Almost every tech enthusiast has dreamed of creating an app that's both visually appealing and functionally robust. And if you have an innovative idea for an app, it's the perfect opportunity to turn your vision into a reality, as mobile apps are expected to generate a staggering $693 billion by 2021.

However, what often holds us back from creating apps is the lack of expertise. While outsourcing app development can be costly, becoming a skilled mobile app developer yourself can open up new possibilities. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to develop an app or a newcomer eager to learn, it's essential to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.

This article will introduce you to 20 free online courses that'll help you get started with mobile app development. Before diving into these resources, let's explore how long it takes to learn app development.

How Long Does It Take to Learn App Development?

While learning app development is a continuous process, estimates can vary significantly. The time it takes to master app development depends on the complexity of each course, your prior experience in programming, and the level of dedication you bring to the table.

For instance, creating a basic gallery app might only take a few hours, but developing complex apps that incorporate advanced features like location services, graphics, and more can take several months. As a newbie, it's essential to start with the basics and gradually build your skills.

Where Can I Learn App Development for Free?

While self-learning through YouTube tutorials and developer forums can be effective, enrolling in an app development course provides structure and guidance. Here are 20 top online courses that allow you to learn mobile app development for free:

Top 10 Free Android App Development Courses

  1. Android Basics in Kotlin: This free course offered by Google Codelabs is designed for beginners with no prior programming experience. You'll learn the fundamentals of Android app development using Android Studio and Kotlin.
  2. Fundamentals of Google Android Development: This Alison course covers the basics of Android development, including architectural overview, lifecycle, and APIs. You'll also learn how to use different development tools like IntelliJ, Eclipse, and Netbeans.
  3. Mobile App Development in 27 Minutes: Android: Udemy's 27-minute course lets you develop a basic Android app, starting from installing the Android Studio to storing preferences. This is an excellent introduction for those new to programming.
  4. Become an Android Developer from Scratch: This free Udemy course helps you learn Android programming from scratch and covers topics like building high-quality apps and deploying them on the Google Play Store.
  5. Android Kotlin Fundamentals: Ideal for beginners in Kotlin programming, this course teaches app layouts, activity and fragment life cycles, and connecting your app to the internet.
  6. Android Developer Fundamentals: This course by the Google Developers Training team covers basic Android programming concepts, including building various apps using Java.
  7. Developing Android Apps with Kotlin: Developed by Google in association with Udacity, this course provides hands-on experience in creating Android apps that meet industry standards.
  8. Advanced Android Development: This advanced-level course offers a comprehensive understanding of Android development, covering topics like memory management and hierarchy viewing.

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