Shift from WordPress Developer to Android Developer by Feb 2026

A clear, step-by-step plan to move from web to Android app development, focusing on practical skills and a full-featured showcase project.

  • Weekly Hours: 25
  • Estimated Weeks: 23

Phases

Foundations of Android and Kotlin

Learn the basics of Android development and the Kotlin programming language. Understand how apps work, build simple layouts, and run them on your device.

4 weeks

  • Set up Android Studio
  • Learn Kotlin language basics
  • Understand Android app structure
  • Build simple UI screens
  • Write basic Kotlin code (variables, loops, functions)
  • Create layouts (buttons, text fields) in XML
  • Run an app on your phone
  • Navigate folders in Android Studio
  • Official Android Documentation
  • Android Kotlin Tutorials
  • Kotlin Language Guide
  • Complete and run 'Hello World' Android app
  • Build a screen with buttons and input fields
  • Show project setup in a GitHub repo

UI Design and App Navigation

Dive deeper into app layouts and user interaction. Learn how to switch between screens, handle user actions, and display meaningful content.

5 weeks

  • Design modern app screens
  • Implement navigation between screens
  • Handle user input events
  • Create lists to display data
  • Build navigation (Navigation Component) between fragments
  • Capture text input (EditText events)
  • Create list items using RecyclerView
  • Apply themes and styles
  • Android Basic Navigation Guide
  • UI Design Patterns for Android
  • Kotlin Android Code Examples
  • Push a multi-screen demo app to GitHub
  • Show screen transitions in a short video
  • List display (RecyclerView) with sample data

Data Management and App Logic

Learn to store, update, and show data inside your app. Work with files or databases. Add decision-making logic to make your app useful.

5 weeks

  • Store user data locally
  • Use simple databases (Room)
  • Handle data changes
  • Apply form validation
  • Save and read data (Room Database example)
  • Validate form input (login or registration)
  • Connect data between screens
  • Write clear functions for business logic
  • Android Room Basics
  • Kotlin Data Handling Tutorials
  • Forms and Validation in Android
  • Store user input in a local database
  • Create tested forms with error messages
  • Pass data safely between screens

Testing, Debugging, and App Polish

Make apps reliable using tests. Practice debugging. Improve user experience and check your app on different devices.

4 weeks

  • Write basic app tests
  • Debug common problems
  • Improve UI for usability
  • Test on various device sizes
  • Write UI tests (Espresso)
  • Detect and fix errors with breakpoints
  • Adjust layout for tablets and phones
  • Collect user feedback (surveys)
  • Android Testing Fundamentals
  • Debugger Guide
  • Android UI Testing Tutorials
  • Pass at least 5 automated UI tests
  • Submit bug-free version to GitHub
  • Show improved layouts in screenshots

App Deployment and Career Showcase

Finish and publish your showcase app. Document your work and get it ready for job applications. Learn how to deploy and maintain apps.

5 weeks

  • Publish an app on Google Play (or as APK)
  • Write clear app documentation
  • Set up automated builds and tests
  • Prepare your portfolio
  • Build signed APK for release
  • Write user and developer documentation (README, screenshots)
  • Set up simple Continuous Integration (GitHub Actions)
  • Create a professional portfolio page
  • Google Play Release Guide
  • App Documentation Templates
  • Setting Up GitHub Actions
  • Deploy functioning app to Google Play or as downloadable APK
  • Provide user guide and developer notes
  • Show build/test badge in repo (CI)
  • Link project and docs in portfolio

Weekly Plan

Week Focus Why Tasks Deliverables
1 Install Tools and Learn Kotlin Basics You need a strong foundation for Android development. Install Android Studio on your computer, Follow first Kotlin basics tutorial (variables, functions), Explore Android project structure in Studio Simple Kotlin script in GitHub, Screenshot of Android Studio running
2 Create and Run Your First Android App Running your first app boosts confidence and sets the stage. Create and build 'Hello World' Android app, Change text and add one button in layout, Run app on emulator or device Hello World app committed to GitHub, Photo or video of app on device
3 Explore App Layouts and Inputs Understand basic app screens to build better interfaces. Edit layouts using XML editor, Add text input (EditText) and simple validation, Style buttons and backgrounds Layout with input and button in repo, Short demo of app UI
4 Review and Practice Basics Reviewing makes sure you haven't missed key concepts. Rebuild Hello World app from scratch, Try making changes: color, text, images, Build a simple two-screen app Refined app example in repo, Screenshots of changed designs
5 Navigation and Multiple Screens Most apps need more than one screen. Learn about Navigation Component, Create two screens and link with a button, Pass simple data between screens Multi-screen app source code, Short video of screen transitions
6 Responsive Layouts and Themes Apps should look good on any device. Use ConstraintLayout to make flexible screens, Add light and dark themes, Test UI on different emulator devices Themed app layout files, Screenshots on phone and tablet emulators
7 Working with Lists Lists display important data to users easily. Add RecyclerView to show list of items, Create adapter for list data, Demo with sample static data List app in repo, Demo video showing scrolling list
8 Handling User Interaction Responding to user actions is key to app usefulness. Capture button clicks and show messages, Respond to text input changes, Reset or update UI based on user choices Code for capturing input events, Short demo video for UI interaction
9 Polishing Navigation and Layouts Polish helps your app look professional. Refine transitions between screens, Add icons and images, Fix layout issues found in testing Updated navigation and layouts in repo, Screenshots of improved UI
10 Introduction to Data Storage Storing data adds real use to your app. Explore SharedPreferences for simple data, Save and display user name on app open, Read and update stored data Demo app saving/retrieving data, Code commit with comments
11 Using Room Database Room makes storing structured data easier. Add Room Database to your app, Create entity and DAO for one data type, List stored items with RecyclerView Room database example app, App with add/view/list features
12 Handling Forms and Validation Forms are vital for user input. Create form for data entry, Add validation (e.g., required fields), Show error messages for invalid input Screenshot of app with forms and errors, Source code with clear validation
13 Connecting Data Across Screens Data often flows between different screens. Pass entered data to next screen, Update displayed list after adding item, Handle edge cases for missing data Demo showing data passing between screens, Working multi-screen forms in app
14 Add Business Logic and Refactor Clear logic keeps code easy to manage. Write functions to process user input, Organize code into clear parts, Remove duplicate or unused code Refactored app source code, Short document explaining app logic
15 Begin Testing and Debugging Make sure your app works and is bug-free. Write simple unit tests for functions, Add UI test with Espresso, Use breakpoints to fix errors Test results screenshot, Fixed bug report summary
16 Refine App UI and Accessibility Good design helps everyone use your app. Check app with accessibility tools, Use larger fonts and clear color contrast, Simplify user navigation Accessibility test summary, Screenshots after UI improvements
17 Test on Multiple Devices People use many different phones and tablets. Run app on at least three emulator sizes, Fix bugs found on different layouts, Get feedback from one or two friends Photos from different device tests, Feedback notes in repo
18 Add Final Features and Polish Finishing touches help your app stand out. Add helpful tips or onboarding screen, Check all buttons and screens, Polish text and images Final feature branch in repo, Screenshots of all main screens
19 Prepare for App Deployment You need a working, shareable app for employers. Follow Google Play/ APK publishing checklist, Build signed APK for release, Prepare app icon and screenshots Release-ready APK file, Metadata and assets for Play Store
20 Document and Demo Your App Clear docs help others and future you. Write README with features and setup steps, Add screenshots and short demo video, Document code with comments Complete README file in repo, Video demo link in portfolio
21 Set Up Automated Tests and Builds Automation shows professionalism and quality. Add GitHub Actions for build/test, Ensure all tests pass automatically, Add test status badge to repo GitHub Actions CI/CD pipeline, Passing test badge in README
22 Publish and Share Your App Sharing your work attracts employers and users. Upload app to Google Play or via APK sharing site, Ask friends to download and review app, Update portfolio with download link Live app listing or download link, Portfolio updated
23 Prepare for Android Developer Job Search Get ready to apply with a strong showcase. Summarize your journey and skills in a blog post, Update your resume with Android project, Prepare short app explanation pitch Resume with Android skills and project, Blog or LinkedIn post about your switch