Introduction to Android graphics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-android-graphics

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to Android Graphics on Coursera #### Overview If you’re looking to dive into the captivating world of graphics within Android development, "Introduction to Android Graphics" is an excellent starting point. This course serves as a foundational guide to understanding both 2D and 3D graphics in the Android ecosystem. It not only elucidates key concepts but also emphasizes practical implementation, making it an ideal launch pad for those interested in advanced graphics techniques like OpenGL or Virtual Reality. #### Course Structure and Content The course is neatly divided into three distinct modules that build upon one another, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. **Module 1: 2D Graphics** The course kicks off with a detailed exploration of 2D graphics. Here, you’ll get your feet wet with essential concepts such as canvas drawing functions and how to create basic objects utilizing color. The inclusion of affine transformations is particularly noteworthy as it allows learners to grasp the manipulation of shapes and layouts effectively. The practical approach, combined with surveyed examples, ensures that students learn not just theoretically but also how to apply these techniques in real-world scenarios. **Module 2: 3D Graphics** Once you've mastered 2D graphics, the course smoothly transitions to 3D graphics. This module builds on the previous one, introducing fundamental principles such as transformations, viewing, projections, and color application in three dimensions. What sets this module apart is its emphasis on the correlation between 2D and 3D graphics, ensuring that students can fluidly navigate between the two domains. **Module 3: Implementing 2D and 3D Graphics in Android** The final module culminates in a summative assignment that challenges you to create a dancing robot. This project is an exciting way to bring together everything you’ve learned from the previous modules. Not only does it assess your grasp of both 2D and 3D techniques, but it also encourages creativity and innovation, making the learning experience both engaging and rewarding. #### Recommendations This course stands out for several reasons: 1. **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The blend of theory and practical application ensures that learners develop a solid foundation. 2. **Progressive Learning**: The structured format, from 2D to 3D graphics, provides a clear learning pathway, making it ideal for beginners. 3. **Hands-On Projects**: The summative assignment not only reinforces your understanding but also allows for personal expression and creative problem-solving. 4. **Skill Application**: The skills acquired from this course are immediately applicable, whether you aim to pursue advanced graphics courses or implement graphics in actual user applications. #### Conclusion In conclusion, if you are an aspiring Android developer with a keen interest in graphics, "Introduction to Android Graphics" on Coursera is highly recommended. Its combination of theory, practical skills, and creative assignments gives it an edge over many introductory courses. By the end of this course, you'll possess a robust understanding of 2D and 3D graphics that will serve as a valuable asset in your development career. Whether you're aiming to create engaging apps or dive deeper into graphics programming, this course is the perfect gateway.

Syllabus

2D Graphics

Welcome to this first module. In this module, we'll cover the basics of 2D Graphics in Android. We'll use an example program I've created to cover: the canvas drawing functions, drawing basic objects with colours, and finally affine transformation.

In this module, we'll cover how to create 3D graphics in Android. We will build on what we learned in the last module on 2D graphics to look at the fundamentals of 3D graphics, including: transformations, viewing and projections, and colour.

In this final module, you will apply everything you have learned into a summative assignment where I'll ask you to create a dancing robot! This assessment will draw upon 2D and 3D graphics so I suggest you review the materials from the previous two modules if you need to.