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.

  1. Learn Kotlin Basics (1-2 weeks)

  2. Introduction to Android Development with Jetpack Compose (2-3 weeks)

    • Resources:

    • 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.

  3. Learn Spring Boot with Kotlin (2-3 weeks)

    • Resources:

    • 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).

  4. 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.

  1. Advanced Jetpack Compose and Android Architecture (3-4 weeks)

    • Resources:

    • 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  1. 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)

  2. Learn Interview Skills (2-3 weeks)

    • Resources:

    • 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.

  3. 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.