A4: Mobile App Programming

• IT
• Higher Education (degree)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

A4: Mobile App Programming

Unit 7: Mobile Apps Development

“As a mobile app developer your choices, including the programming language you must learn and the integrated development environment in which you build your application, are typically predetermined by the OS of the mobile device for which you intend to build your app.”

(Phillips et al, 2016).

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. To compare programming languages used for mobile app development.
   
2. To explain the role and features of IDE’s as modern programming environments.
   
3. To compare two IDE’s, Android Studio and Xcode, for Android and iOS development.
   

Complete Questions 1.1 & 1.2

Time: 15 Minutes 

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. To compare programming languages used for mobile app development. ✅
2. To explain the role and features of IDE’s as modern programming environments.
   
3. To compare two IDE’s, Android Studio and Xcode, for Android and iOS development.
   

L02

• What is an IDE?
  
• What role does it play in mobile app development?
  
• What is meant by the term SDK?
  
• How do the typical tools provided in an IDE support a mobile   app developer?
  

What is an IDE?

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application used for software development.

Combines tools like a code editor, compiler/interpreter, debugger, and build automation tools into one interface.

Simplifies development with features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging.

What Role Does an IDE Play in Mobile App Development?

Provides a centralised platform for creating, testing, and deploying mobile applications.

Includes mobile-specific tools such as:

Platform emulators/simulators.

UI design tools.

Libraries and frameworks for mobile platforms (e.g., iOS or Android).

Enables developers to test apps across devices without needing physical hardware.

What is Meant by the Term SDK?

Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of tools and resources for building applications on specific platforms.

Typically includes:

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

Libraries and frameworks.

Debuggers and testing tools.

How Do the Typical Tools Provided in an IDE Support a Mobile App Developer?

Source Code Editor: Speeds up coding with features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion.

Debugger: Identifies and fixes errors during development.

Build Automation Tools: Compiles source code into executable apps quickly and efficiently.

Emulators/Simulators: Allows testing apps on virtual devices to ensure compatibility across platforms.

How Do the Typical Tools Provided in an IDE Support a Mobile App Developer?

Source Code Editor: Speeds up coding with features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion.

Debugger: Identifies and fixes errors during development.

Build Automation Tools: Compiles source code into executable apps quickly and efficiently.

Emulators/Simulators: Allows testing apps on virtual devices to ensure compatibility across platforms.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. To compare programming languages used for mobile app development. ✅
2. To explain the role and features of IDE’s as modern programming environments. ✅
3. To compare two IDE’s, Android Studio and Xcode, for Android and iOS development.
   

LO3: To compare two IDE’s, Android Studio and Xcode, for Android and iOS development.

Group task – Carousel Activity

Research the functions and features provided in the following two IDE’s:

1. Android Studio
   
2. Xcode (Xcode 14)
   
3. Xamarin (Visual Studio)
   

Consider the pros and cons of each IDE for mobile app development purposes.

Share findings with class

How Do the Typical Tools Provided in an IDE Support a Mobile App Developer?

Source Code Editor: Speeds up coding with features like syntax highlighting and auto-completion.

Debugger: Identifies and fixes errors during development.

Build Automation Tools: Compiles source code into executable apps quickly and efficiently.

Emulators/Simulators: Allows testing apps on virtual devices to ensure compatibility across platforms.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. To compare programming languages used for mobile app development. ✅
2. To explain the role and features of IDE’s as modern programming environments. ✅
3. To compare two IDE’s, Android Studio and Xcode, for Android and iOS development. ✅

Lesson Summary

Homework – Complete A4 Mobile App Programming Task Sheet Question 3 (formative assessment)

Next topic – Android Studio Practical

Lesson Summary

Homework – Complete A4 Mobile App Programming Task Sheet Question 3 (formative assessment)

Next topic – Android Studio Practical

Task 

Visit: https://miro.com/wireframe/ 

Design Wireframes for a mobile application you might create.

Time: 20 Minutes ✅