Best Android App Development Tools & Software

Android App Development
11 min read

Android owns the market majority when it comes to smartphones. It only makes sense that a massive number of Android apps need to be made to fulfill the market demand. The need for software for Android development to help counter this requirement is highly necessary. To investors looking to develop an Android app, you can start by looking at the best Android app development software and tools on the market. 

9 Android App Tools for Development 

Android is officially the leading mobile operating system globally, meaning that the demand for Android apps will continuously be high as long as this stat remains so! Take a look at the 9 top software for developing apps for Android. 

Read More: Top 15 Android App Development Companies in India

1) Eclipse 

The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Eclipse happens to be the second most popular IDE for the Java language, a language primarily used in Android app development. This tool is among the best app development software and can be used best for developing Java applications, however, it supports app development for more than 25 languages via appropriate plugins. 

Eclipse uses a plug-in built by the Eclipse Foundation called Andmore: Development Tools for Android which replaced Google’s plug-in Android Development Tools (ADT) after the company discontinued support for the Eclipse IDE. 

Eclipse 

Eclipse’s Andmore: Development Tools for Android plugin allows Android app developers to create an Android project, UI, and add packages using the Android Framework API, use Android SDK tools for debugging, and export signed/unsigned .apk files for distribution. 

The main difference between Eclipse and Android Studio (Google Android’s official app development tool) is that the former is made to develop for a multitude of languages but Android Studio is suited to Android apps only! 

Another difference is that Android Studio receives all the latest updates regarding the Android OS and the Google Pay Store requirements. But, Eclipse doesn’t!

Read More: Top 8 Android App Development Trends

2) Android Studio 

This is the official IDE for Google’s Android mobile platform. Using the IntelliJ IDEA language made by Jet Brains, Android Studio is an alternative to Eclipse Android Development Tools (E-ADT). 

Announced in 2013, Android Studio has been a keen tool in the arsenal of every experienced Android app developer.   

Android Studio

The Android Studio offers various tools that when used in combination, can result in the best possible Android application. Here are some of the tools available to Android app developers in Android Studio: 

  • Android Virtual Device – for running and debugging Android apps 
  • Support for Google Cloud Platform, thus, Firebase Cloud Messaging integration is possible
  • Lint – Code analysis tool used for catching bugs and errors in performance, compatibility, etc.
  • Gradle – build system used in building Android apps 
  • Layout Editor – allows for drag and drop of UI components and the preview of layouts 
  • Wizards that aid in creating familiar Android designs and components
  • ProGuard – allows for integration and app- signing (Google Play manages app signing key and signs APKs before distribution)  
  • Support for developing Android Wear apps 

The Android Studio happens to be highly popular and second to only the Eclipse Android Development Tools (E-ADT) or Eclipse as it is commonly called.  

Read More: How Android Application Development Can Benefit Your Business?

3) FlowUp 

When it comes to Android apps, the performance makes all the difference when your app is up against hundreds of competitor apps. This is where the FlowUp tool makes it onto the list. 

The FlowUp tool aids in ensuring your Android application is functioning optimally by assessing app performance based on the dashboard that specifics various parameters such as memory consumption, CPU performance, bandwidth, frames per second, etc.  

inner-image-3

Based on the ratings of these parameters, an Android app development company can make changes to the app to improve its performance.   

The tool has been developed by senior mobile app developers who understand the importance of app performance in maintaining a successful and relevant Android application with a healthy following.

Read More: Android App Development Benefits And How It Positively Impacts The Industry

4) Gradle 

The tool offers multi-language development of mobile applications. It seamlessly handles all stages of the development process from the tasks of compilation and packaging to testing, deployment, and publishing.  

Gradle

It is a build system or build automation tool which undertakes three key app development processes; compiling, linking, and code packaging. Gradle can be used for Android projects effectively where code is compiled and undergoes linking, even though it isn’t a conventional compiler or linker tool. 

Gradle will automatically output compiled code as .apk files. As of now, Gradle comes pre-installed in Android Studio, and clicking the ‘RUN’ button will automatically lead to the generation of an Android project.

Read More: Productivity Management Done Right: Improve Efficiency by 100%

5) Native Development Kit (NDK)

The environment can cross-compile code. In simple words, this tool allows the developer to develop executable code for a compiler. This is other than the one on which the compiler is currently running. 

Native Development Kit

That is, Android apps are popular for being coded in Java. However, Java may not provide all of the necessary features and functionality for your app as well as performance such as speed. As a result, to combat this, the NDK allows you to use other programming languages such as C & C++ to code these sections of your application.   

Implementing these changes using the SDK could not be possible and so the NDK becomes a highly effective tool. Android developers can efficiently use the NDK for writing the code, another plus is that the C/C++ code written in this tool is also reusable! 

Read More: Dynamic Android App Development Strategies For Emerging Markets

6) Unity  

Most game developers would be rather familiar with the names Unity and Unreal. Both are excellent in game development for any platform including Android. However, there is a difference that makes Unity the preferred development tool. 

Unity

Unity is capable of developing both 3D and 2D game applications. However Unreal is not as capable when it comes to 2D games. 

Unity has been a leading tool applied in making affordably developing Android apps. It is a technology that has also provided game-changing capabilities to game developers who are engaged in making games that are widely seen as ones that fit into the general niche that anybody will enjoy playing!  

Both engines have been essential in a wide array of game titles that are wildly successful today. 

7) Vysor 

Some developers may not enjoy developing Android apps on an emulator, or perhaps they cannot receive the best results when doing so. As a result a tool for developing on a bigger screen like a PC, or even larger screen that supports screencast. 

Vysor 

The Vysor tool provides the best alternative for an Android app development company to control and develop their Android app from a personal computer (desktop or laptop) or even other external connected devices such as television screens and projectors. 

Developers can take a closer look at images and UI while also being able to type at excellent speeds with an externally attached keyboard. 

The best part is at this is available at minimal costs of $2.5 per month, $10 per year, or $40 per lifetime. 

Read More: Current Technology Trends for Android App Development

8) GameMaker Studio

When talking about Android game app development, the prime options are the Unity and Unreal engines. However, not everyone is skilled in these technologies and a tool lacking a steep learning curve would be more satisfactory.   

GameMaker Studio

Luckily there is a tool that is more suited to novel game developers who are looking for a simpler way of developing Android games. GameMaker Studio 2 is an Android game development studio that specializes in game development. 

The simple-to-use drag-and-drop interface makes it a hit among developers who are developing 2D games in particular.                

The app is available to all on a 30-day free trial after which it becomes a paid tool where the amount is based on whether you are an individual creator, developer, or organization.     

Also Read: Top Mobile App Development Trends to Expect

9) RAD Studio 

Like Android Studio and Eclipse, RAD Studio is also an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) except this one boasts of being able to develop Android applications five times faster! There is an in-built code editor and visual designer which allows for writing, compiling, and deploying of code across multiple platforms. 

RAD Studio 

There is a catch though! The RAD Studio tool is a paid one and quite an expensive one at that, unlike the other Android app tools on this list which are free or minimally priced! 

But, that said, RAD Studio also supports recompiling and redeploying the full software lifecycle in a single codebase. With this tool, you can effectively design, develop, debug, and deploy applications for Android apps and more.  

Read More: Important Features You Should Include During Android App Development

10) NimbleDroid

This tool is an excellent aid when developing apps for Android and wanting to know where crashes are occurring and when your app is slowing down. NimbleDroid is a performance management and user experience monitoring tool that if you ask any developer is vital software for Android development. 

NimbleDroid

NimbleDroid even allows you to pinpoint the reasons why crashes and slowness are occurring, helping your Android app developers to catch the issue and correct it immediately. This tool is especially helpful if your Android app is prone to crashes and slow performance.  

Using this tool can help to improve user experience, after all, this will decide your app’s fate.       

Develop an App That Appeals to All Android Users

Conclusion 

Most of the best Android app development tools and software are available for free. However, that doesn’t completely rule out paid tools that can have massive effects on your Android app. You can get the best of free and paid tools by hiring an Android app development company.

A suitable development partner is Artoon Solutions, an expert Android app development company that also deals in mobile game development.   

To get an Android app that best suits your exact requirements, Contact us. 

Get in Touch

FAQs

Will I have to pay subscription fees for paid tools when hiring an Android app development company?  

You will not have to pay for the tool subscription fees when partnering with a large company. However, when dealing with an individual/freelancer, you may have to consider these extra costs. 

How long does Android application development take?

We cannot provide a very accurate time estimation from the get-go, but, if you provide u with a Scope of Work document, we will be able to provide a more accurate time and cost estimation. 

Can you develop an Android game? 

Yes, we can develop an Android game app for you as we also specialize in game development. Artoon Solutions has expertise in the development of MultiGaming Platform Apps, Cards & Casino games, Board games, Fantasy sports games, Puzzle games, Casual & Hyper-Casual games, Quiz games, and Sports games. 

Can you develop an Android app and a corresponding website?  

We have expertise in both mobile application and website development. Hence, we can effectively develop an app and website and if resources are available, we can even develop them simultaneously as different teams are applied in both processes. 

What is the best Android app development tool? 

Android app development tools are highly important to make mobile apps that best suit the Android environment. That said, the official Android app development tool Android Studio allows for the seamless development of Android apps.  

Read More: Checkout Benefits of Android App Development

arrow-img WhatsApp Icon