Creación proyecto base

Creating modern Android applications requires a structured approach and the use of appropriate tools. In this content, we will explore the initial steps to set up an Android project from scratch, using current best practices and libraries. You will learn how to establish the solid foundation that every developer needs to build robust and maintainable applications.

How to set up an Android project from scratch?

To start developing our tracking application called "tracked", we need to properly configure our development environment. Android Studio will be our main tool for this process.

When creating a new project, we need to pay attention to several fundamental aspects:

• Assign a descriptive name to the application ("tracked").
• Define a unique package name that identifies our application.
• Configure support for Android 8 or higher.
• Use Kotlin DSL as a dependency management system.

This approach provides us with a modern and flexible foundation for our development, taking advantage of Kotlin and ensuring compatibility with a broad base of devices.

What libraries and dependencies do we need to integrate?

Once the project is created, the next crucial step is to set up the dependencies. This is done in two main files:

1. Version Catalog: Here we define all the libraries with their respective versions. This centralized approach facilitates the maintenance and update of dependencies.

2. Build.gradle: In this file we add both the dependencies and the plugins that we will use in our project.

It is important to synchronize the project after adding these libraries to ensure that Gradle recognizes them correctly and they are available for use.

How to structure navigation and dependency injection?

For a robust architecture, we will implement:

1. In the MainActivity, we will add the @AndroidEntryPoint annotation, since we will use Hilt as a dependency injection framework. This annotation is essential for Hilt to inject dependencies into our activity.

@AndroidEntryPointclass MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() { // Implementation}

2. We will set up a navigation with two main destinations:

   • A map for geographic visualization.
   • A camera interface for image capture

3. We will create an App Module that will be responsible for:

   • Manage the application dependency injection.
   • Providing access to a CoroutineScope for asynchronous operations.

4. Finally, we will configure our application with Hilt and register it in the manifest so that the Android system will recognize it correctly.

Why is it important to understand each dependency used?

Each library included in our project serves a specific purpose in the application architecture. Understanding these dependencies not only improves our technical knowledge, but also allows us to:

• Optimize application performance
• Solve problems more efficiently
• Make informed architecture decisions

It is advisable to review each of the dependencies included in the project to understand their specific function. This will give you a clearer picture of how the different components are integrated and how they contribute to the overall functionality of the application.

The initial setup may seem complex, but it lays the foundation for a more fluid and structured development as we move forward with implementing specific features.

Creating modern Android applications requires attention to detail and a solid understanding of the tools available. We encourage you to explore each dependency included in this project and share your findings about its specific functionality. Which library do you find most interesting or useful for Android app development? Share your experience in the comments.