1.4. Exploring Mobile App Builders.
In this practical session, you will:
- Explore the World of App Creation: Discover diverse app builders and programming languages, unlocking the potential to bring your digital ideas to life.
- Start Building Your Own Mobile App: Get hands-on guidance to set up and confidently begin creating a mobile app using an intuitive app builder.
BUILDING A MOBILE APP
In your ICT club project, you’ll be creating an app that works on a mobile device. While web apps are also an option, they’re better suited for those with prior coding experience who want to take on a more advanced challenge.
Here, you’ll begin learning how to build a mobile app using block-based coding a great starting point if you’re new to coding!
To create your mobile app, you’ll use an App Builder, also known as a coding platform.
Coding platforms are tools that can be installed on your computer, like Android Studio, or accessed through websites, such as MIT App Inventor. They let you write code using either visual blocks (like in App Inventor) or written text (as in Android Studio). The code you create is then compiled. This means it’s translated into machine code, which is the language computers and mobile devices can understand. Once it’s in machine code, the device can run your program and carry out the instructions you gave it.
APP BUILDERS
App Builders typically feature a drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to create apps using coding blocks rather than writing out code. While the code may appear simple, these platforms still teach important programming concepts.
If you’re just starting out with coding, we suggest using either App Inventor or Thunkable as your programming platform. You’re welcome to use other tools for your project, but this curriculum will focus on supporting these two.
To choose between App Inventor and Thunkable, you should base your decision on which platform has better support for the features you want to include in your app. Check out the following table to help decide.
What is Open Source?
Open source means the code behind the app builder is freely available online and can be used by anyone. This can be useful if you’re worried about losing access to your work in case the app builder is no longer supported or shuts down. It’s also helpful if you’re looking for a way to use the app builder without needing an internet connection.
Note that as of mid-October 2024, Thunkable is limiting its free plan to just 3 projects. Each project is limited to 5 screens. If you think your app might be more complex than 5 screens, you should consider using App Inventor to code your app. There is also the possibility of losing access to your Thunkable projects in the future, depending on whether Thunkable continues to downgrade its free offerings.
OTHER PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE OPTIONS
Apart from App Inventor and Thunkable, there are many other programming languages you can use to build your app. Most of these are text-based, meaning you write lines of code instead of dragging and dropping blocks.
Below are four popular programming languages you can use. Don’t worry if you’re new to them — start small, and you’ll learn as you go! You’re also free to use any language you’re comfortable with.
When submitting your app, make sure to include your source code files.
1. Python
Python is one of the easiest languages to learn. It reads like simple English, which makes it great for beginners. You can use Python to create all kinds of programs — from games to websites, and even mobile apps using special tools like Kivy or BeeWare.
Example:
print("Hello, ICT Club!")
2. JavaScript
JavaScript is the language of the web. It helps you build interactive websites and mobile apps. With tools like React Native or Ionic, you can create apps that work on both Android and iOS.
Example:
alert("Welcome to ICT Club!");
3. Java
Java is a powerful language used to build Android apps. It’s a little more complex than Python, but once you learn it, you can build full mobile applications using Android Studio.
Example:
System.out.println("Hello from Java!");
4. Dart (with Flutter)
Dart is a modern language created by Google. It’s used with a tool called Flutter to make beautiful apps that work on both Android and iOS. If you’re serious about app development, Dart + Flutter is a great option to learn.
Example:
print('Hello from Flutter!');
Listen to these ICT Club alumnae talk about what coding platform they chose and why.
Mentor Tip
Best practices: Check out the ICT clubs YouTube Coding Playlist and watch a couple with your team to help understand how each one works and to make your decision.
Advice from past participants:
- Thunkable has a clean interface, innate compatibility with iOS, and availability of features that other app builders might not have
- App Inventor is reliable and many participants have some familiarity with the tool
- Swift and Java can be great for returning students who want to challenge themselves or explore different features
- Other programming languages are great too.
GETTING STARTED
To code mobile apps for your ICT club project, you will need:
- a computer or laptop
- Internet access
- Mobile device is optional but highly recommended for testing. Both Android and iOS devices can be used.
To get started, you’ll have to set up your computer and mobile device so you are ready to code a mobile app!
ACTIVITY 1: SETTING UP YOUR CODING PLATFORM
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
If you are using something other than Thunkable or App Inventor, use this time to download all necessary software to get your computer set up by following the resource links above and following setup instructions.
For Thunkable and App Inventor coders, click on the appropriate tab below and follow the instructions to get your workstation set up to begin coding! Feel free to try both platforms to see how you like each one.
MIT APP INVENTOR
Part 1: Signup
- In your browser, visit http://ai2.appinventor.mit.edu. Sign up with a Gmail account. If you don’t have a Gmail account, make one now.
- Once you have logged in and see the splash screen, click Continue.
- Click on Start a Blank Project to open a new project.
- Take a moment to look around the platform.
Part 2: Setup to Test
You will need to test your app as you build it to make sure it works correctly. There are multiple options found here.
THUNKABLE
Part 1: Sign Up
In your browser, visit the Thunkable Signup page to sign up for a free account.
Part 2: Setup to test
You can test your app in Thunkable right in the browser using Web Preview. At some point you will want to live test your app on your mobile device. You will need to install the Thunkable Live App on your device.
ACTIVITY 2: CODING YOUR FIRST APP
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Now that you’ve got your computer and mobile device set up for your app builder, let’s jump right in with a starter tutorial!
Click on the tab below for your chosen coding platform and follow the instructions.
MIT APP INVENTOR
Instructions:
Make theTalk to Me app. Click here to follow a written tutorial in the App Inventor platform.
If you prefer video, follow along with this tutorial:
THUNKABLE
Instructions:
Make theTalk to Me app by following this video tutorial by Dave Wolber.
WANT MORE?
If you have time, try another tutorial on your chosen coding platform:
REVIEW OF KEY TERMS
App Builder – program that usually has a drag and drop interface that lets you build apps without typing code
Programming Language – a way to talk to a computer, or mobile phone, to tell it to do things
Coding platform – program or website that allows you to write programs or apps
Compile – convert computer code into machine code that can be understood by a computer
