Mobile App Development - Course Material
Mobile App Development - Course Material
Training Objectives:
● Learn Flutter and Dart for mobile app development.
● Build a responsive UI with state management.
● Integrate APIs and handle real-time data.
● Optimize performance and debug efficiently.
● Deploy apps to Google Play Store and App Store.
Course Syllabus:
Unit 1: Introduction to Mobile App Development and Platforms - Flutter and Dart
Navigation and routing: Navigator and Route-Theming and customization: ThemeData and
MaterialApp-Animations and transitions: Hero animations, Fade transitions-Advanced state
management: BLoC pattern-Platform-specific features: Accessing device sensors, native
features
HTTP requests and responses: Using the HTTP package-JSON parsing and serialization-State
management for API data: Provider and BLoC-Error handling and loading indicators-Data
caching and offline functionality
Table of Contents
S. No. Title Page No.
1 Introduction to Mobile App Development 1
Overview of Mobile App Development and Cross-Platform
1.1 Frameworks 2
1.2 Introduction to Dart Programming Language 3
1.3 Functions, Classes, and Objects in Dart 5
1.4 Asynchronous Programming and Futures 7
1.5 Conclusion 8
Mobile app development involves designing, creating, and maintaining software applications for
mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Apps can be categorized as:
● Native Apps: Built specifically for a single platform (Android or iOS) using platform-specific
languages (Java/Kotlin for Android, Swift/Objective-C for iOS).
● Hybrid Apps: Use web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and run inside a web view.
● Cross-Platform Apps: Developed using frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin,
allowing deployment on multiple platforms with a single codebase.
Flutter uses asynchronous programming to handle tasks like API calls and database
operations.
Using Futures:
Future<String> fetchData() async {
1.5 Conclusion
Example Code:
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
void main() {
@override
int counter = 0;
@override
return Scaffold(
body: Center(
child: Column(
children: [
Text('Counter: $counter'),
ElevatedButton(
onPressed: () {
setState(() {
counter++;
});
},
child: Text("Increment"),
),
],
),
),
);
}
Fig 2.2. Diagram showing the difference between Stateless and Stateful Widgets.
Example:
Column(
children: [
Row(children: [Text("Item 1"), Text("Item 2")]),
Stack(children: [Text("Stacked 1"), Text("Stacked 2")]),
],
)
Text("Hello World"),
Image.asset("assets/image.png"),
Icon(Icons.star),
2.6 Conclusion
Navigation is essential in Flutter apps to move between screens (routes). The Navigator
widget manages a stack of routes, allowing pushing and popping screens efficiently.
Example Code:
Navigator.push(
context,
);
MaterialApp(
theme: ThemeData(
primarySwatch: Colors.blue,
textTheme: TextTheme(bodyText2: TextStyle(color: Colors.black)),
),
home: MyHomePage(),
);
Hero animations provide a visually continuous effect when navigating between screens by
animating a shared widget from one route to another. This is achieved by defining a source
Hero widget in the current screen and a destination Hero widget in the target screen, both
sharing the same tag. The Flutter framework interpolates the size and position, making it
appear as if the widget seamlessly moves between screens. This chapter explores the inner
workings of Hero animations and how they integrate with the Navigator to handle
transitions.
Example Code:
Hero(
tag: 'hero-tag',
child: Image.asset('assets/image.png'),
)
Fig 3.2.UI flow using Hero animation
Example Code:
Hero(
tag: 'hero-tag',
child: Image.asset('assets/image.png'),
Flutter allows integration with native features like camera, GPS, and accelerometer
using plugins like geolocator and camera.
Example Code:
4. Conclusion
Mastering advanced Flutter concepts is crucial for building complex, high-quality applications. By
effectively managing navigation, theming, animations, and state, as well as leveraging
platform-specific features, developers can create immersive and user-friendly experiences. These
concepts empower developers to harness Flutter's full potential, ensuring their applications are
not only functional but also visually appealing and responsive.
Unit 4: API Integration and Data Handling
Fetching data from an API in Flutter is done using the http package, which allows
making network requests such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.
dependencies:
http: ^0.13.6
import 'dart:convert';
if (response.statusCode == 200) {
return jsonDecode(response.body);
} else {
}
Displaying Data in Flutter
FutureBuilder<List<dynamic>>(
future: fetchData(),
if (snapshot.connectionState == ConnectionState.waiting) {
return CircularProgressIndicator();
} else if (snapshot.hasError) {
} else {
return ListView.builder(
itemCount: snapshot.data!.length,
return ListTile(
title: Text(snapshot.data![index]['title']),
subtitle: Text(snapshot.data![index]['body']),
);
},
);
},
)
This ensures smooth API integration with error handling and loading indicators.
APIs commonly return data in JSON format, which must be parsed into Dart objects for easy
manipulation. Flutter provides built-in tools to handle JSON parsing and serialization efficiently.
import 'dart:convert';
String jsonResponse = '{"id": 1, "name": "John Doe"}';
Map<String, dynamic> user = jsonDecode(jsonResponse);
print(user['name']); // Output: John Doe
class User {
final int id;
final String name;
JSON parsing and serialization improve API data handling by converting structured responses
into Dart objects for better usability.
Fig 4.2 JSON structure visualization
State management helps efficiently manage API data in Flutter applications. Two widely used
approaches are Provider and BLoC (Business Logic Component).
Provider Approach
1. Create a Provider class that fetches API data and notifies UI components.
2. Use ChangeNotifier to track state changes.
3. Wrap UI with ChangeNotifierProvider to access the API data.
4. Call notifyListeners() to update UI when data changes.
BLoC Approach
Both Provider and BLoC help handle API responses, manage UI updates, and improve app
performance by separating business logic from UI.
Fig 4.3 State management architecture diagram
4. Conclusion
Effective API integration and data handling are fundamental to developing responsive and
user-friendly Flutter applications. By utilizing the http package, implementing robust JSON
parsing and serialization, adopting state management solutions like Provider and BLoC, and
optimizing performance through error handling and data caching, developers can create
applications that provide a seamless user experience while efficiently managing data from APIs.
Unit 5: App Deployment and Testing
Setting up a development environment is a crucial step for any Flutter developer, as it provides
the necessary tools and configurations to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently. This
section outlines the essential steps to configure a Flutter development environment, ensuring a
smooth and productive coding experience.
● Download Flutter SDK: Visit the official Flutter website (flutter.dev) to download the
latest version of the Flutter SDK for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or
Linux).
● Extract the ZIP file: After downloading, extract the Flutter SDK to a desired location
on your machine (e.g., C:\flutter on Windows or ~/flutter on macOS/Linux).
● Update PATH variable: Add the flutter/bin directory to your system's PATH variable to
access Flutter commands from any terminal or command prompt.
2. Install Dart SDK
● Bundled with Flutter: The Dart SDK comes bundled with the Flutter SDK, so there is no need
for a separate installation. Ensure that your Flutter installation is up to date by running flutter
upgrade.
● Android Emulator:
○ Open Android Studio and navigate to Tools > AVD Manager.
○ Create a new Virtual Device (AVD) by selecting a device configuration and
system image.
○ Start the emulator to test your Flutter applications.
● Physical Device:
○ Enable Developer Options on your Android device and turn on USB
Debugging.
○ Connect your device to your computer via USB.
○ Verify the connection by running flutter devices in the terminal.
5. Verify Installation
● Open a terminal or command prompt and run the command flutter doctor.
● This command checks your environment for any missing dependencies and provides
recommendations for resolving them.
● Follow any instructions provided by flutter doctor to ensure that all necessary
components are installed and configured correctly.
● Use the command flutter create project_name to create a new Flutter project.
● Navigate to the project directory (cd project_name) and run the application using
flutter run to ensure everything is set up correctly.
5.2 Debugging and Testing Flutter Apps
Debugging and testing are vital components of the software development lifecycle, ensuring that
applications run smoothly and meet user expectations. This section outlines essential techniques
and tools for effectively debugging and testing Flutter applications.
○ Flutter DevTools is a suite of performance and debugging tools for Flutter apps. It
provides a variety of features, including:
■ Widget Inspector: Allows you to visualize the widget tree and examine the
properties of individual widgets.
■ Performance View: Helps analyze the performance of your app, including
frame rendering times and CPU usage.
■ Memory View: Monitors memory usage and identifies potential memory
leaks.
● Debugging with IDEs:
○ Both Visual Studio Code and Android Studio offer built-in debugging support.
○ Set breakpoints in your code by clicking in the gutter next to the line numbers, then
run your application in debug mode.
○ Inspect variables, evaluate expressions, and step through code execution to
understand application behavior.
● Logging:
○ Use the print() statement to output debug information to the console. However,
consider using the logger package for more structured logging.
○ Utilize debugPrint() for logging long messages that may get truncated in the console.
● Unit Tests:
○ Focus on testing individual functions, methods, or classes to ensure they produce the
expected results.
Use the test package to create unit tests. For example:
import 'package:test/test.dart';
void main() {
test('Addition', () {
expect(2 + 2, equals(4));
});
● Widget Tests:
○ Test individual widgets to verify that they render correctly and respond to user
interactions.
import 'package:your_app/main.dart';
void main() {
await tester.pumpWidget(MyApp());
});
● Integration Tests:
○ Test the entire application flow, simulating real user interactions and verifying
end-to-end functionality.
○ Use the integration_test package to write integration tests. Run these tests on a real
device or emulator to capture the full user experience.
3. Running Tests
● Run tests using the command line:
○ Unit and Widget Tests: Use flutter tests to execute unit and widget tests.
○ Integration Tests: Use flutter drive --target=test_driver/app.dart to run integration
tests, where app.dart is the entry point for your tests.
● Monitor test results in the console for errors or failures, and use the output to diagnose
issues.
Developing and testing Flutter applications require a robust understanding of how to build
and run apps on both emulators and physical devices. This section outlines the essential
steps to effectively set up and utilize emulators and physical devices for testing your Flutter
applications.
Setting Up an Emulator:
To run your Flutter app on an emulator, you'll first need to create and configure an Android or
iOS emulator.
● Android Emulator:
○ Open Android Studio and navigate to Tools > AVD Manager.
○ Click on Create Virtual Device and select a device definition.
○ Choose a system image (preferably the latest stable version) and finish the setup.
○ Start the emulator by clicking the play button in the AVD Manager.
● iOS Simulator (macOS only):
○ Open Xcode and navigate to Xcode > Open Developer Tool > Simulator.
○ Select a device from the hardware menu or create a new one.
● Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to your Flutter project directory.
● This command automatically detects the running emulator and builds the app for that
environment. You can also specify which device to use by adding the -d flag followed by the
device ID.
● After making code changes, simply save the file, and the emulator will automatically
reflect those changes.
● If you need to reset the application state, use Hot Restart by typing r in the terminal
where your app is running.
● Android Devices:
○ Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone, tap on the Build number
seven times to unlock Developer Options.
○ Enable USB Debugging: In Settings > Developer options, enable USB debugging.
○ Connect your device to your computer via USB.
● iOS Devices (macOS only):
○ Ensure you have an Apple Developer account and have set up Xcode.
○ Open Xcode and connect your iOS device.
○ In Xcode, select your device from the list of available devices.
● Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to your Flutter project directory.
● If multiple devices are connected, you can specify which one to use by adding the -d flag
followed by the device ID.
flutter doctor
This command checks your Flutter installation and connected devices for any issues,
providing guidance on how to resolve them.
5.4 Deploying Apps to Google Play Store and Apple App Store
Deploying your Flutter application to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store is the final
step in bringing your app to users. This section outlines the necessary steps and best
practices for successfully deploying your app on both platforms.
Flutter Build:
First, ensure your Flutter app is ready for production. Run the following command to build
the release version of your app:
flutter build apk # For Android
Versioning:
Update the version number and build number in your app's pubspec.yaml file for Flutter
projects:
version: 1.0.0+1 # Format: x.y.z+build_number
● Sign up for a Google Play Developer account at the Google Play Console. There is a
one-time registration fee.
● Create a new application in the Play Console and fill in the required information:
● After uploading, review your app's information and click on Start rollout to
production. This will make your app available on the Google Play Store.
● Enroll in the Apple Developer Program at the Apple Developer website. This requires
an annual fee.
● Open your Flutter project in Xcode by navigating to the ios directory and opening the
.xcworkspace file.
● Update your app's bundle identifier in Xcode. This should be unique and follow the
format: com.yourcompany.appname.
● Once the archiving process is complete, the Organizer window will open. From here,
you can validate and distribute your app.
● Fill out the required information for your app listing, including app name, description,
keywords, and screenshots.
Step 5: Review and Release
● Once your app has been reviewed and approved by Apple, you can release it to the
App Store.
4. Post-Deployment Activities
● Monitoring and Analytics: After deployment, monitor your app's performance using
tools like Firebase Analytics or Google Analytics.
● User Feedback: Encourage user feedback and reviews to improve your app.
● Updates: Regularly update your app to fix bugs, introduce new features, and improve
performance.
5. Conclusion
Table of Content
1. Objective
The objective of this project is to develop a fully functional e-commerce mobile application
using Flutter. The application will allow users to browse products, add them to a cart, make
secure payments, and manage their orders efficiently.
● Develop a cart system where users can add, remove, and update products.
● Implement state management using Provider or Riverpod.
6. Deployment
● Prepare the app for deployment on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
● Generate necessary assets (app icons, screenshots) and optimize performance.
7. Conclusion
8. References
1. Koul, A., & Ahuja, S. (2022). Flutter complete reference: Create beautiful,
natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single
codebase (2nd ed.). Apress.
2. Lutfiyya, Z. (2021). Dart and Flutter: The complete guide to building beautiful
apps (1st ed.). Independently published.
3. Degenhardt, T. (2022). Flutter in action (2nd ed.). Manning Publications.
4. Nallamothu, B. (2021). Building applications with Flutter: A practical guide for
beginners (1st ed.). Packt Publishing.
5. Wanshura, K. (2023). Learn Flutter & Dart to build amazing apps (1st ed.).
Independently published.
6. Flutter. (n.d.). Flutter SDK. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from
https://flutter.dev/docs/get-started/install
7. Dart. (n.d.). Dart SDK. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from
https://dart.dev/get-dart
8. Visual Studio Code. (n.d.). Visual Studio Code. Retrieved February 18, 2025,
from https://code.visualstudio.com/
9. Android Developers. (n.d.). Android Studio. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from
https://developer.android.com/studio
10.Flutter. (n.d.). Flutter DevTools. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from
https://flutter.dev/docs/development/tools/devtools/overview
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