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What do i need to know

if i want to programm an app for Android.
Is it Java or C++ ? I read that with the new SDK you can use C++ is that right? Or can u only use it for some special parts?
Sry for this noob question:_/

I suggest you invest in this book,
http://www.amazon.com/Android-Application-Development-Dummies-Computer/dp/047077018X
The Kindle version's probably a little cheaper.

android development is done in java unless you want to use the ndk

generalamerica said:
I suggest you invest in this book,
http://www.amazon.com/Android-Application-Development-Dummies-Computer/dp/047077018X
The Kindle version's probably a little cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need a book, just go to developer.android.com.
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Hi,
thanks for your replies.
Do i need to learn Java seperately or can i start with the dummie book?
Why i dont need java for the NDK?
ok i saw that i can find there (developer.android.com.) some Tutorials and sample codes. But if i know nothing about Java - is this the right start? Or was i just in the wrong section (i was in resources)

eaglesuper said:
Hi,
thanks for your replies.
Do i need to learn Java seperately or can i start with the dummie book?
Why i dont need java for the NDK?
ok i saw that i can find there (developer.android.com.) some Tutorials and sample codes. But if i know nothing about Java - is this the right start? Or was i just in the wrong section (i was in resources)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're good with c++ then learning Java should be pretty easy. In fact extremely easy since you don't have to worry about memory management and the whole pointers/references/etc thing is straightforward in java.
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So your response according to the question i throw in is, that i need to learn Java first, right ?
I'm not good in C++ I just started once, but didn't read more than the first 100 pages in the book xDD
If there's nobody you can talk to, about programming - it's kind of boring and isolating D

eaglesuper said:
So your response according to the question i throw in is, that i need to learn Java first, right ?
I'm not good in C++ I just started once, but didn't read more than the first 100 pages in the book xDD
If there's nobody you can talk to, about programming - it's kind of boring and isolating D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes definitely learn java first Don't worry about c++. There are many good, free online java "books" that are great for learning. Once you are comfortable with Java then you can go through the tutorials on developer.android.com
Good luck!
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While I admire anyone wanting to learn how to write code, it's a little more complicated than that.
I'm a professional programmer...I know how to code in about 6 languages and picked-up Android about 3 months ago. While any programming is hard, developing for a smartphone is even harder in my opinion. I consider myself a complete beginner in Android irregardless of my background.
Programming is so much more than reading a book or some online tutorials. If that was the case, I would pick-up some books and become a plumber or electrician etc.
My advanced COBOL class started with 25 students; there were 10 left at the end
(and I would say that about 5 of the 10 were "pure" programmers)
That being said, it can be done...be prepared for a LOT of hard work, time and dedication. If you make it, it can be one of the most exciting things you do...creating something out of nothing!

Well sure, there's more to it than that, but where else is there to start? I started coding about 10 years ago, first with BASIC on my TI 83. I then picked up a few books on Java, C, Python and C++ and worked my way up from there. I haven't developed for Android yet, mostly out of lack of time, but I'm sure you're right in that it is probably more difficult. However, to say coding isn't more than reading a few tutorials is, to me, not correct. Unless you have the means to pursue CS classes, there's no other way to do it than to pick up a few books, read a few tutorials, watch a lecture here and there and just dive in.
It's easier now than every to learn how to code and you shouldn't try to discourage someone who is interested from diving in and seeing what they can write. Who's to say that you can't read a few books and become a decent plumber or electrician? I built up my car from books and wired houses from reading a few books and talking to electricians as well as learning how to design, build and solder circuit boards entirely from online resources.
I do agree with you though, in that learning how to code is a long and difficult journey that requires a lot of patience and hard work. You're going to have to invest a lot of free time if you want to learn properly, but trust me, it is completely worth it!
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

I really tired to make my point that it's not impossible and to not discourage anyone. It's "easy" to create a smartphone app as they are fairly short...get into some 20k, 40k, 100,000 lines of code programs and you will soon learn about complexity
To be more helpful:
1. Start out with the basic "Hello World" app
2. Create a program that takes some user input and writes it back out to the screen
3. Keep expanding your coding experience with new topics and Android features
For books, I really like 'Professional Android 2 Application Development" by Reto Meier For JAVA and C++, I don't think you can beat the Deitel and Dietel books.
Look for them on Amazon and then check "Prices New and Used". I got a brand spanking new "Objective C for JAVA developers for $1.99 + S&H!...like $5.00 total

I've heard head first java is a good book and was going to pick it up. Any thoughts? Has anyone else bought this book?

StyrofoamTumor said:
Well sure, there's more to it than that, but where else is there to start? I started coding about 10 years ago, first with BASIC on my TI 83. I then picked up a few books on Java, C, Python and C++ and worked my way up from there. I haven't developed for Android yet, mostly out of lack of time, but I'm sure you're right in that it is probably more difficult. However, to say coding isn't more than reading a few tutorials is, to me, not correct. Unless you have the means to pursue CS classes, there's no other way to do it than to pick up a few books, read a few tutorials, watch a lecture here and there and just dive in.
It's easier now than every to learn how to code and you shouldn't try to discourage someone who is interested from diving in and seeing what they can write. Who's to say that you can't read a few books and become a decent plumber or electrician? I built up my car from books and wired houses from reading a few books and talking to electricians as well as learning how to design, build and solder circuit boards entirely from online resources.
I do agree with you though, in that learning how to code is a long and difficult journey that requires a lot of patience and hard work. You're going to have to invest a lot of free time if you want to learn properly, but trust me, it is completely worth it!
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL I started as kid with BASIC and TI83 applications, too.
IMO It's not learning the languages that's so difficult, it's learning how to apply what algorithms, data structures, etc to solve a problem. Then there's the really involved details such as how compilers, OS managed memory and synchronization, etc work.

How do I become a developer?

I've been a member of XDA Forums since about October (when I got my vibrant). And I wad wondering how to become a developer. I feel like I should help contribute to this community instead of just being someone downloading and flashing. Im planning on majoring in computer science in college and I know it will help me with this type of stuff but I cant wait another year (Junior in high school)... I would really appreciate it if you guys would point me in the right direction or take me under your wing so I could pursue this interest.

dcaples002 said:
I've been a member of XDA Forums since about October (when I got my vibrant). And I wad wondering how to become a developer. I feel like I should help contribute to this community instead of just being someone downloading and flashing. Im planning on majoring in computer science in college and I know it will help me with this type of stuff but I cant wait another year (Junior in high school)... I would really appreciate it if you guys would point me in the right direction or take me under your wing so I could pursue this interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing computer science also to become a dev, I'm a senior! I have no idea, but I would love to dev also, I know it takes a lot of work though.

Step 1 - cut a hole in the box
step 2 - put your junk in the box
step 3 - make her open the box
step 4 - and that's how you do it (its my d$#* in a box)
haha naw i'm jk, I would like a clear way on how to dev specifically for the vibrant, I've seen a bunch of different ideas and tutorials on how to do it, but their specific for that phone, and its hard to comprehend on how to put the knowledge to the vibrant

Yea I know its alot of hard work but it will all pay off in the end.
I think it would be nice if one of the vibrant developers put up a video of how to become a developer and a video of him/her cooking up a rom. Im sure alot of people would take intrest to that. It would also give us enough knowledge to maybe be able to develop other phones or programs.

Learn your way around a linux box as it's pretty much necessary to compile source and what not. If you're wanting to develop programs for Android, learn some Java...
there's a few good e-books on amazon for android developing if you can learn from books.

I think you should start out with themes....so you know exactly which apks control what...which XMLs control what...then get some Linux knowledge so you can know how to tweak for speed....then start to learn some Java and Smali code....and do a sh*t load of research....i tried to create my own ROM based from official Vibrant source....MAJOR FAIL ...i think my phone went into shock ....but find someone who is willing to teach you...but make sure you're patient enough to learn.

Due to the nature of vibrant roms anyone can be a developer! That's a good and bad thing. Anyways... best way to learn is to learn Java. Android is built on it. It may not loom like it on the surface but it helps (ask whitehawk). Mr apocalypse's advice is probably the best.
Also a video is a horrible idea(no offense). It will empower people who have no business making roms to make them. Do you want people who don't know how to make a flashable zip making roms for your phone? It could potentially lead to bad things...
I was where you were a couple years ago (not that I'm much further ahead). Learn you some Linux. Learn you some theming and try and make a simple app for android.
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YANPAT (Yet Another Noob Programming for Android Thread)

Good afternoon,
I want to start learning programming for Android, as I am sure many before me have said. And as the title very well expresses, I am completely virginal in relation to programming. OK, some years ago I punched some Delphi lines, but what I learned about it can be amounted to zero
In order to commence the task, I count with a netbook, running Ubuntu 11.04, an Android phone (Xperia Play) and an Android tablet (Advent Vega), two "starting in Android" books, HTTrack in order to save websites for offline reading, a vacant summer, and the enthusiasm to learn something new. I don't have a specific goal in mind (is that a problem? Should I aim for something concrete to do as well?) but I think that, if I win certain knowledge, I will be able to create a useful app to share here.
The reason why I've opened this thread is because it should serve as a log of what I am doing concerning this endeavor, and maybe spark some support, some naysaying, some interesting discussions and some natter. At any rate, I hope to be able to contribute something good!

I am interested also. I was going to program for the iOS but can't bring myself to buy a MAC.
I have a lot of VB 6, VB.NET and Java - JSP development experience. My 10 year old daughter is a big gamer and wants to make games when she is older. I want to get her to help me make a small game so she can see what is involved in programming.
I still need to search for resources but if anyone has any good starter tutorials that would be great.
Sorry not trying to hijack your thread Logseman. Just don’t want to make more threads on the same topic.
Thanks

It's cool, in fact it'd be great if other people "out themselves" as potential programmers. It'd be a bit like a blog then, with the whole commenters sharing experiences . From what I've read your Java experience should make programming in Android quite easy, as the OS itself seems to be. I'm going to fire up my netbook and start the whole deployment. It can take the whole night easily...

After a whole night of downloads, I have deployed the SDK and eclipse on my netbook. They should make it more amenable, IMO, not only in this case but in installations in general. Installations are boring, as are videogame loading screens, but many of the latter feature something to make it worth your while.

I recently started android developing too (im 14 ) but since i was teaching myself it was hard to find a good book, but hello android by ed burnette easily teaches you how to make anything from 2D graphics to web views and 3D games. Tell me if you need a link, hope this helps

is that possible learn android programing without know any programing language before ?

kancil168 said:
is that possible learn android programing without know any programing language before ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can. At the end of the day you have to start somewhere. Why not Android ?

I have an EEPC netbook with Ubuntu Linux also. I think I will pull it out and see what I can do with it.
Does anyone think it would be good for this or should I use my HP windows laptop?
I hope we can get some feedback from some experienced Android Devs.

Well, I am happy to see people sparked by the same idea! I hope we all get to do something worthwhile!
Ncaissie, I'd recommend the Linux netbook. It's more portable, which is particularly important for your assistant if she wants to handle part of the process and I have to say, after instaling many Linux distros, I find Ubuntu 11.04 a perfectly stable, quick and efficient OS, much more than Windows or other Linux distros. I am in fact pleasantly surprised as I was unconvinced by Unity in 10.10. Aside of that, since you're programming in Android, which is a mixture of Java and Linux, it reduces the confusion if you work with a Linux host as well, in my opinion.
About the learning process, I've been reading a bit about Activities and Services and Android building blocks. I've decided on my first milestone: a "Hello XDA" app. If time allows, I will have it done before this weekend. If I can't post it after this weekend, I'll stall the project as it would be clear I am not focused enough.

14yrolddeveloper said:
I recently started android developing too (im 14 ) but since i was teaching myself it was hard to find a good book, but hello android by ed burnette easily teaches you how to make anything from 2D graphics to web views and 3D games. Tell me if you need a link, hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have read good reviews for this book but I decided that I would learn Java before android since I'm planning on taking computer science anyway.
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I was set to buy a cheapo Android phone as a development device. Turns out I made the worst choice: the Huawei U8110 Selina I chose seems to have issues about being recognised by ADB. Had I known this, I'd have taken some other one...

Fate conspires to keep me away from development Now my Xperia Play is not mounting the SDCards I feed it. I need to reflash it with FlashTool, but since I only had Linux installed on my computer and Flashtool requires Windows, I'm having to set up a dual boot environment, which implies wiping Linux, installing Windows and setting up two partitions, and then installing Linux again. Seriously, it's crap.

I really like this post,good luck with it.
Only one thing- I think it's important that you'd come with an idea for an app,rather than learning Android in general.
It will keep you motivated to move on and progress.

I've recently started developing for android too. While they get mildly bashed sometimes I've found that the apress books are pretty good. "Learn java for android development" by jeff friesen is long and very technical, and also requires that you be paying attention, but gets a pretty decent amount of java floating around inside your head before you even have to open up eclipse.
Honestly though I found it easier to work on a project and when I needed something that I didnt know to search around and find code snippets or dig through my books until I find the right answer and then move on to the next problem.
Good Luck
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tofira said:
I really like this post,good luck with it.
Only one thing- I think it's important that you'd come with an idea for an app,rather than learning Android in general.
It will keep you motivated to move on and progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have an idea in mind, and it is related with the security pattern grid. Is that part of Android opensourced?
Enviado desde mi VegaComb usando Tapatalk

I wasn't able to pick up the pace this weekend But my goal is clear for now. I'm up for a Hello XDA app.

Well, here comes my very first apk... plus source (complying with XDA's rules ) I managed to screw some things because I typed the code incorrectly. Eclipse moaned in two lines until I discovered two syntax mistakes. Just therefore, because I saw them, I think I did the proper thing in typing this example code even if I had it in front of me. I will try not to copy-paste code if I can avoid it.
I've installed HelloXDA in my XPlay and it works as intended, and per the source you can see there's no malware in the app. And I know that I'm making a bit of a fuss about a stupid HelloWorld app, but hey, it's MY HelloWorld app, I coded it

I like this thread. I'm also going into android programmins as a noob still in highschool. I've got a question: I am looking into creating a home screen replacement app, so what do you reccomend me to do: Learn java first or just read through the sections of the android books I've purchased that talk about homescreens?
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Start with something smaller than a homescreen. Mess around with some tutorials.

roblikeschocolatecake said:
I like this thread. I'm also going into android programmins as a noob still in highschool. I've got a question: I am looking into creating a home screen replacement app, so what do you reccomend me to do: Learn java first or just read through the sections of the android books I've purchased that talk about homescreens?
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what book is that?
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[Q] Coding Android Game - Where to Start?

Hello,
I would like to get into Android game development, mainly as a hobby, but given how obsessed I can get about hobbies I will not rule anything out! I have limited programming background (a bit of C, VBA, JavaScript...just the basics: variables, If/Else, For/While Loops, Arrays, functions, sub-routines etc..) but I tend to pick these things up fairly quickly....however I expect this to be a real long term project for me.
I have attempted to determine a sensible starting location and direction for a beginner to get started, but with so much information it really is a little overwhelming and I can't figure out what would be the most productive way to spend my time right now.
I gather that Android development requires Java knowledge, right? If yes, can anyone recommend any good websites/books with tutorials and code samples that can be used by someone who doesn't have an coding background already? To what sort level should I try to attain in Java before it's worth considering the Android specific side of development (I'm aware 'level' might be very hard to define!), or should I be thinking about these things in tandem from fairly early on?
If anyone has gone through a similar process, can you share your experiences? Pitfalls to avoid? Things not to overlook?
I have a couple of hours a night to dedicate to this for the foreseeable future, so any help filling that time efficiently would be much appreciated!
p.s. If there is a forum that is more suited to my question that I'm not aware of then please let me know!
Thanks!
Jess

I once wanted to become a droid developer too bro! I didn't get far though as I needed to focus on my day job more.
Anyway, what I did was learn about SDKs first. Just google it up, there are actually a lot of tutorials on the web. You'll need to be prepared to spend some money though for the SDKs.

you might get an idea here
http://marakana.com/s/intro_to_android_development_tutorial,1018/index.html
good luck

cepcamba said:
I once wanted to become a droid developer too bro! I didn't get far though as I needed to focus on my day job more.
Anyway, what I did was learn about SDKs first. Just google it up, there are actually a lot of tutorials on the web. You'll need to be prepared to spend some money though for the SDKs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, I noticed that google has it's own SDK, is it still worth investing in one of the other options?

shanman-2 said:
you might get an idea here
http://marakana.com/s/intro_to_android_development_tutorial,1018/index.html
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. I've watched the first three so far, and have Eclipse & the SDK manager set up now. It was interesting to see that Android code is actually compiled twice, and given that the second stage doesn't have to be Java, it means that you can write the apps/games in something else, e.g. C.
Do you have any advice regarding which language would be the most sensible to code with? Apparently C is much faster for some things, so maybe it would make sense to dedicate myself to learning that rather than Java?

I don't know which would be best. All I can say is that I am learning java at the moment and hope to move on to android soon!!
Interesting to note Oracle are in court with Google at the moment in regards to copyright infringement. Android really is not a programming language , it's a mix of other languages....

I recommend this book...
http://goo.gl/APX0w
You can obviously get it at other places, and cheaper than that too, but it's a great book. It covers setting up Eclipse and the Android SDK and gets you going with lots of the major elements of both Java and Android together.
I rate it, but I rate Sams books in general. They've always been good.

Looking to Develop Android Applications and Games

Yes, I've already searched the forums. I know there is a guide on here from a developer, but that doesn't leave as much open-endedness as I would like. I'm looking to learn to develop games and applications for the Android OS. I've spent the past week learning Java so that I could learn to develop for Android, but it seems to me that is only the tip of the ice berg. The question I have for you guys is how do I go about learning this stuff? I'm sure most of it is trial and error, but hell what can I try if I don't know where to start?
I know you guys probably get this type of question all the time, but I'm not wanting to take the easy "can you basically code it for me route?". I really want to make the game I have in mind and it's fleshed itself a bit more since I actually learned the backbone of the stuff as well. I've seen The New Boston stuff, but that guy doesn't seem to know what he's talking about. He calls > the less than sign and vice versa. :\

aquaars said:
Yes, I've already searched the forums. I know there is a guide on here from a developer, but that doesn't leave as much open-endedness as I would like. I'm looking to learn to develop games and applications for the Android OS. I've spent the past week learning Java so that I could learn to develop for Android, but it seems to me that is only the tip of the ice berg. The question I have for you guys is how do I go about learning this stuff? I'm sure most of it is trial and error, but hell what can I try if I don't know where to start?
I know you guys probably get this type of question all the time, but I'm not wanting to take the easy "can you basically code it for me route?". I really want to make the game I have in mind and it's fleshed itself a bit more since I actually learned the backbone of the stuff as well. I've seen The New Boston stuff, but that guy doesn't seem to know what he's talking about. He calls > the less than sign and vice versa. :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are e developer , to learn java (at least the basics) is the step no 1 , and its not so hard
if you have no idea what programming means , then you sould spend time to have some general knowledge about programming.
then you sould try to understand android platform , read general info , read sdk documentation , read about the structure of an android app , and
play a litle with Eclipse. you can find everything on the net. tutorials , code , how to etc.

Start doing tutorials, that's what I'm doing.
Check YouTube for beginning Android programming and stuff like that. Eclipse has some good tutorials as well
Sent from my LG-E739 using xda app-developers app

aquaars said:
Yes, I've already searched the forums. I know there is a guide on here from a developer, but that doesn't leave as much open-endedness as I would like. I'm looking to learn to develop games and applications for the Android OS. I've spent the past week learning Java so that I could learn to develop for Android, but it seems to me that is only the tip of the ice berg. The question I have for you guys is how do I go about learning this stuff? I'm sure most of it is trial and error, but hell what can I try if I don't know where to start?
I know you guys probably get this type of question all the time, but I'm not wanting to take the easy "can you basically code it for me route?". I really want to make the game I have in mind and it's fleshed itself a bit more since I actually learned the backbone of the stuff as well. I've seen The New Boston stuff, but that guy doesn't seem to know what he's talking about. He calls > the less than sign and vice versa. :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are referring to my guide. You say it "doesn't leave as much open-endedness as [you] would like." What do you mean by that?
The guide is first and foremost written for beginners.. if you have suggestions on how I can improve it, let me know
And I wouldn't call learning "trial and error." It's more of practice and understanding.
You are right in saying "What could I possibly try if you don't know where to start?"
Following a structured series of tutorials at first will start you off on a strong foot.