What are the best Android app developer tools? 2022 list

It is no secret to anyone that Android is the leading mobile operating system in the world market and thanks to this, ranks first among mobile device users, since it already has more than 2,500 million customers. Even, it is a more used proposal than the same OS for computers, such as Windows.

In this sense, Android is also considered as the one that occupies the largest share of the mobile application market. Taking into account that, currently, it is known that more than a million apps for Android are already downloaded, above iOS. Reason for which, more and more developers are interested in working with Android applications and bet on them.

However, many do not master the Java language perfectly, which is one of the main ones for creating apps of this type. But luckily now there are several ideal tools for Android application developers, which allow them to be created without the need to use Java or Android Studio. Learn more about this below.

What are the most used programming languages ​​in the creation of mobile apps in Android OS?

But, before starting with the best tools that you can use to develop Android apps, it is worth taking into account what are the main programming languages ​​when creating applications in this famous mobile operating system.

So, right away we indicate the most used computer programming languages ​​for it:

Java

As we indicated before, Java is the most used programming language in Android. Therefore, it is identified as the native language of this operating system and thus, it is distinguished by being very widespread, since it is present in a large number of devices, both on the network and locally.

It is appropriate to point out that, in addition to allowing you to make applications for the Google system, learning to program in Java also offers you other possibilities such as develop desktop programs and even video games. It should be noted that Java is estimated as un fully robust languagehas a Neutral Architecture, offers Object Oriented Programming and can be used with Android Studio, Netbeans, Eclipse, etc.

javascript

It refers to a proposal other than the one mentioned above and is defined as in a web language with development platforms from which it is possible to compile, natively, with the ease provided by the well-known Java language.

Regarding its operation, it basically consists of writing the instructions in JavaScript and then, Titanium is responsible for “translating” it into the native language, by itself. Thanks to this, in addition to working on Android, it is also ideal for Windows 10 mobile and iOS.

For its part, JavaScript is characterized by containing large number of tools to create various types of mobile apps, has the ability to run on most hardware devices, since it is a multiplatform programming language. Additionally, it has support for Object Oriented Programming.

Kotlin

This is a newer or younger programming language, which was developed by Google and since then, it works perfectly with Android and Java. Considering that, it is inspired by Java, C++ and its predecessors, so it can be considered as an improved version with powerful features.

Among other details, Kotlin has much cleaner syntax and allows you to solve a problem by writing less code. Apart from this, said computer programming language is notable for be very conciseallows you to avoid errors inside the classes of your project or app, can be used in any Java IDE (especially Android Studio), it’s relatively simple and also supports Object Oriented Programming.

XML

Over time, it has been identified as “Java couple dance”, since they can work together and XML is a markup programming language based on tags. In this sense, it allows you to store information and data legibly for both computers and humans. Which is found natively in the renowned Android Studio program.

It is worth mentioning that XML is also known as a schema language. This, because with it you can develop the interfaces that you see in your hands with mobile applications, that is, it makes it easier for you creating the elements that will be displayed on the screen of the Android device (buttons, letters, etc.).

List of the best tools for mobile app developers on Android devices

Having clarified the above in informative terms, it is time to start with the list in which we detail the main and best tools that exist today for mobile app developers on Android devices.

from which, Such developers can get great results, as well as increased productivity and efficiency:

App Inventor

In the first place of the list, we place the simplest tool of all when it comes to developing applications for Android mobiles and tablets. In this way, it is ideal for beginner developers who want to start in this worldthanks to the fact that it manages to simplify the development of these apps as much as possible and performs the entire process visually.

Once you decide to use this tool, you only need a web browser and a mobile device that runs under Android, it even allows you to use an emulator to test your apps, which you can install on your computer’s operating system. It is appropriate to note that was created by MIT and after that, was bought by Google.

Advantage

• It is an extremely simple tool to handle, since does not require even the slightest programming knowledge.
• The service it is cloud based and thanks to this, everything you do will be stored automatically, so you can return to your project at any time you want.
• Its operation is based on an operation very similar to joining the pieces of a puzzle.

However, the mobile applications that you can create through this system are considered extremely limited.

Appcelerator Titanium

It is one of the tools most recognized to create mobile apps for the Android OS. Which is based on suitable software to develop such applications similar to native of mobile operating systems. In that sense, it uses the recognized JavaScript programming language and with it, it is in charge of translating the programming to the rest of the systems, automatically.

For its part, thanks to its optimal characteristics, this service It already has more than 20,000 applications developed and more than half a million active developers worldwide. Among its most interesting features, we find that it enables the processing of interconnected apps with both software and hardware, thus enabling the use of micro, GPS and camera.

Advantage

• Offers a very intuitive and easy to master interfaceso you don’t need to be a programming expert to do this.
• All mobile apps developed with this tool allow the most innovative technological advances around the world of applications. Such as: augmented reality and geolocation.
• It has great cloud services.
• It is multi platformsince it is available for Android and at the same time for Blackberry and iOS.

However, at the time of layout, the tool exhibits remarkable complexity. Because, it does not have an initial HTML where to introduce the controls.

AndroidStudio

Without a doubt, it is another of the most famous options for creating and developing apps for Android. Thus, the official integrated development environment (IDE) of this mobile operating system, which is only aimed at development of all kinds of mobile applications. Since, it adds everything that is required when creating applications truly complete and powerful.

For its part, Android Studio It is based on IntelliJ IDEA and presents the ability to natively support the recognized programming languages Java, XML and Kotlin. Which means that it allows you to develop your own apps from any of these languages.

It is worth mentioning that This program is perfect for developers looking to create applications in accordance with Google’s Material Design and with access to all the advanced features of the platform:

Advantage

• Add full featuressuch as: a code editor, an emulator, a compiler, code templates, among others.
• Provides tutorials in PDF format so that you can get the most out of the service and if you are a beginner, you can start in the best way in the world of app development.
• It has an optimal file system for organize your project.

But unfortunately, requirements are a bit high and for this reason, you will have to have a good machine so that the emulator contained therein works well.

ionic

Basically, it is a framework that is based on Apache Cordova and Angular2, which enables the development of hybrid apps for mobile devices. In other words, it supports the creation of applications based on JavaScript, HTML and CCS. In addition to this, instead of using native elements, they are rendered inside a WebView or they are developed just as if you were doing it on a website.

It is because of that, if you have good knowledge about web developmentIonic is the best tool for you, to be able to create applications aimed at Android without any complications.

said service, It is characterized by having a series of components that, when joined, meet the desired objective of the application you are creating:

Advantage

• The tool has plugins through which you can get the most out of the native elements of the mobile device. That is, to the camera, the GPS, the sensors and more, in order to integrate them into your own application.
• It makes use of the TypeScript language which has the ability to add new functionality to JavaScript and with it, it allows you to develop much more advanced applications.
• This service can be used directly from your preferred web browserwhere you will see all the changes and advances you make to your application in real time.

However, in order to optimally manage this service, you need to learn very well about it. Therefore, not a good alternative for beginners and for those who do not know programming with JavaScript, HTML or CCS.

NativeScript

Nowadays, this is one of the most used tools to program apps for Android. Which is based on an open source framework or “open sourced” that exhibits the ability to develop native mobile applications using technologies that are extremely popular among web developers, such as JavaScript, XML and CSS.

Now, detailing its most interesting features, we highlight that this excellent service uses the TypeScript languagebut unlike other frameworks, this one takes care of rendering the graphical user interface via a native rendering engine included in the same platform. Therefore, it does not make use of an added web page viewer, like other proposals.

Advantage

• Provides support for development in Angular and Vue, so that supports cross-platform app creation.
• Guarantees great performancethanks to the fact that the product is native, once compiled.
• Through this tool you can use the libraries used by the same Android and iOS developers.

But, it is worth noting that in NativeScript you cannot reuse a good part of the web code. Reason why, the mechanism to produce the views is not exactly the same, but it has a flavor more similar to how it is developed in Java for Android.

Basic 4 Android (B4A)

This is a program developed with the recognized programming language Visual BASIC, which has been characterized as one of the main rivals of the famous Android Studio. Since Basic 4 Android emerged as one of the major competencies for such software and of course it is also especially suitable for all android app developers.

For its part, Basic 4 Android has the peculiarity of provide a much more graphical and less abstract environmentin order for developers who use the tool to be able to see the progress more easily while programming.

Advantage

• It is an ideal alternative for beginners and those who are just starting out in the development of mobile apps for Android. This, especially, for its especially graphic environment.
• It generates standard Android apps that can be easily uploaded to app stores like Google Play, Samsung Apps and Amazon Appstore.
• You accept the creation of all kinds of applications; such as games, databases, connectivity, sensors and hardware.

However, it has been noted lack of support for object orientation in this software.

ReactNative

It’s based on a framework developed by Facebook itself, seeing the great boom that the mobile application market has taken, especially those directed to Android. It should be noted that, through this mechanism, the official mobile app of said social network was programmed in its entirety and also others such as Skype, Instagram and Uber.

Among its most relevant features, we refer to the fact that it is a powerful framework with the ability to create and develop native applications making use of the famous JavaScript programming language along with the ReactJS library in a very simple way. Since, this tool facilitates the development process of any type of app.

Advantage

• Since it simplifies the mobile application development process, these They may be programmed under a unique code.
• It also allows you create apps for Apple’s mobile operating systemthat is, for iOS.
• Proportional to component reusabilitythis being an excellent function for the productivity of the programmers.
• Sample compatibility with third-party plugins to maximize its capabilities and reveals lower memory usage.
• Makes it easy to correct errorsmaking their debugging and detection faster.

Unfortunately, the platform has shown a problem of immaturity. Because, there were certain issues that were trivial in native development, but have become a bigger problem in React Native.

Other alternatives

• iBuild App: Manages a system of predefined templates that allow the creation of complex mobile applications. It is targeted for Android and iOS, and is estimated as an ideal solution for beginners.
• PhoneGap: It was established to develop multiplatform applications and allows access to a large part of the elements of the smartphone. But extensive knowledge in JavaScript and HTML is required.
• LiveCode: It offers you the necessary tools to create mobile apps for Android and at the same time, these can be exported to iOS, Windows and Linux devices.
• Rhomobile Rhodes: Supports cross-platform app development. One of its great advantages is that it allows you to include the use of hardware integrated in the mobile device in the app.