The Indie Hacker's Guide to Android Development
A practical guide to building and launching Android apps as a solo developer, from idea validation to Google Play Store success.
Building Android apps as a solo developer requires a different mindset than working on a team. Here’s what I’ve learned from launching multiple apps independently.
Validate Before You Build
The biggest mistake I see indie developers make is building features nobody wants. Before writing code:
- Talk to potential users
- Look for existing solutions (and their weaknesses)
- Build a landing page and gauge interest
Choose Boring Technology
As a solo developer, you can’t afford to fight your tools. Stick with well-documented, stable technologies:
- Kotlin (not Java, not KMM for your first app)
- Jetpack Compose for UI
- Room for local data
- Retrofit for networking
Ship Fast, Iterate Faster
Your first version should be embarrassingly simple. Get it into users’ hands as quickly as possible, then iterate based on real feedback.
Marketing Starts Day One
Building a great app isn’t enough. Start building an audience before your app launches:
- Write about your development journey
- Share progress on social media
- Build in public
The apps that succeed aren’t always the best—they’re the ones that solve a real problem and reach the right people.