Jetpack Compose 1.8 Essentials

by Neil Smyth

Jetpack Compose 1.8 Essentials is a thorough, reference-style book for developing Android applications using Android Studio, Kotlin, and Jetpack Compose 1.8. Tailored for both novice and experienced programmers, this book begins with an introduction to Kotlin programming, before guiding readers through the installation and setup of Android Studio and AVD emulators. From there, it transitions into Android app development using Jetpack Compose, building a solid foundation in modern, declarative UI creation. Whether you are just starting or looking to deepen your expertise, this guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to mastering Android development with Jetpack Compose.

This work was written and produced entirely by the author. We are proud to be distributing it.

This book is a comprehensive guide to building Android applications using Jetpack Compose 1.8, Android Studio, and Kotlin. It includes detailed tutorials with downloadable source code to help you put theory into practice and online quizzes to reinforce and test your knowledge and understanding.

The book begins with the setup of the Android Studio development environment, followed by an introduction to Kotlin, covering data types, operators, control flow, functions, lambdas, and coroutines.

With this foundation established, the focus shifts to Jetpack Compose, Google’s modern toolkit for creating native user interfaces. An in-depth exploration of Compose components and layout structures is provided, including rows, columns, boxes, flows, pagers, and lists. Additional topics include Android project architecture and the Compose development tools available in Android Studio.

Key concepts such as state management, modifiers, and navigation components are examined in detail. Additional chapters demonstrate how to create reusable layout components, implement biometric authentication for security, and integrate Gemini AI features into your apps.

Further coverage includes screen navigation, graphics rendering, animations, transitions, and gesture handling. Data management strategies involving view models, Room databases, live data, and the Database Inspector are also discussed.

Each topic includes step-by-step tutorials, downloadable source code, and access to over 55 online quizzes designed to reinforce key concepts.

• Windows 10 or 11 64-bit
• macOS 12 or later running on Intel or Apple silicon
• Chrome OS device with Intel i5 or higher
• Linux systems with version 2.31 or later of the GNU C Library (glibc)
• Minimum of 16 GB of RAM
• Approximately 8 GB of available disk space
• 1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

Source code

Errata

Releases:

• P1.0 2025/08/11
• P1.0 2025/08/11

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Neil Smyth has more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, including software development, project management, and marketing. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and holds several certifications, including A+, Security+, Network+, Project+, Java Associate, and Microsoft Certified Professional. Neil is also a CIW Database Design Specialist.

Neil is the co-founder and CEO of Payload Media, Inc., a technical content publishing company. He is also an author who has written several programming and system administration books under the “Essentials” range. Notable titles include Android Studio Development Essentials, Jetpack Compose Essentials, iOS App Development Essentials, C# Programming Essentials, and Ubuntu Essentials.