Neil Smyth

This book is a comprehensive guide to building Android applications using Android Studio Meerkat, Jetpack Compose, and the Kotlin programming language. It is designed to provide the knowledge and skills you need to create modern Android apps using the latest development tools and frameworks.

We begin with foundational steps, including setting up an Android Studio development environment, followed by a detailed introduction to Kotlin, the language underpinning Android development. This section covers core aspects of Kotlin, such as data types, operators, control flow, functions, lambdas, and coroutines, establishing a strong basis in object-oriented programming principles.

Next, we cover Jetpack Compose, Google’s innovative toolkit for building native user interfaces, including an in-depth look at Compose components and layout structures, including rows, columns, boxes, flows, pagers, and lists. You’ll also gain insights into Android project architecture and Android Studio’s Compose development mode.

Advanced topics are also covered, including state management, modifiers, and navigation components. You will also learn how to create reusable layout components, implement biometric authentication for enhanced security, and accelerate development with Gemini AI.

The guide also covers specialized techniques such as graphics rendering, animations, transitions, Kotlin Flows, and gesture handling. Practical data management solutions, including view models, Room database access, live data, and the Database Inspector, are explored in detail. For those interested in monetization, there is a dedicated section on implementing in-app billing.

The final chapters provide a comprehensive overview of app packaging and the Google Play App Store publication process. Throughout the book, each concept is reinforced with hands-on tutorials and downloadable source code. Additionally, over 55 online quizzes are available to test your knowledge and understanding.

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