Build Your Own Android Apps With MIT App Inventor

App Inventor is a blocks-based programming language similar to Scratch that allows you to create simple apps for Android phones and tablets. It feels much more grown-up than Scratch, and it’s appropriate for middle-schoolers on up to adults. App Inventor was originally created by Google but is now maintained by MIT. It’s great as a hobby, and hopefully will help me introduce my kids to programming when they’re ready. 

With App Inventor’s drag-and-drop interface, you can easily build a simple app in less than an hour. And if you’re not a beginner, there are lots of advanced features available for those with more programming experience. A ton of resources including tutorials and instructions for sample apps can be found atappinventor.org. This simple I Have a Dream app is a great place for beginners to start, and it’s perfect timing for African-American History Month.

What do you need to get started?

Getting up and running in App Inventor is pretty simple. All you need are the following:

• An Android phone or tablet - You can actually use App Inventor without it, as there is a built-in emulator for testing apps, but it’s fairly limited.
• A browser and internet connection - App Inventor is cloud-based, but you can also download an offline version if you really need to.
• The MIT AI2 Companion app - You install this app on your Android phone or tablet, and it allows you to easily test out your app while you’re designing and building it. If you don’t have wifi, you can also connect your phone or tablet to your computer via USB.
• A Google account - You need a Google account to login to App Inventor. If you’re an Android user, chances are you have a Google account.