I want to learn Android (with Kotlin) ... should I focus on Jetpack or the old XML style?

Eric_the_Cerise
Thu, 21 Dec 2023 07:21:29 +0000

I am an experienced programmer (mostly M$ stack -- C#, etc).

I started learning mobile Android development a few months ago, learning both Kotlin and the larger Android development environment at the same time. I got bogged down in tutorials and guides, because half of them teach Jetpack Compose methodology and half teach XML layout ... and, often enough, don't bother to mention which method they're using.

Which should I learn first? I am initially interested in learning Android dev for my own hobby/fun/side projects, but I would--ultimately--like to be able to put "Android developer" on my resume.

Jetpack definitely looks better, more modern, more OO, and I expect it will eventually become the new standard ... but that could still be many years down the road. Also, while it might be "better"--especially for larger projects--it also smells more complicated.

So, ultimately, I guess I should learn both if I actually intend to become an Android dev ... but I should definitely get comfortable with one, first ... so, which one?

Comments URL: https://tildes.net/~comp/1d1c/i_want_to_learn_android_with_kotlin_should_i_focus_on_jetpack_or_the_old_xml_style

Votes: 11

Comments: 9