SkillDash APK - Native Android Wrapper

This repository contains the native Android APK wrapper for SkillDash, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge the skill gap for university and college students.

🎯 About SkillDash

SkillDash transforms career preparation into an engaging, gamified journey—helping you convert academic knowledge into real-world skills and connecting you directly to economic opportunities.

✨ Core Features

Feature	Description
🔍 AI Skill Quest	Personalized AI-powered career analysis that asks strategic questions about your interests, aptitudes, and academic background to reveal hidden talents and suggest career paths tailored to the job market.
💰 Smart Coin System	A balanced resource management system ensuring sustainable access to premium AI-powered career insights while maintaining affordability for all students.
🎓 Learn Skills	Curated learning pathways and career courses tailored to your Skill Quest results and job market demands. Build job-ready skills employers actually need.
📄 AI Resume Feedback	Instant, actionable resume feedback from our AI Coach tailored to job openings. Get detailed analysis of effectiveness, ATS optimization, and improvement suggestions.
💼 Career Opportunities	Access to carefully curated part-time jobs, internships, and freelance opportunities specifically relevant to students. Build real-world experience while studying.

📱 About This Build

SkillDash APK provides a fullscreen native Android experience using:

• Capacitor - Modern framework for wrapping web apps as native mobile apps
• Next.js React - Cutting-edge frontend framework
• WebView - Embedded browser optimized for seamless app experience

Why Native App?

• ✅ Native Feel - Fullscreen display without browser chrome
• ✅ No Close Button - Feels like a true native app
• ✅ Portrait Optimized - Perfect layout for mobile devices
• ✅ Offline Support - Access cached content without connection
• ✅ Home Screen - Install directly to home screen like any Android app

🏗️ Architecture

skilldash-apk/
├── android/                         # Android native project (Capacitor)
│   ├── app/
│   │   ├── src/
│   │   │   ├── main/
│   │   │   │   ├── AndroidManifest.xml
│   │   │   │   ├── java/
│   │   │   │   └── res/              (App resources & layouts)
│   │   │   ├── test/                 (Unit tests)
│   │   │   └── androidTest/          (Instrumented tests)
│   │   └── build.gradle              (App build config)
│   ├── gradle/                       (Build tools)
│   ├── build.gradle                  (Root build config)
│   └── settings.gradle               (Project structure)
├── fdroid/                           # F-Droid configuration
│   ├── metadata.yml                  (App metadata)
│   └── build.yml                     (Build instructions)
├── capacitor.config.ts              # Capacitor configuration
├── build-apk.ps1                    # PowerShell build script
└── README.md                        # This file

📋 System Requirements

• Android Version: 8.0 (API 23) or higher
• RAM: 512 MB minimum
• Storage: ~50 MB for app installation
• Internet: Required for premium features (coins system)

🛠️ Technical Stack

• Framework: Capacitor 5.x
• Frontend: Next.js 14 with React & TypeScript
• Styling: Tailwind CSS
• Build System: Gradle 8.7.2
• Target SDK: Android 35 (latest)
• Minimum SDK: Android 23

🏗️ Build Configuration

Build Information

• Package Name: com.skilldash.live
• App ID: com.skilldash.live
• Version Code: 1
• Version Name: 1.0.0
• Compiled SDK: 35
• Target SDK: 35
• Minimum SDK: 23

Security Features

• ✅ Minification enabled for release builds
• ✅ ProGuard rules configured
• ✅ HTTPS enforced for server connections
• ✅ Internet permission only (no tracking permissions)

📦 Installation

For Users

The SkillDash APK is available through:

• F-Droid (coming soon)
• Official Website
• Direct APK downloads

For Developers

To build the APK locally:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/zaifears/skilldash-apk.git
cd skilldash-apk/apk

# Install dependencies
pnpm install

# Build the Next.js web app
pnpm build

# Sync Capacitor (copy web assets to Android)
npx cap sync

# Build release APK
cd android
./gradlew clean assembleRelease

# Output APK location
android/app/build/outputs/apk/release/app-release.apk

Prerequisites - Installation

Before building, ensure you have:

1. Java Development Kit (JDK) 21 LTS

   • Download from Oracle JDK
   • Or Eclipse Adoptium
   • Set JAVA_HOME environment variable
   • Verify: java -version

2. Android SDK

   • Download Android Studio
   • Or standalone Android SDK Tools
   • Install SDK Platform 35 and Build Tools 34
   • Set ANDROID_HOME environment variable
   • Verify: adb --version

3. Node.js 18+ and pnpm

   • Download Node.js LTS
   • Install pnpm: npm install -g pnpm
   • Verify: pnpm --version

4. Git

   • Download Git for Windows
   • Configure: git config --global user.name "Your Name" and git config --global user.email "your@email.com"

See SDK_AND_JDK_SETUP.md for detailed setup guide.

🔨 Build Commands

Complete Build Process (Windows PowerShell)

# 1. Navigate to project
cd skilldash-apk/apk

# 2. Install Node dependencies
pnpm install

# 3. Build Next.js web app
pnpm build

# 4. Sync with Capacitor (copies web assets to Android)
npx cap sync

# 5. Build Android APK
cd android

# Debug APK
./gradlew assembleDebug

# Release APK (signed)
./gradlew clean assembleRelease

Output Locations

# Debug APK
android/app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk

# Release APK (signed)
android/app/build/outputs/apk/release/app-release.apk

Using Gradle Wrapper Directly

# Navigate to android folder
cd android

# Debug build
cmd /c gradlew.bat assembleDebug

# Release build (signed)
cmd /c gradlew.bat clean assembleRelease

📋 Build Configuration Details

APK Signing

The release APK is signed using a keystore file:

Keystore: skilldash.keystore
Algorithm: RSA 2048-bit
Validity: 10,000 days (~27 years)
Alias: skilldash

Note: The keystore file is NOT committed to git (added to .gitignore for security). Developers need their own keystore for local builds.

To create a keystore for local development:

# Create a new keystore (valid for 10,000 days)
$keytoolPath = "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-21\bin\keytool.exe"
& $keytoolPath -genkey -v -keystore "skilldash.keystore" `
  -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 10000 `
  -alias skilldash `
  -storepass "your_password" `
  -keypass "your_password" `
  -dname "CN=Your Name,O=Your Organization,C=Your Country"

Update android/app/build.gradle with your keystore credentials.

Build Types

Debug Build:

• Unsigned APK
• ~10-15 MB
• Useful for testing
• Fast build time

Release Build:

• Signed APK (~9.5 MB)
• Minified with R8
• Ready for distribution
• Longer build time (5-10 minutes)

✅ Latest Build Status

Version 1.0.0 Release APK - Successfully Built

Build Date: November 23, 2025
Build Type: Release (signed)
APK Size: 9.5 MB
Package: com.skilldash.live
Build Duration: ~2m 42s

Gradle Version: 8.10.2
Build Tools: 34.0.0
Android SDK Platform: 35
Java: JDK 21 LTS

Status: ✅ BUILD SUCCESSFUL
Location: android/app/build/outputs/apk/release/app-release.apk

Build Process Summary

1. ✅ Pnpm dependencies installed
2. ✅ Next.js web app built (pnpm build)
3. ✅ Capacitor sync executed (npx cap sync)
   • Web assets copied to Android resources
   • Capacitor plugins configured
4. ✅ Gradle clean build initiated
   • Android SDK Platform 35 auto-installed
   • Android Build Tools 34 auto-installed
5. ✅ Java compilation completed
   • Capacitor Android library compiled
   • Capacitor Cordova plugins compiled
   • App source code compiled
6. ✅ R8 minification applied
   • Code optimized and obfuscated
   • APK size reduced
7. ✅ APK signed with release keystore
   • RSA 2048-bit signature applied
   • Package signed and aligned

📋 Configuration Files

capacitor.config.ts

• App ID and name settings
• Web directory configuration
• Plugin settings (splash screen, HTTP)
• Server settings

android/app/build.gradle

Gradle build configuration including:

• SDK versions (min: 23, target: 35, compile: 35)
• Version information
• Dependencies (AndroidX, Capacitor)
• Build types (debug, release)

android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml

Android app manifest with:

• App permissions (INTERNET only)
• Activity configuration
• Portrait orientation lock
• File provider setup

🧪 Testing

On Physical Device

# Connect device with USB debugging enabled
adb install android/app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk

On Emulator

1. Create and launch Android Emulator in Android Studio
2. Run the install command above

Verification Checklist

• ✅ App launches fullscreen
• ✅ No close button visible
• ✅ Portrait orientation maintained
• ✅ Navigation works smoothly
• ✅ All features accessible

🌟 Key Features Deep Dive

🔍 AI Skill Quest

Strategic multi-question AI conversation analyzing your:

• Creative interests and aptitudes
• Academic strengths
• Practical skills comfort levels
• Work style preferences
• Career priorities

Results in comprehensive career recommendations tailored to job market realities.

💰 Coin System

Balanced approach to platform sustainability:

• Premium AI-powered analysis requires minimal coin investment
• Ensures high-quality, personalized career guidance
• Supports platform maintenance and AI model improvements
• Transparent resource requirements

📄 AI Resume Feedback

Strategic career advice including:

• Resume effectiveness analysis
• ATS system compatibility checks
• Keyword optimization for job searches
• Industry-specific formatting recommendations
• Local hiring practice insights

💼 Career Opportunities

Curated portal offering:

• Part-time positions aligned with academic schedules
• Internship opportunities for skill development
• Freelance projects for portfolio building
• Fair compensation and growth potential
• Real-world experience opportunities

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🔗 Links

• Website: https://skilldash.live
• GitHub (APK): https://github.com/zaifears/skilldash-apk
• Issues: https://github.com/zaifears/skilldash-apk/issues
• Discussions: https://github.com/zaifears/skilldash-apk/discussions

📚 Documentation

Additional documentation available in this repository:

• APK_BUILD_GUIDE.md - Complete build instructions
• SDK_AND_JDK_SETUP.md - Environment setup
• SETUP_CHECKLIST.md - Installation checklist
• WHY_NO_CLOSE_BUTTON.md - Technical details

🎯 Mission

Bridging the skills gap by making career development:

• Accessible - Core features available with transparent resource requirements
• Intelligent - AI-powered insights tailored to job market realities
• Practical - Real-world job market insights and actionable guidance
• Personalized - Individual career recommendations based on unique strengths

🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to:

• Report issues via GitHub Issues
• Submit pull requests with improvements
• Participate in Discussions

📞 Support

For questions and support:

• 📧 Email: alshahoriar.hossain@gmail.com
• 🌐 Website: https://skilldash.live
• 💬 Discussions: GitHub Discussions

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🚀 Ready to discover your career potential?
Join thousands of students building their future with SkillDash!

Visit Website • Report Issue • Discussions

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