book

Introduction to Android™ Application Development: Android Essentials, Fifth Edition

Name: Introduction to Android™ Application Development: Android Essentials, Fifth Edition
ISBN: 9780134389653

by Joseph Annuzzi Jr., Lauren Darcey, Shane Conder

December 2015

Intermediate to advanced

704 pages

20h 29m

English

Addison-Wesley Professional

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About This E-Book
Title Page
Copyright Page
Praise for Introduction to Android™ Application Development, Fifth Edition
Dedication Page
Contents at a Glance
Contents
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
Who Should Read This BookKey Questions Answered in This BookHow This Book Is StructuredAn Overview of Changes in This EditionDevelopment Environments Used in This BookSupplementary Materials for This BookConventions Used in This BookWhere to Find More InformationContacting the Authors

I: Platform Overview
1. Presenting Android
The Android Open Source Project (AOSP)The Open Handset AllianceGoogle Goes Mobile FirstIntroducing the Open Handset AllianceJoining the Open Handset AllianceManufacturers: Designing Android DevicesMobile Operators: Delivering the Android ExperienceApps Drive Device Sales: Developing Android ApplicationsTaking Advantage of All Android Has to OfferAndroid: Where We Are NowAndroid Platform UniquenessAndroid: The Code NamesFree and Open SourceFamiliar and Inexpensive Development ToolsReasonable Learning Curve for DevelopersEnabling Development of Powerful ApplicationsRich, Secure Application IntegrationNo Costly Obstacles for DevelopmentA “Free Market” for ApplicationsA Growing PlatformThe Android PlatformAndroid’s Underlying ArchitectureSecurity and PermissionsExploring Android ApplicationsAndroid beyond the OHA and GMSAmazon Fire OSCyanogen OS and CyanogenModMaker Movement and Open-Source HardwareMaintaining AwarenessSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
2. Setting Up for Development
Configuring Your Development EnvironmentConfiguring Your Operating System for Device DebuggingConfiguring Your Android Hardware for DebuggingUpgrading Android StudioUpgrading the Android SDKProblems with Android StudioProblems with the Android SDKIntelliJ IDEA as an Android Studio AlternativeExploring the Android SDKUnderstanding the Android SDK License AgreementReading the Android SDK DocumentationExploring the Core Android Application FrameworkExploring the Core Android ToolsExploring the Android Sample ApplicationsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
3. Creating Your First Application
Testing Your Development EnvironmentImporting the BorderlessButtons Sample into Android StudioUsing the Preinstalled AVD for Running Your BorderlessButtons ProjectRunning the BorderlessButtons Application in the Android EmulatorBuilding Your First Android ApplicationCreating and Configuring a New Android ProjectUnderstanding the Android Symbolic View and the Traditional Project ViewCore Files and Directories of the Android ApplicationRunning Your Android Application in the EmulatorDebugging Your Android Application in the EmulatorAdding Logging Support to Your Android ApplicationDebugging Your Application on HardwareSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
II: Application Basics
4. Understanding Application Components
Mastering Important Android TerminologyThe Application ContextRetrieving the Application ContextUsing the Application ContextPerforming Application Tasks with ActivitiesThe Lifecycle of an Android ActivityOrganizing Activity Components with FragmentsManaging Activity Transitions with IntentsTransitioning between Activities with IntentsOrganizing Application Navigation with Activities, Fragments, and IntentsWorking with ServicesReceiving and Broadcasting IntentsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
5. Defining the Manifest
Configuring Android Applications Using the Android Manifest FileEditing the Android Manifest FileManaging Your Application’s IdentitySetting the Application Name and IconEnforcing Application System RequirementsEnforcing Application Platform RequirementsOther Application-Configuration Settings and FiltersRegistering Activities in the Android ManifestDesignating a Primary Entry-Point Activity for Your Application Using an Intent FilterConfiguring Other Intent FiltersRegistering Other Application ComponentsWorking with PermissionsRegistering Permissions Your Application RequiresRegistering Permissions Your Application EnforcesExploring Other Manifest File SettingsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
6. Managing Application Resources
What Are Resources?Storing Application ResourcesResource Value TypesAccessing Resources ProgrammaticallyAdding Simple Resource Values in Android StudioWorking with Different Types of ResourcesWorking with String ResourcesUsing String Resources as Format StringsWorking with Quantity StringsWorking with String ArraysWorking with Boolean ResourcesWorking with Integer ResourcesWorking with ColorsWorking with DimensionsUsing Dimension Resources ProgrammaticallyDrawable ResourcesWorking with ImagesWorking with Color State ListsWorking with AnimationWorking with MenusWorking with XML FilesWorking with Raw FilesReferences to ResourcesWorking with LayoutsDesigning Layouts in Android StudioUsing Layout Resources ProgrammaticallyReferencing System ResourcesSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
7. Exploring Building Blocks
Introducing Android Views and LayoutsThe Android ViewThe Android ControlsThe Android LayoutDisplaying Text to Users with TextViewConfiguring Layout and SizingCreating Contextual Links in TextRetrieving Data from Users with Text FieldsRetrieving Text Input Using EditText ControlsConstraining User Input with Input FiltersHelping the User with AutocompletionGiving Users Choices Using Spinner ControlsAllowing Simple User Selections with Buttons and SwitchesUsing Basic ButtonsUsing CheckBox and ToggleButton ControlsUsing RadioGroup and RadioButtonRetrieving Dates, Times, and Numbers from Users with PickersUsing Indicators to Display Progress and Activity to UsersIndicating Progress with ProgressBarAdding Progress Indicators to the ActionBarIndicating Activity with Activity Bars and Activity CirclesAdjusting Progress with Seek BarsOther Valuable User Interface ControlsDisplaying Rating Data with RatingBarShowing Time Passage with the ChronometerDisplaying the TimePlaying Video with VideoViewSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
8. Positioning with Layouts
Creating User Interfaces in AndroidCreating Layouts Using XML ResourcesCreating Layouts ProgrammaticallyOrganizing Your User InterfaceUsing ViewGroup Subclasses for Layout DesignUsing ViewGroup Subclasses as View ContainersUsing Built-in Layout ClassesUsing LinearLayoutUsing RelativeLayoutUsing FrameLayoutUsing TableLayoutUsing GridLayoutUsing Multiple Layouts on a ScreenUsing Container Control ClassesUsing Data-Driven ContainersAdding Scrolling SupportExploring Other View ContainersSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
9. Partitioning with Fragments
Understanding FragmentsUnderstanding the Fragment LifecycleManaging Fragment ModificationsWorking with Special Types of FragmentsDesigning Fragment-Based ApplicationsUsing the Android Support Library PackageAdding Fragment Support to Legacy ApplicationsUsing Fragments in New Applications Targeting Older PlatformsLinking the Android Support Package to Your ProjectAdditional Ways to Use FragmentsBehavior Fragments without a User InterfaceExploring Nested FragmentsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
III: Application Design Essentials
10. Architecting with Patterns
Architecting Your Application’s NavigationAndroid Application Navigation ScenariosLaunching Tasks and Navigating the Back StackNavigating with FragmentsRelationships between ScreensAndroid Navigation Design PatternsEncouraging ActionMenusAction BarsFloating Action ButtonActions Originating from Your Application’s ContentDialogsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
11. Appealing with Style
Styling with SupportThemes and StylesDefining the Default Application ThemesTheme and Style InheritanceColorsLayoutMerge and IncludeTextInputLayoutFloatingActionButtonToolbar as Bottom BarApplication BrandingDividers and GapsMenuThe Results AppliedTypographySummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
12. Embracing Material Design
Understanding MaterialThe Default Material ThemeThe SampleMaterial ApplicationImplementing the SampleMaterial ApplicationDependenciesMaterial Support StylesShowing the Dataset in the ListSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
13. Designing Compatible Applications
Maximizing Application CompatibilityDesigning User Interfaces for CompatibilityWorking with FragmentsLeveraging the Various Android Support Library APIsSupporting Specific Screen TypesWorking with Nine-Patch Stretchable GraphicsProviding Alternative Application ResourcesUnderstanding How Resources Are ResolvedOrganizing Alternative Resources with QualifiersProviding Resources for Different OrientationsUsing Alternative Resources ProgrammaticallyOrganizing Application Resources EfficientlyTargeting Tablets and TVsTargeting Tablet DevicesTargeting TV DevicesExtending Your Application to Watches and CarsEnsuring Compatibility with SafetyNetSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
IV: Application Development Essentials
14. Using Android Preferences
Working with Application PreferencesDetermining When Preferences Are AppropriateStoring Different Types of Preference ValuesCreating Private Preferences for Use by a Single ActivityCreating Shared Preferences for Use by Multiple ActivitiesSearching and Reading PreferencesAdding, Updating, and Deleting PreferencesReacting to Preference ChangesFinding Preferences Data on the File SystemCreating Manageable User PreferencesCreating a Preference Resource FileUsing the PreferenceActivity ClassOrganizing Preferences with HeadersAuto Backup for Android ApplicationsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
15. Accessing Files and Directories
Working with Application Data on a DevicePracticing Good File ManagementUnderstanding Android File PermissionsWorking with Files and DirectoriesExploring the Android Application DirectoriesWorking with Other Directories and Files on the Android File SystemSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
16. Saving with SQLite
SampleMaterial Upgraded with SQLiteWorking with DatabasesProviding Data AccessUpdating the SampleMaterialActivity ClassUpdating the SampleMaterialAdapter ConstructorDatabase Operations Off the Main UI ThreadCreating a Card in the DatabaseGetting All CardsAdding a New CardUpdating a CardDeleting a CardSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
17. Leveraging Content Providers
Exploring Android’s Content ProvidersUsing the MediaStore Content ProviderUsing the CallLog Content ProviderUsing the CalendarContract Content ProviderUsing the UserDictionary Content ProviderUsing the VoicemailContract Content ProviderUsing the Settings Content ProviderIntroducing the ContactsContract Content ProvidersModifying Content Provider DataAdding RecordsUpdating RecordsDeleting RecordsUsing Third-Party Content ProvidersSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
V: Application Delivery Essentials
18. Learning the Development Workflow
An Overview of the Android Development ProcessChoosing a Software MethodologyUnderstanding the Dangers of Waterfall ApproachesUnderstanding the Value of IterationGathering Application RequirementsDetermining Project RequirementsDeveloping Use Cases for Android ApplicationsIncorporating Third-Party Requirements and RecommendationsManaging a Device DatabaseAssessing Project RisksIdentifying Target DevicesAcquiring Target DevicesDetermining the Feasibility of Application RequirementsUnderstanding Quality Assurance RisksWriting Essential Project DocumentationDeveloping Test Plans for Quality Assurance PurposesProviding Documentation Required by Third PartiesProviding Documentation for Maintenance and PortingLeveraging Configuration Management SystemsChoosing a Source Control SystemImplementing an Application Version System That WorksDesigning Android ApplicationsUnderstanding Android Device LimitationsExploring Common Android Application ArchitecturesDesigning for Extensibility and MaintenanceDesigning for Application InteroperabilityDeveloping Android ApplicationsTesting Android ApplicationsControlling the Test ReleaseDeploying Android ApplicationsDetermining Target MarketsSupporting and Maintaining Android ApplicationsTrack and Address Crashes Reported by UsersTesting Firmware UpgradesMaintaining Adequate Application DocumentationManaging Live Server ChangesIdentifying Low-Risk Porting OpportunitiesApplication Feature SelectionSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
19. Planning the Experience
Thinking about ObjectivesUser ObjectivesTeam ObjectivesObjectives of Other StakeholdersTechniques for Focusing Your Product EffortsPersonasUser Story MappingEntity Discovery and OrganizationPlanning User InteractionsCommunicating Your Application’s IdentityDesigning Screen LayoutsSketchesWireframesDesign CompsReacting Properly with Visual FeedbackObserving Target Users for UsabilityMocking Up the ApplicationTesting the Release BuildSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
20. Delivering Quality Applications
Best Practices in Delivering Quality ApplicationsMeeting Android Users’ DemandsDesigning User Interfaces for Android DevicesDesigning Stable and Responsive Android ApplicationsDesigning Secure Android ApplicationsDesigning Android Applications for Maximum ProfitFollowing the Android Application Quality GuidelinesLeveraging Third-Party Quality StandardsDesigning Android Applications for Ease of Maintenance and UpgradesLeveraging Android Tools for Application DesignAvoiding Silly Mistakes in Android Application DesignBest Practices in Delivering Quality Android ApplicationsDesigning a Development Process That Works for Android DevelopmentTesting the Feasibility of Your Application Early and OftenUsing Coding Standards, Reviews, and Unit Tests to Improve Code QualityHandling Defects Occurring on a Single DeviceLeveraging Android Tools for DevelopmentAvoiding Silly Mistakes in Android Application DevelopmentSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
21. Testing Your Applications
Best Practices in Testing Mobile ApplicationsDesigning a Mobile Application Defect-Tracking SystemManaging the Testing EnvironmentMaximizing Testing CoverageLeveraging Android SDK Tools for Android Application TestingAvoiding Silly Mistakes in Android Application TestingAndroid Application Testing EssentialsUnit Testing with JUnitIntroducing the PasswordMatcher ApplicationDetermining What Our Tests Should ProveCreating a Run Configuration for Test CodeWriting the TestsRunning Your First Test Using Android StudioAnalyzing the Test ResultsAdding Additional TestsMore Android Automated Testing Programs and APIsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
22. Distributing Your Applications
Choosing the Right Distribution ModelProtecting Your Intellectual PropertyFollowing the Policies of Google PlayBilling the UserPackaging Your Application for PublicationPreparing Your Code for PackagingPacking and Signing Your ApplicationTesting the Release Version of Your Application PackageIncluding All Required ResourcesReadying Your Servers or ServicesDistributing Your ApplicationPublishing to Google PlaySigning Up for Publishing to Google PlayUploading Your Application to Google PlayUploading Application Marketing AssetsConfiguring Pricing and Distribution DetailsConfiguring Additional Application OptionsManaging Other Developer Console OptionsPublishing Your Application to Google PlayManaging Your Application on Google PlayGoogle Play Staged RolloutsPublishing to the Google Play Private ChannelTranslating Your ApplicationPublishing Using Other AlternativesSelf-Publishing Your ApplicationSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
VI: Appendixes
A. Tips and Tricks: Android Studio
Organizing Your Android Studio WorkspaceIntegrating with Source Control ServicesRepositioning Windows within Android StudioResizing the Editor WindowResizing Tool WindowsViewing Editor Windows Side by SideViewing Two Sections of the Same FileClosing Unwanted TabsKeeping Editor Windows under ControlCreating Custom Log FiltersSearching Your ProjectOrganizing Android Studio TasksWriting Code in JavaUsing AutocompleteCreating New Classes and MethodsOrganizing ImportsReformatting CodeRenaming Almost AnythingRefactoring CodeReorganizing CodeUsing Intention ActionsProviding Javadoc-Style DocumentationResolving Mysterious Build ErrorsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
B. Quick-Start: Android Emulator
Simulating Reality: The Emulator’s PurposeWorking with Android Virtual DevicesUsing the Android Virtual Device ManagerCreating an AVDCreating AVDs with Custom Hardware SettingsLaunching the Emulator with a Specific AVDMaintaining Emulator PerformanceLaunching an Emulator to Run an ApplicationLaunching an Emulator from the Android Virtual Device ManagerConfiguring the GPS Location of the EmulatorCalling between Two Emulator InstancesMessaging between Two Emulator InstancesInteracting with the Emulator through the ConsoleUsing the Console to Simulate Incoming CallsUsing the Console to Simulate SMS MessagesUsing the Console to Send GPS CoordinatesUsing the Console to Monitor Network StatusUsing the Console to Manipulate Power SettingsUsing Other Console CommandsPersonalizing the EmulatorUnderstanding Emulator LimitationsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
C. Quick-Start: Android Device Monitor
Using Device Monitor with Android Studio and as a Stand-Alone ApplicationGetting Up to Speed Using Key Features of Device MonitorWorking with Processes, Threads, and the HeapAttaching a Debugger to an Android ApplicationStopping a ProcessMonitoring Thread Activity of an Android ApplicationMonitoring Heap ActivityPrompting Garbage CollectionCreating and Using an HPROF FileUsing the Allocation TrackerViewing Network StatisticsWorking with the File ExplorerBrowsing the File System of an Emulator or DeviceCopying Files from the Emulator or DeviceCopying Files to the Emulator or DeviceDeleting Files on the Emulator or DeviceWorking with the Emulator ControlChanging Telephony StatusSimulating Incoming Voice CallsSimulating Incoming SMS MessagesSending a Location FixWorking with the System Information PaneTaking Screen Captures of the Emulator and Device ScreensWorking with Application LoggingSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
D. Mastery: Android SDK Tools
Using the Android DocumentationLeveraging the Android EmulatorViewing Application Log Data with logcatDebugging Applications with Device MonitorUsing Android Debug Bridge (ADB)Using the Layout EditorUsing the Android Hierarchy ViewerLaunching the Hierarchy ViewerWorking in Layout View ModeOptimizing Your User InterfaceWorking in Pixel Perfect ModeWorking with Nine-Patch Stretchable GraphicsWorking with Other Android ToolsSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
E. Quick-Start: Gradle Build System
Gradle Build FilesProject SettingsModule SettingsUsing Android Studio to Configure Your BuildsSyncing Your ProjectConfiguring the Android PropertiesWorking with Signing OptionsConfiguring Different Build FlavorsConfiguring Different Build TypesConfiguring Application DependenciesAdding Library DependenciesBuilding Different APK VariantsRunning Different Gradle Build TasksSummaryQuiz QuestionsExercisesReferences and More Information
F. Answers to Quiz Questions
Chapter 1: Presenting AndroidChapter 2: Setting Up for DevelopmentChapter 3: Creating Your First ApplicationChapter 4: Understanding Application ComponentsChapter 5: Defining the ManifestChapter 6: Managing Application ResourcesChapter 7: Exploring Building BlocksChapter 8: Positioning with LayoutsChapter 9: Partitioning with FragmentsChapter 10: Architecting with PatternsChapter 11: Appealing with StyleChapter 12: Embracing Material DesignChapter 13: Designing Compatible ApplicationsChapter 14: Using Android PreferencesChapter 15: Accessing Files and DirectoriesChapter 16: Saving with SQLiteChapter 17: Leveraging Content ProvidersChapter 18: Learning the Development WorkflowChapter 19: Planning the ExperienceChapter 20: Delivering Quality ApplicationsChapter 21: Testing Your ApplicationsChapter 22: Distributing Your ApplicationsAppendix A: Tips and Tricks: Android StudioAppendix B: Quick-Start: Android EmulatorAppendix C: Quick-Start: Android Device MonitorAppendix D: Mastery: Android SDK ToolsAppendix E: Quick-Start: Gradle Build System
Index
Code Snippets

Content preview from Introduction to Android™ Application Development: Android Essentials, Fifth Edition

8. Positioning with Layouts

In this chapter, we discuss how to design user interfaces for Android applications. Here, we focus on the various layout controls you can use to organize screen elements in different ways. We also cover some of the more complex View controls that we call container views. These are View controls that can contain other View controls.

Creating User Interfaces in Android

Application user interfaces can be simple or complex, involving many different screens or only a few. Layouts and user interface controls can be defined as application resources or created programmatically at runtime.

Although it’s a bit confusing, the term layout is used for two different but related purposes in Android user interface design:

In terms ...

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Introduction to Android™ Application Development: Android Essentials, Fourth Edition

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Introduction to Android™ Application Development: Android Essentials, Fifth Edition

by Joseph Annuzzi Jr., Lauren Darcey, Shane Conder