The top 10 tools for Android developers

Android SDK has a powerful set of tools to help developers design, develop, test, and deliver high-quality Android applications. In this article, the 10 most common tools that android developers should know and learn to use are discussed.

Android tool # 1: W /ADT for Eclipse

Although Eclipse is not the only Java development environment available for developing Android applications, it is by far the most popular. This is not only because it is free, but also because of the powerful Android tools integrated with Eclipse. This 1-body is the Android development Tool (ADT) plug-in for Eclipse, which can be downloaded from the Android website.

Tools for Android # 2: SDK and AVD Manager

This tool provides a number of important functions. It manages the different versions (build targets) of the Android software development toolkit, where you can develop and load third party tools, device drivers, and files. The AVD Manager function is to manage the Android virtual device configuration that you use to configure the simulator instance.

Android tool # 3: ADB

ADB is a tool to connect to emulators and devices. In addition to the key functions in the EclipseADT plug-in, you can use it on the command line to upload and download files, install and uninstall packages, or pass through shell and access many other functions on a device or emulator.

Android's tool # 4: Dalvik's debug monitoring server

The Dalvik Debug Monitor server (DDMS), which can be accessed by a standalone application or from the Eclipse perspective of the same name, provides easy functional inspection, debugging, and interaction with emulators and device instances. You can use DDMS to check running processes and threads, file system retrieval, collect heap and other memory information, attach a debugger, and even take screenshots. In the case of the simulator, you can simulate the location data of the simulator, send SMS messages, and simulate incoming phone calls.

Android's tool # 5: Android emulators and real devices

Once you have started developing an application, it is important to test it on the appropriate target device. The simulator is combined with the AVD system to simulate the target device. But full testing on real physical devices is essential, and emulators, while powerful, cannot emulate the features of individual devices. Therefore, a solid test plan must include simulators and real devices. After all, your users won't be able to run your application emulator, right?

Android's tool # 6: LogCat

LogCat is the name of the Android logging system. LogCat provides useful diagnostic information through ADB. As a developer, you can use LogCat to debug and diagnose information as easily as using printf () statements in your programs.

Android's tool # 7: Hierarchical Viewer

The hierarchical viewer is used to view the layout and screen resolution of the application at run time, whether through a standalone application or from the relatively new Eclipse perspective. It provides a graphical representation of the layout and view hierarchy of an application to diagnose layout problems.

Android tool # 8: Draw 9-Patch

This tool comes in handy when it comes to graphic design. This tool allows you to convert traditional PNG files to mobile devices for more flexible and efficient stretchable graphics. The tool simplifies image generation and display.

Android tool # 9: Monkey test tool

Monkey test tools, including Monkey exerciser and monkey runner tools, which are a pair of applications that can be used for automated testing. Monkey exerciser achieves the purpose of stress testing by randomly sending events to application events. The monkey runner tool is an ES128en-based script library that can be used to automate tests and check the results with screenshots.

Android's tool # 10: ProGuard

ProGuard is now part of a typical Android build process, providing a simple way to enhance intellectual property protection. The ProGuard tool allows you to confuse the resulting base 2 code, making it difficult for others to reverse engineer. ProGuard's tools can also be used to optimize the size of generated base 2 files to reduce the overall application size and speed delivery to users.

conclusion

Many other tools come with Android SDK, many of which are for specific development situations. However, the tools listed above will be involved in almost every project development. For more information about these and other tools available, see the Android Tools section of the Android website. In addition, tools are constantly being updated and upgraded, so be sure to keep all AVD and SDK manager up to date.

Finally, it's important to note that your best resource is the Android developer site. There are the latest SDK downloads, source files, tutorials, technical articles, and a blog with the latest news on Android, which provides key knowledge and technical support for Android developers.

What is your most useful Android development tool?