Android Studio Narwhal Essentials-Java Edition

by Neil Smyth

Android Studio Narwhal Essentials-Java Edition is a comprehensive guide to developing Android apps using Android Studio and Java. This book is suitable for novice and experienced programmers and serves both as a learning tool and a reference guide you can return to as you progress through the Android app development learning process and start developing your own apps.

The book starts with the basics, explaining how to install and use Android Studio and AVD emulators before delving into the world of Android app development, from foundational techniques to advanced development topics.

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

This book, fully updated for Android Studio Narwhal Feature Drop, teaches you how to develop Android-based applications using Java. Beginning with the basics, the book outlines how to set up an Android development and testing environment, followed by an overview of areas such as tool windows, the code editor, and the Layout Editor tool. An introduction to the architecture of Android is followed by an in-depth look at the design of Android applications and user interfaces using the Android Studio environment.

Chapters also cover the Android Architecture Components, including view models, lifecycle management, Room database access, content providers, the Database Inspector, app navigation, live data, and data binding.

Topics such as intents, touchscreen handling, gesture recognition, and the integration of artificial intelligence into Android apps are also included.

The concepts of material design are also covered in detail, including the use of floating action buttons, Snackbars, tabbed interfaces, card views, and collapsing toolbars.

Other key features of Android Studio and Android are also covered in detail, including the Layout Editor, the ConstraintLayout and ConstraintSet classes, view binding, constraint chains, barriers, and direct reply notifications.

Chapters also cover advanced features of Android Studio, such as Gradle build configuration, in-app billing, and submitting apps to the Google Play Developer Console.

Assuming you already have some Java programming experience, are ready to download Android Studio and the Android SDK, and have access to a Windows, Mac, or Linux system, you are ready to get started.

• 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 2025/08/26

Introduction

Setting up an Android Studio Development Environment

A Gemini AI Tutorial

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.