Android + Springboot + mysql

To become a hirable Android developer skilled in Jetpack Compose, Spring Boot with Kotlin, and MySQL through project-based learning, follow this structured roadmap. The goal is to build a strong portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills in these technologies, as well as a solid understanding of Android development and backend integration. The roadmap assumes you have basic programming knowledge (e.g., Kotlin or Java) but are new to these specific technologies.
Roadmap to Become an Android Developer (Jetpack Compose + Spring Boot with Kotlin + MySQL)
Phase 1: Foundational Skills (1-2 Months)
Goal: Learn the basics of Kotlin, Android development, Jetpack Compose, Spring Boot, and MySQL.
Learn Kotlin Basics (1-2 weeks)
Resources:
Kotlin Koans for hands-on practice
Key Topics:
Variables, data types, functions, classes, null safety
Collections, lambdas, coroutines (basic understanding)
Mini Project: Build a simple Kotlin console app (e.g., a to-do list manager with basic CRUD operations).
Introduction to Android Development with Jetpack Compose (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
Android Basics in Kotlin (free)
Jetpack Compose Pathway (free)
YouTube: Philipp Lackner’s Jetpack Compose tutorials
Key Topics:
Android Studio setup, project structure, Gradle
Jetpack Compose: Composables, state management, layouts, navigation
ViewModel, LiveData/Flow for data handling
Basic UI design principles
Mini Project: Build a Note-Taking App using Jetpack Compose with local storage (Room database) to practice CRUD operations and UI.
Learn Spring Boot with Kotlin (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
YouTube: FreeCodeCamp’s Spring Boot tutorial
Key Topics:
Spring Boot setup, REST APIs, dependency injection
Kotlin with Spring: Data classes, coroutines
Spring Data JPA for database interactions
Mini Project: Create a REST API for a to-do list app (e.g., endpoints for creating, reading, updating, deleting tasks).
Learn MySQL Basics (1 week)
Resources:
Key Topics:
Database setup, tables, queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)
Relationships (one-to-many, many-to-many)
Basic indexing and optimization
Mini Project: Design a MySQL database schema for a simple e-commerce app (e.g., tables for users, products, orders).
Phase 2: Intermediate Skills and Integration (2-3 Months)
Goal: Build projects integrating Android (Jetpack Compose), Spring Boot, and MySQL, focusing on real-world app patterns.
Advanced Jetpack Compose and Android Architecture (3-4 weeks)
Resources:
YouTube: Android Developers channel
Key Topics:
MVVM architecture, dependency injection (Hilt)
Room database, Retrofit for API calls
Coroutines and Flow for asynchronous programming
Pagination, WorkManager, permissions
Project: Build a Task Management App with Jetpack Compose, Room, and Retrofit to fetch data from a mock API (e.g., JSONPlaceholder). Include features like task categories, due dates, and offline support.
Spring Boot and MySQL Integration (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
Key Topics:
Connecting Spring Boot to MySQL
Building secure REST APIs (JWT authentication)
Error handling, validation, logging
Project: Extend the to-do list API from Phase 1 to include user authentication (JWT), MySQL storage, and additional features like task priorities and categories.
Networking and Full-Stack Integration (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
Key Topics:
Consuming REST APIs in Android with Retrofit
Handling API errors, caching, and retries
Testing APIs with Postman
Project: Build a Full-Stack E-Commerce App:
Frontend: Android app with Jetpack Compose for product browsing, cart, and user profile.
Backend: Spring Boot REST API with MySQL for managing products, users, and orders.
Features: User login, product search, add to cart, and order history.
Phase 3: Portfolio Development and Advanced Topics (2-3 Months)
Goal: Create polished, portfolio-worthy projects and prepare for job applications.
Advanced Android Features (3-4 weeks)
Resources:
Key Topics:
Custom Composables, animations, theming
Push notifications (Firebase)
Performance optimization (memory leaks, lazy loading)
Project: Build a Social Media Feed App with Jetpack Compose, including a timeline, post creation, and likes/comments (integrate with a Spring Boot backend).
Advanced Spring Boot and Deployment (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
Key Topics:
Dockerizing Spring Boot apps
Deploying to cloud platforms (Heroku, AWS, or Railway)
API documentation with Swagger
Project: Deploy the e-commerce backend from Phase 2 to a cloud platform and integrate it with the Android app.
Capstone Portfolio Project (3-4 weeks)
Project Idea: Build a Fitness Tracker App (or choose a domain you’re passionate about):
Frontend (Android): Jetpack Compose for workout tracking, progress charts, and user profiles.
Backend (Spring Boot): REST API for user data, workout plans, and progress tracking, stored in MySQL.
Features:
User authentication (JWT)
Real-time workout logging
Push notifications for workout reminders
Data visualization (charts for progress)
Extras:
Write unit tests for the backend (JUnit, Mockito)
Optimize the app for performance
Deploy the backend to a cloud service
Deliverable: A polished app with clean code, hosted on GitHub, and a live demo (backend deployed).
Phase 4: Job Preparation and Application (1-2 Months)
Goal: Polish your portfolio, prepare for interviews, and apply for jobs.
Build a Professional Portfolio (1-2 weeks)
Create a GitHub repository for each project with:
Clean, well-documented code
READMEs explaining the project, tech stack, and setup instructions
Screenshots or a short demo video
Host your portfolio on a personal website (e.g., GitHub Pages or Netlify) or LinkedIn.
Example Projects to Showcase:
Note-Taking App (Phase 1)
Task Management App (Phase 2)
E-Commerce App (Phase 2)
Social Media Feed App (Phase 3)
Fitness Tracker App (Phase 3)
Learn Interview Skills (2-3 weeks)
Resources:
LeetCode for coding problems (focus on Kotlin)
Key Topics:
Data structures and algorithms (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs)
System design (REST API design, database schema)
Android-specific questions (Activity lifecycle, Jetpack Compose vs. XML, coroutines)
Spring Boot questions (dependency injection, JPA, REST)
Practice mock interviews on platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io.
Apply for Jobs (Ongoing)
Where to Apply:
Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor
Tech companies: Google, Meta, Amazon, startups
Freelance platforms: Upwork, Toptal (for experience)
Tips:
Tailor your resume to highlight your projects and skills (Jetpack Compose, Spring Boot, MySQL).
Write cover letters emphasizing your full-stack Android development experience.
Network on LinkedIn and X by sharing your projects and engaging with Android communities.
Contribute to Open Source:
Find Android or Spring Boot projects on GitHub and contribute small fixes or features.
Example: Contribute to open-source Jetpack Compose libraries or Spring Boot starters.
Suggested Timeline
Total Duration: 6-10 months (depending on prior knowledge and time commitment)
Phase 1: 1-2 months (foundational skills)
Phase 2: 2-3 months (intermediate skills and integration)
Phase 3: 2-3 months (portfolio development)
Phase 4: 1-2 months (job preparation and applications)
Tools and Technologies
IDE: Android Studio (Android), IntelliJ IDEA (Spring Boot)
Database: MySQL Workbench
Version Control: Git, GitHub
API Testing: Postman
Cloud Deployment: Heroku, AWS, or Railway
CI/CD (optional): GitHub Actions for automated testing
Tips for Success
Consistency: Dedicate 10-20 hours per week to learning and coding.
Community: Join Android and Kotlin communities on Discord, Reddit, or X for support and networking.
Documentation: Write clean code and document your projects well to impress recruiters.
Stay Updated: Follow Android and Spring Boot updates via blogs (e.g., Android Developers Blog, Spring Blog).
Sample Portfolio GitHub Structure
/portfolio
/note-taking-app
/android (Jetpack Compose, Room)
README.md
/e-commerce-app
/android (Jetpack Compose, Retrofit)
/backend (Spring Boot, MySQL)
README.md
/fitness-tracker-app
/android (Jetpack Compose, Firebase)
/backend (Spring Boot, MySQL, JWT)
README.md
By completing this roadmap, you’ll have a strong portfolio of full-stack Android apps, hands-on experience with Jetpack Compose, Spring Boot, and MySQL, and the skills to land an Android developer role. If you need help with specific projects or resources, let me know!
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Written by

Singaraju Saiteja
Singaraju Saiteja
I am an aspiring mobile developer, with current skill being in flutter.