stores;
• Applications for ordering services;
• Photo and video galleries;
• Text apps and more.

Also, many designers offer tools for basic promotion of created applications.

App2b constructor

This constructor is designed for a business audience, so it can create business projects high level difficulties. On its basis, online stores, clothing catalogs, applications for discount programs, applications with notifications, news apps, promo catalogs, video galleries and much more. Users have access to download statistics of created applications, hosting and promotion tools.

Like many other business tools, the App2b builder is paid. There is only one payment option for users and developers to choose from – 9,900 rubles for one one-time application. The payment includes access to all specified features, technical support, tools for promotion, as well as placement of applications in the Playmarket.

In fairness, it is worth noting that this designer can create applications not only for Android, but also for iPhone smartphones(with subsequent publication in the AppStore).

Appsmakerstore constructor

It's very powerful multifunctional constructor with a huge number of templates. With its help, applications are created for hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes, government services, retail chains, beauty salons, radio stations, medical institutions, sports clubs, religious institutions, as well as for various events and activities. Designer functionality.

– it’s not as difficult as it might seem. However, you still cannot do without minimal knowledge in programming and code development.

There are many services online that provide ready-made templates to write programs, but you can only create a truly profitable application using code.

Before you start developing your first application yourself, the user needs to download and install the following software products.

Installing the Java Development Kit

After installation is complete, you need to open the application and check all uninstalled packages and resources.

In the next step, you must add it to the integrated development environment Android plugin SDK. Using the Eclipse environment as an example, you can add a plugin as follows:

1. In the “Help” tab, click “Add new software”.

1. Click the “Add” button and enter the plugin name and address.

1. Click “OK” and check the box next to “Developer Tools’”.
2. Click “Next” and start installing the plugin.

After installation, the user will introduce new icons into their integrated environment.

Setting up emulators for testing

The emulator relieves programmers from the need to have all types of devices with an operating system. Android system for testing new applications.

This is what the Android SDK looks like

To add a new device, you need to click on the “New” button and create a virtual device by entering basic data and its characteristics.

• Name;

It is necessary to enter a name that would indicate as informatively as possible what it is this device.

• Target;

Here you need to select Android version, on which testing will be carried out.

Advice! Testing is often carried out on latest versions operating system, however, if the programmer decides to do this for more earlier versions, then there is a need to install SDK manager.

• SD card;

Quantity required disk space, which will be used in the device.

• Skin;

Allows you to create and modify appearance virtual device.

• Hardware;

Adds equipment that will be used during testing.

Programming is a creative and interesting process. In order to create programs you do not always need to know languages. What tool is needed to create programs? You need a programming environment. With its help, your commands are translated into understandable terms for the computer. binary code. But there are a lot of languages, and even more programming environments. We will look at a list of programs for creating programs.

PascalABC.NET is a simple free environment developments for the Pascal language. It is most often used in schools and universities for teaching. This program in Russian will allow you to create projects of any complexity. The code editor will prompt and help you, and the compiler will point out errors. Possesses high speed yu program execution.

The advantage of using Pascal is that it is object-oriented programming. OOP is much more convenient procedural programming, although more voluminous.

Unfortunately, PascalABC.NET is a bit demanding on computer resources and may freeze on older machines.

Free Pascal

Free Pascal is a cross-platform compiler, not a programming environment. With its help, you can check the program for correct spelling, as well as run it. But you won't be able to compile it in .exe. Free Pascal has high execution speed, as well as simple and clear interface.

Just like in many similar programs, the code editor in Free Pascal can help the programmer by completing the writing of commands for him.

Its disadvantage is that the compiler can only determine whether there are errors or not. It does not highlight the line where the error was made, so the user has to look for it himself.

Turbo Pascal

Almost the first tool for creating programs on a computer is Turbo Pascal. This programming environment is designed for the operating room DOS systems and to run it on Windows you need to install additional software. The Russian language is supported and has high execution and compilation speed.

Turbo Pascal has such interesting function, like tracing. In trace mode, you can watch the program work step by step and monitor data changes. This will help you find the hardest errors to find—logical errors.

Although Turbo Pascal is easy and reliable to use, it is still slightly outdated: created in 1996, Turbo Pascal is only relevant for one OS - DOS.

This visual environment programming in Pascal language. Its user-friendly, intuitive interface makes it easy to create programs with minimal language knowledge. Lazarus is almost completely compatible with the Delphi programming language.

Unlike Algorithm and HiAsm, Lazarus still requires knowledge of the language, in our case Pascal. Here you not only assemble the program piece by piece with the mouse, but also write code for each element. This allows you to better understand the processes occurring in the program.

Lazarus allows you to use a graphics module with which you can work with images and also create games.

Unfortunately, if you have questions, you will have to look for answers on the Internet, since Lazarus does not have documentation.

HiAsm

HiAsm is free constructor, which is available in Russian. You don't need to know a language to create programs - here you just assemble it piece by piece, like a designer. There are many components available here, but you can expand their range by installing add-ons.

Unlike the Algorithm, this is a graphical programming environment. Everything you create will be displayed on the screen in the form of a drawing and diagram, not code. This is quite convenient, although for some text entry I like it better.

HiAsm is quite powerful and it has high program execution speed. This is especially important when creating games that use a graphics module, which significantly slows down the work. But for HiAsm this is not a problem.

Algorithm is an environment for creating programs in Russian, one of the few. Its peculiarity is that it uses text visual programming. This means that you can create a program without knowing the language. An algorithm is a constructor that has large set components. Information about each component can be found in the program documentation.

The Algorithm also allows you to work with the graphics module, but applications using graphics will take quite a long time to run.

IN free version You can compile a project from .alg to .exe only on the developer’s website and only 3 times a day. This is one of the main disadvantages. You can purchase licensed version and compile projects directly in the program.

IntelliJ IDEA is one of the most popular cross-platform IDEs. This environment has a free, slightly limited and paid version. For most programmers, the free version is sufficient. She has powerful editor code that will fix errors and complete the code for you. If you make a mistake, the environment lets you know and offers possible options solutions. It's an intelligent development environment that predicts your actions.

One more convenient function in InteliiJ IDEA is automatic control memory. The so-called “garbage collector” constantly monitors the memory that is allocated for the program, and, in the case when the memory is no longer needed, the collector frees it.

But everything has its downsides. A slightly confusing interface is one of the problems that new programmers face. It is also obvious that such a powerful environment has quite high system requirements for correct operation.

Most often Eclipse is used to work with the language Java programming, but it also supports other languages. It is one of the main competitors of IntelliJ IDEA. The difference between Eclipse and him similar programs The fact is that you can install various add-ons to it and it can be completely customized.

Eclipse also has high compilation and execution speeds. You can run every program created in this environment on any operating system, since Java is a cross-platform language.

The difference between Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA is the interface. In Eclipse it is much simpler and clearer, which makes it more beginner-friendly.

But just like all IDEs for Java, Eclipse still has its own system requirements, so it will not work on every computer. Although these requirements are not so high.

It is impossible to say with certainty which software for creating programs is the best. You need to select a language and then try each environment for it. After all, each IDE is different and has its own characteristics. Who knows which one you'll like best.

Many people think that writing their application for smartphones using Android based, this is extremely difficult task. Many people think that only companies with dozens of developers and designers who spend months creating a product can write commercially successful programs for Android. Of course, if large applications, for example games with complex 3D graphics, on which entire teams of specialists work. But there are also many applications that are popular, are in the top on Google Play, and at the same time were created by one person. And such applications bring enough big income to your developer.
In English there is a term "indie". Single developer writing apps for Android it sounds like “indie android developer”.
Search Google for these words and you will find hundreds of blogs reporting revenue from their apps. And if others were able to write and release their own application, then you can too!
You may know that the famous game Angry Birds, which brings millions to its creators, was made by a small Finnish company that had been unsuccessfully trying to make other games for several years. And the Instagram application and service was made by a couple of Californian guys. The game Cut The Rope with millions of downloads was created by two brothers from Russia. Such examples inspire me.

Myth 1. You need to know everything perfectly Java language to write Android applications.

Of course, basic knowledge of Java necessary. If you already know any other programming language, then it will be very easy for you to start writing for Android. If your programming knowledge is practically zero, do not despair. Some parts of the application can be done by writing complex code. For this purpose, the Eclipse environment has visual editor interfaces. Using the mouse, dragging buttons, lists, pictures and other elements from the palette, you can create your own application.

Of course, you can’t do without programming at all, because in addition to creating the button itself, you will need to describe the action performed when it is pressed. But then books like this will help you quickly. In addition, if you speak English, then many ready-made pieces program code that decide your specific tasks, can be found on the Stackoverflow forum.

Myth 2. You need to have an Android smartphone

The Android SDK includes an emulator. This is a program that “represents” an Android phone or tablet. It runs on regular computer and looks like regular smartphone, only it is controlled not with a finger, but with a mouse and keyboard. In the emulator you can run your application. You can also install different sizes screen, and check how your program will work on various models smartphones. So, for developing Android applications, a phone is not a necessary thing. Your computer will be your Android smartphone.

Myth 3. You need a lot of money

The Eclipse development environment and Android SDK are free. Android programming tutorials and Java tutorials can be found online.
Making your own app may not cost you anything other than your own time and effort.
If you want to publish your application in largest store Google Play (formerly Android Market), then you will need $25. But this amount will be more than paid for by the income you receive. I will tell you how to properly present your product on the application market in upcoming posts.

Myth 4. You need to be able to draw/use Photoshop/Corel Draw

The above application can only contain standard elements controls and text, and have no graphics at all. And at the same time used by a million people. Look, for example, at the many Twitter clients or applications in which the main thing is text. All you need is to make an icon for your application.
If you are making a game, then you cannot do without good graphics. If the last time you drew in kindergarten, then it’s better to hire a freelance designer. It can be found on one of the exchanges, for example freelance.ru. Set your requirements on the website and choose a contractor from among the freelancers who responded. As a result, you will get a great design for a reasonable price.

Having dispelled some myths, I summarize my post today: Android application development is interesting and accessible.