Make an android program

Как сделать из сайта приложение и выложить его в Google Play за несколько часов. Часть 2/2: Trusted Web Activity

В первой части мы превратили наш сайт в Progressive Web App. Там же было сказано, что совсем недавно, 6 февраля 2019 года, Google предоставили простую возможность выкладывать PWA в Google Play при помощи Trusted Web Activity. Всё, что нужно сделать, это написать небольшую обёртку под Android, которую можно будет выложить в Google Play. Когда пользователь скачает такое приложение-обёртку, оно просто будет открывать наше PWA внутри Chrome. Конечно же, интерфейс Chrome будет спрятан и всё будет выглядеть красиво.

Если вы, как и я, никогда не писали приложений под Android, то дальнейшее вам тоже должно показаться чередой магических манипуляций. Но к чему только не прибегнешь, чтобы выложить своё приложение. Поехали!

Android Studio

Для начала скачиваем впервые в жизни Android Studio. Создаём новый проект и при этом выбираем «Add No Activity».

Далее конфигурируем свой проект:

Для Package name рекомендуется формировать название следующим образом: стартовая страница skorochtec.ru/app превращается в ru.skorochtec.app.

Конфигурация приложения и зависимости

Созданный проект имеет следующую структуру:

Нам нужно будет изменить AndroidManifest.xml, styles.xml (папка res/values) и оба файла build.gradle.

Также рекомендую в папках res/drawable и res/mipmap задать иконку приложения, иначе у вашего приложения будет стандартная иконка Android.

Некогда объяснять, просто скопируйте это себе 🙂

А вот тут нужно дать некоторые пояснения:

• versionCode необходимо будет менять при каждой новой сборке, а вот versionName менять необязательно;
• defaultUrl соответствует start_url из Web App Manifest;
• в assetStatements должен быть именно базовый url («skorochtec.ru» в моём случае);
• вся магия обеспечивается подключением custom-tabs в последней строке, используйте именно эту версию, так как она на 100% проходит тестирование в Google Play.

AndroidManifest.xml

Скопируйте это, поменяв package в теге (в самом верху).

Создание подписанного приложения

Всё готово к тому, чтобы выпустить приложение. Но его ещё нужно подписать. Для этого находим в панели инструментов build -> Generate Signed Boundle / APK… Выбираем APK:

Жмём Create new…

Создаём новое хранилище ключей и сам ключ в нём:

И наконец собираем и подписываем приложение:

Ура! Наш APK готов к выпуску!

Google Play Console

Чтобы выложить приложение, у вас должен быть аккаунт разработчика, который стоит $25. После покупки у вас появится доступ в Google Play Console. В ней несложно разобраться, но уточню один момент. На этапе загрузки вашего APK в консоль разработчика, вы увидите следующее:

Google как бы намекает, что мы криворукие и скорее всего потеряем свой ключ подписи, а значит не сможем потом обновлять приложение. А потому нам предлагают, чтобы мы подписывали наш APK, а вот конечное приложение уже подписывалось самим Google-ом. Рекомендую принять это условие.

Digital Asset Link

Не заметили ничего подозрительного в предыдущих действиях? Для создания приложения мы по сути использовали только адрес нашего сайта… Тогда что нам мешает прямо сейчас выпустить приложение, например, Twitter?

А мешает Digital Asset Link, который мы должны разместить на своём сайте, чтобы доказать, что у приложения и сайта один владелец (на основании ключа подписи приложения).

Делается это очень легко: находите в Google Play Console, Управление релизом -> Подписи приложений. Там будет сертификат для подписи приложений, сгенерированный Google (если вы последовали моей рекомендации и приняли условие). Вам нужно скопировать Цифровой отпечаток сертификата SHA-256.

И вставить его в digital asset links tool. А сгенерированное им положить в файл assetlinks.json, который должен быть доступен на сервере вашего сайта по пути .well-known/assetlinks.json.

Готово

Вот и всё! Выпускаем наше приложение, ждём несколько часов, пока Google его одобрит и, в конце концов, наслаждаемся его присутствием в Google Play Market!

Кстати, красивые картиночки экранов можно сделать в https://apptoolkit.io/.

Заключение

Что ж, мы прошли полный путь от сайта до приложения, он был не очень лёгким, но и не очень сложным. Технологии PWA и TWA ещё очень молодые и имеют ряд недостатков. Например, выпущенное таким образом приложение не откроется у пользователя, если Google Chrome версии 72+ не является браузером по умолчанию на его смартфоне. Так что готовьтесь пожертвовать частью пользователей ради скорости выпуска.

В App Store выложить приложение таким образом пока нельзя. Ну и в целом Apple отстаёт в плане поддержки этих технологий (надеемся, что не намеренно). Но область Progressive Web App быстро развивается и улучшается, поэтому можно надеяться, что в скором времени все мобильные браузеры станут её поддерживать, а существующие недочёты будут исправлены.

Как бы то ни было, я верю, что будущее за Progressive Web App и призываю вас становиться ранними последователями этой технологии. Благо инструкция для этого у вас теперь есть.

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How to Create an Android App in 3 Easy Steps?

Last Updated on October 4th, 2021

Follow these steps to make your own Android App:

Enter business name

Choose the category and color scheme.

Add the features you want

Build your own Android app without any coding.

Publish your Android app

Go live on Google Play Store and reach out to more customers.

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Create your own Android app within minutes with Appy Pie’s Android App Maker

Appy Pie gives you the tools you need to build amazing Android Apps without coding. The builder has been carefully optimized to ensure that all the apps you create work seamlessly with Android. Appy Pie’s Android app maker is:

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• Play-store compliant

Gain access to the largest app market in the world with Appy Pie Android App Maker

Android is used by more than 50% of all smartphone users. Android is likely to increase its market share in the near future. With Appy Pie, you can create Android apps by simply dragging and dropping the features you need into your app. Create your apps and be a part of the smartphone ecosystem today!

• Appeal to your target market and customers
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Drag n Drop Android app creator for the masses

Appy Pie aims to democratize Android app development by providing everybody the ability to create their own mobile apps. With our Android app maker, anyone irrespective of their coding experience can create their own Android mobile apps.

• Drag and drop interface
• Meant for everyone
• No coding skills needed

The Best Appy Pie App Maker Features for Your Android App

Photo/Video

With photo and video features in your app, you can easily showcase your products and services, and attract your target audience.

Social Network

The social network feature makes it easy for you to connect with users through your own social network. Just like Facebook, it allows users to post updates, comments, and like posts.

Push Notifications

Push notifications is the most powerful feature that proves to be beneficial in instantly updating users about the latest news, promotions, and offers, etc.

In-App purchases

Create subscription based models and more with in-app purchases within your Android app. Lock features and functionalities behind paywalls with ease. You can even create completely paid apps with this feature.

Shopping Cart

The shopping cart feature is essential for apps that sell products. Allow your app users to add items to their shopping carts to make purchasing products off of your app easy.

App Analytics

Undoubtedly one of the best features, app analytics helps you analyze your app performance and keep track of user behavior, further benefitting you in delivering an amazing user experience.

Website

Using our website feature, you can easily bring your business website to app and provide an amazing user experience.

Directory

Appy Pie’s directory feature allows users to add their own listings and create the next generation of store finder, restaurant locator and city guide apps.

Contact

One of the top Appy Pie’s Android app builder features, contact lets you to share important contact details with your users, thus providing an easy way to connect with you in times of need.

Radio & Audio

The radio & audio feature allows you to add sound to your app. This feature is great for podcasts, radio, and music apps. It can also be used for apps that provide online education, training courses, or for personalized messaging and chatting apps.

Why You Should Build Android Mobile Apps?

If you are clear about what you need and are planning to build and launch your own applications, going the Android way will certainly turn your fortune around. Not only are Android users high, compared to Apple, it is also quite cost-effective than iOS, when it comes to publishing app on app stores. Here are some top reasons why you should build Android mobile app:

Open Source

Being an open source platform, Android has comparatively low entry barriers, thus allowing you to develop apps easily at lower prices.

Multi-Network Distribution

Apart from Google Play Store, Android apps can also be distributed through third-party app stores, helping you create a great impact and reach out to a wider audience.

Easy App Approval Process

Publishing a mobile app on Google Play is a simple undertaking. With flexible submission policies, and quick approval process, you can make your Android app available to the world with great ease.

Multi-Device Functionality

Android apps work well on a range of devices including smart TVs, tablets, portable media players, cameras, car systems, smartwatches and much more.

Customizable User Interface

User interface plays a major role in the success of an app, and when it comes to Android apps, their highly customizable user interface makes it easy for app owners to manage them and deliver enhanced user experience.

Low Barriers to Entry

Android has a low barrier to entry, which makes it simple for you to leverage any computer device and build amazing apps. However, you need to pay a one-time $25 registration fee for a Google Play Developer Console account to distribute your Android app globally.

Market Share

As of November 2020, the global share for Android is 71.18%. When you build an Android app this is the sharpest edge you get. The more audience you have at your disposal, greater would be the chances of your app being a success.

Portability

As Android apps are developed using Java, these apps can be easily ported to almost every other mobile operating system. Even better you can port an Android app to even the Chrome OS! This portability makes Android app development quite lucrative.

Secure platform

The platform is Linux based, which assures you about the security and crash-free operation of your app. In the entire existence of the platform, there is not even a single instance of a crash or information leak.

What are the Benefits of Android Apps?

A dedicated Android app can benefit in numerous ways as follows:

For Businesses

• Increased productivity

Help employees be more productive by providing them with the information they need at their fingertips.

Improved customer service

Gives customers access to important company information and allows them to contact you directly from within the Android app itself.

Enhanced revenues

Leads to increased sales or leads for your business, which is always good news!

Increased brand awareness

Easier to promote and market the company as well as reach out to customers and potential clients.

Efficient data collection

Collects data more efficiently by allowing employees access information at all times without having to go back and forth between different programs.

For Personal Use

• Easy to download and install

Easily download and install Android apps on your smartphone or tablet by visiting Google Play Store.

Customizable

Customize your phone with Android apps like changing themes, wallpapers etc., according to your choice or taste.

Free support

Google Play Store provides free support for all Android apps, including installation of updates, if any.

Security

Android apps are safe and secure to use as they have been tested by the developers before being uploaded to the store.

No need to root your phone

You don’t have to root your phone or tablet device in order to install android apps on it.

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Top Frequently Asked Questions

How can I create an Android application?

Creating Android apps with Appy Pie Android app builder is as easy as pie. No coding skills required. Follow steps below to create your own Android app in a few minutes:

• Go to Appy Pie App Builder and click on “Create your app”
• Enter your business name and click on Next
• Choose the category that best fits your business
• Pick a color scheme you like
• Select the device to test your app on
• Customize your app design the way you want and click on Save and Continue
• Take a deep breath, your app is getting ready. Once built, scan the QR code or send the app installation link to your device via email or SMS, and test the demo app
• Go to My Apps section by opening the Welcome drop down menu present in top navigation
• Click on Edit option to edit your app.
• You will see the Basic plan. You can either go with Try Now or Buy Now option. The ‘Try now’ option comes with a 7-Day Trial so that you are fully satisfied with the app before you make the purchase.
  Please note whichever option you choose, you need to provide credit card details. We use credit card details to check the authenticity of the users.
• On the creator software, you can add your desired features
• Once you are done, click on Save and Continue to finish creating your app

How to create an android app without coding?

Here are the steps to help you create an android app without coding:

• Go to Appy Pie Android App Builder and click on “Create your app”
• Enter business name, then choose category and color scheme
• Select the device to test your app on
• Customize the app design and click on Save and Continue
• Go to My Apps section and click on Edit option to edit the app as per your needs
• Drag and drop your desired features and create your own Android app in just a few minutes

What programming language is used for Android Apps?

The official programming language used for Android Apps is Java. Some other popular programming languages are Kotlin, C/C++, C#, Phongap, etc.

How much does it cost to make an android app?

You can make an Android app under free trial plan using Appy Pie’s Android app builder. However, if you want to publish it on Google Play Store, you need to upgrade your app to one of our paid plans. Starting from just $18 per month, we have different SMB and enterprise plans, which you can check on Appy Pie Pricing.

How to Download Android APK File and Install your Android App?

Follow the steps below to easily download Android APK file and install your android app on your Android device:

1. Login to your Appy Pie account
2. Go to My Apps area and click on Test app on device
3. Scan the QR code, or send app installation link via email or SMS to your Android device
4. Click on the link to download the Android APK file
5. A popup will appear redirecting you to your default browser’s page
6. Once the Android APK file is downloaded, tap open it
7. You will now be asked to allow installation from unknown sources. Enable it
8. Your Android app will start installing
9. Once installed, test your app the way you want

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