Online Shopping App using Jetpack Compose

Sandeep Gupta
by Sandeep Gupta -
Online Shopping App using Jetpack Compose

Table of contents

  1. What is an Online Shopping App?
  2. Types of online shopping app
  3. What is static and dynamic App?
  4. What is required for creating an online Shopping App?
  5. What is required for Creating an Online Shopping App (Static and Dynamic)?
  6. How to build a static online Shopping App using jetpack compose?

1. What is an Online Shopping App?

An online shopping app is a mobile application that allows users to browse, search, and purchase products or services online. It provides features like:
  • Browsing product catalogs.
  • Adding items to a shopping cart.
  • Checking out with various payment methods.
  • Tracking orders and viewing purchase history.
Examples: Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra.

2. Types of Online Shopping Apps

Based on Business Model

1. B2C (Business-to-Consumer):
  • Companies sell products directly to consumers.
  • Examples: Amazon, Walmart.
2. B2B (Business-to-Business):
  • Businesses sell products to other businesses.
  • Examples: Alibaba, IndiaMART.
4. C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer):
  • Consumers sell products to other consumers.
  • Examples: eBay, OLX.
4. Marketplace:
  • A platform connecting multiple sellers and buyers.
  • Examples: Etsy, Flipkart.

Based on Features

1. Static Shopping App:

  • Content is predefined and does not change dynamically.
  • Examples: A catalog app with fixed product lists and no real-time updates.

2. Dynamic Shopping App:

  • Updates content in real-time based on backend services or user interactions.
  • Examples: Apps with dynamic pricing, live inventory, and personalized recommendations.

3. What is a Static and Dynamic App?

Static App:

  • Content is fixed and does not interact with a database or server.
  • Suitable for showcasing fixed information like a product catalog or informational pages.
  • Example: A simple online shopping app displaying hardcoded product details.

Dynamic App:

  • Content changes based on user interactions and is connected to a backend server.
  • Features real-time data like inventory, user-specific recommendations, and personalized offers.
  • Example: Amazon, with real-time price updates and dynamic user interfaces.

4. What is required for creating an online Shopping App?

To create an online shopping app, you need:

Technical Requirements:

  1. Programming Language: Kotlin (for Android).
  2. Framework: Jetpack Compose for UI development.
  3. Backend Services: To handle data storage, authentication, and business logic (e.g., Firebase, Node.js, or Python-based frameworks like Django/Flask).
  4. Database: For storing user data, products, orders (e.g., Firebase Firestore, MySQL).
  5. Payment Gateway Integration: For processing payments (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
  6. APIs: To connect the app to backend services and external systems.
  7. Version Control: Git for code management.

Non-Technical Requirements:

  1. Business Plan: Define your target audience, product categories, and pricing strategy.
  2. UI/UX Design: Create user-friendly designs using tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
  3. Legal Requirements: Ensure compliance with e-commerce laws, tax regulations, and privacy policies.

5. Requirements for Creating an Online Shopping App (Static and Dynamic)

1. Common Requirements (For Both Static and Dynamic Apps)

1. Frontend Framework:
  • Use Jetpack Compose to build the app's user interface with modern, declarative UI components.
2. Design Tools:
  • Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Canva to prototype the app's UI/UX.
3. Development Environment:
  • Android Studio with Kotlin as the programming language.
  • Enable Jetpack Compose when setting up the project.
4. Static Data Storage:
  • For static apps, store data (e.g., product details, prices) as hardcoded objects, in a JSON file, or as a local SQLite database.
5. Navigation:
  • Use Compose Navigation to handle screen transitions, e.g., Home → Product Details → Cart.
6. Basic Features:
  • Product listing screen.
  • Product details screen.
  • Cart functionality (add/remove products).
7. Testing Tools:
  • Use Android Emulator or a physical device for app testing.
  • Debug with tools like Logcat in Android Studio.

Additional Requirements for a Static Online Shopping App

Static apps do not connect to a backend or have real-time updates. They are suitable for apps with fixed content.

1. Static Product Data:

Store products, prices, and images directly in the app as constants or JSON files.

val productList = listOf(
    Product("Shirt", 29.99, R.drawable.shirt),
    Product("Pants", 49.99, R.drawable.pants)
)

2. No Backend:

  • All content is preloaded within the app.
  • No need for APIs, servers, or databases.
3. Simplified Features:
  • Shopping cart functionality with local state (e.g., using Compose’s remember or rememberSaveable).
4. Limited Interactivity:
  • Static filtering/sorting options.
  • No user-specific recommendations or dynamic updates.

Additional Requirements for a Dynamic Online Shopping App

Dynamic apps fetch or update data in real-time using backend services. They offer personalized experiences and scalability. 
1. Backend Server:
  • A backend service like Firebase, Node.js, or Django to handle product data, user authentication, and orders.
2. Database:
  • Firebase Firestore or MySQL for storing user details, product information, and order history.
3. APIs:
  • Build RESTful or GraphQL APIs to connect the app to the backend.
Example: An API to fetch product categories, user carts, and order statuses.
4. Authentication:
  • Use Firebase Authentication or OAuth for login/signup (Google, Facebook, etc.).
5. Real-Time Features:
  • Show dynamic content like personalized product recommendations or real-time inventory updates.
  • Integrate push notifications (e.g., for order status updates).
6. Payment Gateway:
  • Integrate secure payment services like Stripe, PayPal, or Razorpay.
7. Cloud Services:
  • Use Firebase Storage or Amazon S3 for storing product images.
8. Version Control:
  • Use GitHub or GitLab for managing code and collaborating with a team.

Feature Comparison: Static vs. Dynamic Online Shopping App


Feature Static App Dynamic App
Data Storage Hardcoded or local storage (JSON/SQLite). Remote database (Firebase, MySQL).
Real-Time Updates Not supported. Fully supported via APIs and backend.
User Authentication Not required. Required for user-specific features.
Product Catalog Fixed and predefined. Dynamically fetched and updated.
Recommendations No personalization. No personalization. Personalized suggestions based on user data.
Payment Integration Optional. Required for handling real transactions.
Scalability Limited (fixed content). Highly scalable with backend integration.

Tools and Libraries for Both Static and Dynamic Apps

1. Frontend:
  • Jetpack Compose: UI development.
  • Material Design Components: Consistent design.
2. Navigation:
  • Jetpack Compose Navigation: For screen transitions.
3. State Management:
  • Static: remember or rememberSaveable.
  • Dynamic: Use ViewModel and LiveData or StateFlow.
4. Backend Integration (Dynamic Only):
  • Retrofit or Ktor: For API calls.
  • Firebase SDK: For authentication, database, and storage.

Steps to Transition from Static to Dynamic App

  1. Replace hardcoded data with API calls.
  2. Integrate a database for storing user-generated data (e.g., orders, user profiles).
  3. Add user authentication for personalized content.
  4. Introduce real-time updates using WebSockets or Firebase Realtime Database.
  5. Optimize the app for scalability and performance.
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