Hey, I’m Mohammad Rifatujjaman — an Android app developer who’s passionate about building tools that make life easier for students.
I didn’t start out with big goals or a huge team. I just knew that students around me were facing problems — and I had the skills to build something that could help. Over the years, I’ve created PDF readers, MCQ systems, notice boards, and more — and these apps are now used by thousands.
This post isn’t a tutorial. It’s my personal process — the steps I take, the lessons I’ve learned, and the mindset I use when building something that matters.
🚀 1. Start With the Problem
I don’t randomly decide to build an app.
Instead, I ask: "What are students struggling with right now?"
No stable internet? → Offline PDF app.
Need easy MCQ practice? → Build a lightweight quiz system.
Don’t get updates on time? → Add a real-time notice board.
Start small. Start real.
🧠 2. Sketch Before You Code
Before touching Android Studio, I visualize.
Usually on Figma or even pen & paper. I focus on:
Clean UI
One-click access to features
Font sizes that work on low-end phones
Bangla-friendly layouts when needed
It’s not about how it looks to me — it’s about how it feels to the user.
🔐 3. Prioritize Security
Even for free apps, I treat data with care:
Secure login systems (email, tokens)
PHP & Firebase API validation
Sanitized inputs and no exposed credentials
Security is a responsibility — not a feature.
⚙️ 4. The Stack I Use
For those who like tech details:
Java + XML for Android frontend
PHP or Firebase for backend
MySQL for DB
Custom admin panel for app content (made myself, no Laravel required 😉)
I keep it simple, but solid.
🧩 5. Feedback Is Everything
I never assume my first version is perfect.
I:
Watch crash reports
Read Play Store reviews
Ask students what they liked or didn’t
Update regularly (even for small things)
Every piece of feedback is a free masterclass.
💡 6. Things I’ve Learned (The Hard Way)
Don’t overbuild — one great feature > five weak ones
Support budget phones first
Make the UI easy enough for your non-techy cousin
Keep learning — from tutorials and mistakes
I’ve learned more from failures than success.
🎯 Final Words
I’m not here to chase followers. I just want my apps to be useful.
If you’re a dev who’s just starting out:
Don’t wait for the “perfect idea.” Build for the people around you. That’s how impact starts.
Thanks for reading,
— Mohammad Rifatujjaman
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