Android application development is a pillar of the mobile app development sector. It has flourished exponentially ever since its discovery in 2008 and presently constitutes 97% of the smartphone market share.
If you need to leverage the rapidly expanding and profitable app development sector.
In that situation, it's crucial to learn to program in one or several of the top 10 Android app development languages: Kotlin, Java, C++, C#, and Dark.
In this article, we will cover each of these languages. Why should it be your selection for Android app development languages, and what resources are there to help you begin?
Table of Contents
What is Android App Development?
Android app development involves developing apps that operate on Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
It is done using Android app development languages, such as Java or Kotlin, and development tools offered by Google, including Android Studio.
The purpose of Android app development is to create, develop, and maintain apps that offer useful, interactive, and engaging experiences for users.
The process of development generally involves several stages:
Planning and Designing
Recognizing the app's purpose, functionality, appearance, and operation.
Coding
Developing the app's source code based on Android's libraries and APIs.
Testing
Application or software testing helps in confirming that the app operates properly on different devices and screen resolutions.
Deployment
Releasing the app on markets such as the Google Play Store will enable users to download and install it.
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Why is it Important to Choose the Right Android Development Language?
For several reasons, selecting the best language for Android app development is crucial while developing apps.
Consider this: the developer's efficiency, the app's maintainability, scalability, functionality, and performance are all heavily dependent on the language you select.
Below are some suitable reasons for choosing the perfect programming language used in app development:
Performance Optimization
An app has to operate at its best potential to succeed. Your development teams can derive advantages from features that maximize performance, such as low-level memory management, by employing the perfect language.
Android app development languages gaining vast control over system resources are a perfect fit for resource-intensive apps such as gaming apps.
Flexibility to Project Requirements
The appropriate language is that which caters to your app's particular needs. For instance, certain Android development languages gain rich analytical libraries, which are consequently the optimal strategic option if your app requires data handling.
Thus, you can enhance productivity and code readability by selecting the language that is most applicable to your project's primary goal.
Developer Productivity
Ease of access to a powerful language and its ability to be utilized for development significantly influence the performance of developers.
Therefore, the top programming languages for developing Android applications should have an ample library, a concise structure, and a big support community that can assist in expediting the development process.
For instance, Python stands out since it prioritizes readability and supports quick app development cycles, which help developers achieve their objectives within a short duration.
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Top 10 Android App Development Languages
1. Java
Java was originally the official language of Android App Development (though it has been replaced by Kotlin now), and hence, it is the most employed language as well.
Most of the apps available in the Play Store are developed using Java, and it is also the language that is supported the most by Google. Along with all this, Java also has a wonderful online community in case of any issues that will most probably arise.
Despite the importance of the Java programming language in the development community, it is a complex language to use for a beginner because it has complex topics such as constructors, null pointer exceptions, concurrency, checked exceptions, etc.
Also, the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) makes it even more complex to a whole new level.
Overall, Java is a wonderful language to learn and experience the full wonder of Android app development. It is perhaps a bit tricky for freshmen who would like to begin with something less complicated and come back later.
Java also supports numerous diverse platforms so that you can write using whatever operating system you're most familiar with but still enjoy using Java.
Java learning and coding can be daunting if not done properly, but there are hundreds of resources out there to seek help with Java coding. You can master Java programming with easy-to-use learning.
Pros & Cons:
Pros of Java:
🔘Has easy-to-use syntax.
🔘Most standards for business computing.
🔘Less vulnerable to security infringement.
🔘Easy compilation and coding.
Cons of Java:
🔘You have to purchase a commercial license.
🔘Some bugs may be discovered in a virtual machine.
🔘No backup facilities are available.
2. Kotlin
Kotlin was made the official language for Android App Development by Google in 2019. Kotlin is a cross-platform app development language that can be utilized as an alternative for Android App Development with Java.
Kotlin was also proposed as an alternate "official" Java language in 2017. Kotlin interoperates with Java and runs over the Java Virtual Machine.
The only significant difference is that Kotlin eliminates the unnecessary aspects of Java, like null pointer exceptions. It also eliminates the requirement of putting a semicolon at the end of each line.
In short, Kotlin is far easier for beginners to experiment with than Java, and it can also serve as an "entry point" for Android App Development.
Pros of Kotlin:
🔘Easy to adhere to existing Java code.
🔘It can be easily maintained because it has a clear and concise codebase.
🔘Kotlin is more stable and predictable.
Cons of Kotlin:
🔘Continuously switches the compilation speed.
🔘Smaller community of developers.
🔘Fewer resources are needed to learn Kotlin.
3. C++
Several developers and companies employ C++ for custom software development services because it is one of the most common Android app development languages.
It can be compiled into machine code prior to executing on the device. It is optimized to be as efficient as possible and accommodates object-oriented and imperative programming paradigms.
It has a huge standard library and several third-party libraries, which makes it simple to create applications with high functionality.
C++ is an object-oriented language since it employs classes and objects to represent data. This makes it simple to create reusable code and program more efficiently than the equivalents written in other languages.
Pros of C++:
🔘Maybe faster than JAVA.
🔘Low-level data manipulation.
🔘Provides good portability and is platform-independent.
🔘Complete control over memory management.
Cons of C++:
🔘More difficult to integrate.
🔘Most of the features are not well designed.
🔘Security problems.
4. Lua
Lua is the fastest language and is easy to learn. If you want to enhance the app's speed, then Lua is the ideal option. You can utilize Lua for any type of application, ranging from gaming apps to web applications.
Lua is an embeddable and lightweight scripting language that facilitates the protection of real-time messages and analytics dashboards, making it simple to share files and conduct a two-touch conference call.
Pros of Lua:
🔘Fastest language and has the least runtime memory.
🔘Useful in error handling.
🔘Easy integration with C and good documentation.
Cons of Lua:
🔘Contains several code comments.
🔘Hard to learn and implement for newbies.
🔘Poor garbage collection ability.
5. Dart
Dart is a computer programming language designed to execute on the Android platform. Google developed it, and it has existed for roughly eight years now. It's an open-source language, so anyone can utilize it and modify it to meet their requirements for developing Android apps.
The Dart language has numerous advantages for your company, such as being strongly typed, focusing on functional programming (FP), and being highly expressive. The Dart Virtual Machine (VM) enables programs to run across different operating systems.
The most prominent selling point of Dart is that Google builds it as a client-optimized language for rapid apps on any platform.
Dart is primarily concerned with simplifying UI development for developers through features like hot-reload, which allows developers to observe changes in real-time while they work on the application, and aligning with the best UI design principles.
Dart also has good performance, as it compiles ARM and x64 machine code for mobile, desktop, and backend. And to JavaScript for web applications.
Pros of Dart:
🔘All the features are explained in detail.
🔘It has good performance and runs faster.
🔘Stable and employed to create real-time applications.
🔘It allows DartPad to function without the need to install.
Cons of Dart:
🔘Restricted resources are available online.
🔘Fresh and hardly employed in the marketplace.
🔘Possesses a lack of native support.
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6. Dark
Dark is an emerging Android development language designed specifically for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is making waves as a hip tool in the technology scene.
Emerging from Facebook's research activities to experiment with software performance, Dark evolves beyond its humble beginnings, being highly adaptable from its origins along with the open-source Datalog big data processing language.
Pros of Dark:
🔘Best fit for rapid prototyping and developing a game app for Android.
🔘Easy-to-use interface.
🔘Faster learning curve.
🔘Faster development process with a smoother transition from ideation to implementation.
🔘Versatile incorporation of technologies, such as HTML5, JavaScript, and C++.
🔘It can develop from simple applications to complex gaming experiences.
Cons of Dark:
🔘Less accessible as it is only compatible with Android Studio 3.0 and above.
🔘It doesn’t have the strong library support typical of mature languages.
🔘The lack of libraries for graphics or networking could be problematic for developers looking for complete functionality.
7. Python
Python is one of the most widely used open-source Android app development languages by businesses to create world-class Android applications for tablets and smartphones.
Python is famous for its flexibility and simplicity. Python can also be employed to create other programs, including server-side scripting, desktop applications, and web development. Python is favored by many companies developing mobile apps these days.
It provides a vast collection of libraries and frameworks through which you are able to incorporate any functionality of the platform into your app.
The Python app development libraries to develop Android apps ease your development process by allowing you to develop apps without worrying about the underlying operating system or framework upon which the device is running, because your Android app will be running atop the tech environment.
Pros of Python:
🔘Easy to learn, operate, and implement.
🔘Applied in analyzing and software development.
🔘Supports multi-platform and multi-system.
Cons of Python:
🔘It takes a lot of time to implement.
🔘Ineffective with contemporary mobile app development.
🔘Restricted data access.
8. JavaScript
JavaScript is the most used Android development language in the world. It makes use of JavaScript to talk to the Web as well as other applications installed on the device.
It is an easy-to-use language that can interact with other languages as well. Its frameworks are best suited for mobile application development and deployment on any Android platform.
The primary benefits of JavaScript for Android applications are that it can be utilized to discover device capabilities, enhance performance, and execute on a vast array of devices and platforms.
Rather than needing to develop two completely different applications, you can develop cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript. This is the best programming language for the future.
Pros of JavaScript:
🔘It can be utilized in numerous ways, such as Node.js.
🔘Does not require compilation for browsing.
🔘Easy to handle and maintain.
Cons of JavaScript:
🔘Susceptible enough to be used for nefarious intent.
🔘Can have some browser-related problems.
🔘Hard to anticipate the result of client-side scripts.
9. HTML & CSS
HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is a basic building block in Android application development for 2024. It's a markup language particularly created to specify the web page structure.
By the application of tags, developers get to describe different elements in a document, such as text and images.
The tags attribute properties to different elements on a page, like images, paragraphs, lists, and headings, which constitute the backbone of any given website. Developers use HTML not just to organize content but also to manage the layout and presentation of web documents.
To complement HTML, CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets exists, which have a crucial function in beautifying the visual appearance and display of web pages.
Web developers are given the power to beautify web pages and make them presentable through this simple design language.
It does this by enabling developers to decouple the content of a document from its presentation and the programming aspects, including website fonts, layouts, and colors. CSS's versatility allows developers to use a vast array of formatting and design methods to develop engaging web pages.
Pros of HTML & CSS:
🔘Safe to use on all of the platforms.
🔘Can get the whole UI to concentrate on the creative aspect.
🔘Clean and stable code.
Cons HTML & CSS:
🔘To work with an Android app development framework, one must learn its syntax.
🔘Must rely on the author of the framework.
10. XML
XML is a markup language. It makes it easy to develop Android apps because it describes data and introduces various elements. It precisely helps to set the layout buttons and images to define the font, color, and all the default texts.
It also makes sure that the encoding documents are in a set that is easily readable by machines and humans. XML is very much like HTML and helps store and transfer data.
Pros of XML:
🔘Platform-independent, so it can be used on various systems.
🔘Supports Unicode and allows the transmit any human-written information.
🔘Data stored and transferred can be changed at any moment.
🔘Allows validation with DTD and Schema for error-free syntax.
🔘Simplifies the ways to share data over different platforms.
Cons of XML:
🔘Doesn’t support an array.
🔘Syntax redundancy will cause you higher storage.
🔘File sizes are usually large.
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How to Choose the Best Language for Android App Development?
Typically, writing enough code in Python vs Java, C#, or any other Android development language is quite feasible. But then, things are just as likely to turn the other way, too!
So, listed below are the factors you must take into consideration while selecting the best language for your project:
1. Performance
The key question is whether your programming language acts the same way when you execute code on various platforms. Well, ideally, the program behavior varies on each platform, but it should not be so bad as to disillusion your target audience.
2. Language Flexibility
Does your chosen programming language make updating your existing apps and adding new features a breeze? Think carefully, and if the answer is no, it's time to think about another language.
3. Community Support
Imagine all the software development challenges your Android developers may go through while writing the code for your Android apps.
The first thing they will do is seek an active online community dedicated to the specific Android app development languages. So, choosing a language with huge community support helps speed up the development process to a significant extent.
4. Learning Curve
Any ideal language is a low-learning-curve one. So, even if you're hiring newcomers as developers, they won't find it hard to work with these languages.
5. Security
Security is a critical factor to keep in mind while selecting the best Android development language. Why? Because every application needs some special security requirements, making them mandatory to secure the future of cyber security.
6. Scalability
Consider - is it simple to scale the app using that language? Scaling an app now and then is a frequent and important practice; thus, you must select a development language that is also simple to scale.
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Android Development Trends to Look Forward To
The Android environment is constantly changing, and with new technologies appearing each year, developers need to be aware of the latest trends to stay ahead.
As we enter 2025, several major innovations will change the way Android applications are built and used. Here are some of the best Android app development trends that you should look forward to in 2025:
1. 5G Integration for Enhanced App Performance
The mass deployment of 5G networks will transform Android app development. 5G technology will enhance the IoT and will be mainstream by 2025, providing ultra-high speeds and lower latency.
Developers will be able to produce more sophisticated, data-hungry apps, like real-time augmented reality (AR) experiences, high-definition video streaming, and cloud gaming.
Developers will have to optimize apps to take full advantage of 5G's capabilities, providing quicker load times, smoother user experience, and more engaging experiences to users.
2. AI and Machine Learning Integration
AI and Machine Learning have already influenced Android apps, and in 2025, their integration will extend even more.
Developers will keep relying on AI and ML development to create more intelligent apps that learn users' needs and behavior.
AI will automate processes, enhance personalization, and make features such as voice assistants, image recognition, and predictive text possible.
Technologies such as TensorFlow Lite and ML Kit will become a must-have for Android developers who want to incorporate machine learning into their applications, enriching user experiences with smart, data-driven features.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
The future of Android application development will certainly be influenced by various types of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
By 2025, we will see AR and VR more seamlessly integrated into Android applications, providing users with immersive experiences like never before.
Apps in industries like gaming, retail, education, and healthcare will embrace AR and VR to connect users with virtual try-ons, 3D learning tools, and interactive spaces.
Google's ARCore platform will continue to evolve, simplifying the creation of engaging AR experiences for developers.
4. Focus on Privacy and Data Protection
With users becoming increasingly aware of their privacy, Android developers need to make data protection a top priority in their applications.
With the advent of more stringent regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, there is a greater focus on open data collection, encryption, and secure authentication processes.
Android apps in 2025 will have to embrace these privacy best practices, including restricting unnecessary access to data, employing biometric authentication, and giving users explicit privacy policies.
Trust will be key, and apps that do not meet security standards will have a tough time.
5. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain, which is best known for its application in cryptocurrency, is finding its place in the world of Android app development more and more. Blockchain will be more prominent in the fields of secure transactions, identity verification, and decentralized applications (dApps) by 2025.
Android developers will use blockchain technology to provide transparency, security, and immutability to apps dealing with sensitive information or financial transactions, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
6. Voice and Gesture Controls
With the increasing use of voice user interfaces (VUI), such as Google Assistant, voice control will be a standard feature in Android applications by 2025.
Applications will support voice recognition for commands, queries, and hands-free navigation. Gesture controls will also provide a new, intuitive method of interaction with Android devices.
The gesture controls, based on sensors and AI, will improve user interaction, particularly in situations where touchscreens are impractical, for example, in smart wearables or car applications.
Wrapping Up!
Android app development is now a flourishing industry globally. With so many languages to choose from, it might be challenging to decide on which language to use for your project, though.
Now, you can make your choice with the above-listed compilation of top programming languages for Android app development in terms of their popularity, availability, and what you require from this programming language.
Arramton Infotech is a top Android app development company in Delhi that provides the best mobile app solutions developed with the finest Android app development languages, tools, and technologies at an affordable cost for governments, startups, and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which Android app development languages should I learn to develop apps?
Ans: Here are some of the best Android application programming languages you may learn:
🔘JAVA
🔘Kotlin
🔘C++
🔘Python
🔘Swift
🔘SQL
Q. What are some of the best languages for developing apps?
Ans: Here are some of the best programming languages best suited for specific platforms:
🔘For iOS app development – Swift and Objective-C
🔘For Android app development – JAVA and Kotlin
🔘For Cross-platform app development – JavaScript
Q. Which languages are most commonly used to develop apps?
Ans: According to Statista, this is the list of languages that are most used for developing apps.
🔘JavaScript
🔘HTML
🔘SQL
🔘Python
🔘JAVA
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