From 75c174a31b2f9c0767c49b55addb0c510bff7f73 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: pelibby16 <pelibby16@earlham.edu>
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:40:59 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] additions/updates
---
topical-units/env-android/ANATOMY.md | 8 +++++++-
topical-units/env-android/README.md | 14 ++++++++++++--
2 files changed, 19 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)
diff --git a/topical-units/env-android/ANATOMY.md b/topical-units/env-android/ANATOMY.md
index e772cc5..b98c0f4 100644
--- a/topical-units/env-android/ANATOMY.md
+++ b/topical-units/env-android/ANATOMY.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ Android can be a daunting IDE to work with. Use the example below as a reference
Keep in mind that for the deliverables specified on the main README.md of this module, the most important parts are the `MainActivity` Java file, and the `res/layout` folder, containing your XML layouts for the GUI of the app. Even if you are hoping to accomplish something more complex, the best place to start is with these couple of files, and work your way outward from there.
-**Note:** for the sake of this example, I've created a project called "CS266" from the "Empty Views Activity" template, using Java as my language (Instead of Kotlin)
+**Note:** for the sake of this example, the project is called "CS266" and was created using the "Empty Views Activity" template, using Java as a language (Instead of Kotlin). A Kotlin project will look a little different, but include many of the same components.
If you are still feeling lost, please ask quetsions!
@@ -36,3 +36,9 @@ If you are still feeling lost, please ask quetsions!
- `backup_rules.xml`
- `data_extraction_rules.xml`
+## Gradle
+In addition to the file structure above, you will see a list of "Gradle Scripts". Gradle is the system by which Android Studio compiles and packages your code into a usable application that can be installed on a phone. The files in this section control settings about how your app is built.
+
+For a simple project, you are unlikely to need to change anything in these files, but it is still good to have a basic understanding. It is highly recommended to explore them a bit, see what settings are available, and ask questions if you have them.
+
+The most commonly used of these files is `build.gradle (Module :app)`, which contains a lot of settings about the minimum and maximum versions of Android your app can be used on, and which version of Java it uses.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/topical-units/env-android/README.md b/topical-units/env-android/README.md
index 3f14303..746457f 100644
--- a/topical-units/env-android/README.md
+++ b/topical-units/env-android/README.md
@@ -1,6 +1,14 @@
# <img width=30px height=30px style='margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: -3px;' src="https://seeklogo.com/images/A/android-logo-9E4539A7DE-seeklogo.com.png"> Android Topical Unit
-Android development consists of the Java programming language, the MySQL database, and XML styling, as managed through the Android Studio application (available for all supported platforms). For this unit, you will work on an issue in an Android application.
+Android development consists of either Java or Kotlin, the MySQL database, and XML styling, as managed through the Android Studio application (available for all supported platforms). For this unit, you will work on creating a simple Android application.
+
+Kotlin is a newer language that is fully compatible with Java. Any library or code written in Java can be used in Kotlin programs. It is becoming increasingly popular in Android development because of its improvements over the Java language.
+
+You may use either language, though you might prefer Java if you have already taken the Java module offered in the course.
+
+**Note 1:** If you have any trouble running Android Studio, or the Android Emulator (both of which can be resource intensive), a lab machine in Lovelace might be a good option for you.
+
+**Note 2:** If you do not have an Android device, and would like to test your app on real hardware, you can borrow one to use for the duration of the module.
# Learning Goals
- Understand the basic structure of an Android Studio project, including the different files and folders.
@@ -10,7 +18,9 @@ Android development consists of the Java programming language, the MySQL databas
# Resources
- [Android Studio IDE](https://developer.android.com/studio)
-- [W3Schools - Android](https://www.w3schools.blog/android-tutorial) - lots of information about specific components of Android development
+- [W3Schools - Android](https://www.w3schools.blog/android-tutorial) - Lots of information about specific components of Android development
+- [W3Schools - Kotlin](https://www.w3schools.com/kotlin/index.php) - Lots of good information about how to use Kotlin.
+- [Android Emulator Developer Guide](https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator)
- [Android Anatomy README](ANATOMY.md) - Breakdown of the different files in a sample Android project.
# Deliverables
--
GitLab