Messages for an android user?

Hey there, I just purchased my first Macbook ever and it's easy to say I love it so far. I'm curious about the messages app though. I currently have an android phone so I'm guessing I cannot use it the way the tutorials explained, but I was wondering if I'd still be able to message other Macbook, iPhone, apple users on my Macbook only? If so would I simply put their phone number in or their apple ID?