Where to start? - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

I have experience with a lot of embedded devices and software and am interested in getting involved with Android modding. I'm just looking for some good documentation (if it exists) on the basics or even more advanced details. Are there any good resources that go over the architecture of Android and what have you?
I apologize if this is a repost or a common question, but I tried searching but couldn't find anything similar.

+1
Too short. Huh. Well, me too.

Well looks like I'm just going to have to dive head first into the source code lol.

I've only just begun looking at android app development myself, but I can recommend looking at the android notepad tutorial (should be among the first hits on google). Ti's a very basic tutorial but at least it introduces you to some android concepts.
Other than that, there are a few books around that you could take a look at, and ofc the all-mighty internet has virtually endless resources.
Happy coding!

It's best to have a good working knowledge of the Linux operating system / command line as well as a good understanding of Java.
Start with http://developer.android.com or www.helloandroid.com to familiarize yourself with Android's structure.
From there, check out http://source.android.com to get more into the source code and Android framework.
Google gives you pretty much everything you need.

chrisinaz said:
It's best to have a good working knowledge of the Linux operating system / command line as well as a good understanding of Java.
Start with http://developer.android.com or www.helloandroid.com to familiarize yourself with Android's structure.
From there, check out http://source.android.com to get more into the source code and Android framework.
Google gives you pretty much everything you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! This is exactly the type of information I was looking for.

Hello fellow Newbie! (this is my first ever post on xda!)
If you go to hackaday website there is a four-part tutorial. Sorry I could not post links:
"To prevent spam to the forums, new users are not permitted to post outside links in their messages. All new user accounts will be verified by moderators before this restriction is removed."
Hope you enjoy these (if you find them), and find them useful! Also, keep an eye out for part 5!
Regards,
Zelka

Zelka said:
Hello fellow Newbie! (this is my first ever post on xda!)
If you go to hackaday website there is a four-part tutorial. Sorry I could not post links:
"To prevent spam to the forums, new users are not permitted to post outside links in their messages. All new user accounts will be verified by moderators before this restriction is removed."
Hope you enjoy these (if you find them), and find them useful! Also, keep an eye out for part 5!
Regards,
Zelka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the convenience of others:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

+1.
I am a software/web developer and I have the Android SDK, Eclipse, Visual Studio 2008 and a number of other tools on my dev box. I love coding in C# but I can do Java and some other stuff too. I just got Eclipse (Helios) setup with the ADT plugin and I am messing around with the emulator. So this is basically what it used for testing/debugging etc. or is there something better? I have my first little app up and running in the VAD emulator. I found out that you need Eclipse 3.5 (not 3.6) and the JRE 1.6 for everything to be happy. Now where to go from here....

frankencat said:
+1.
I am a software/web developer and I have the Android SDK, Eclipse, Visual Studio 2008 and a number of other tools on my dev box. I love coding in C# but I can do Java and some other stuff too. I just got Eclipse (Helios) setup with the ADT plugin and I am messing around with the emulator. So this is basically what it used for testing/debugging etc. or is there something better? I have my first little app up and running in the VAD emulator. I found out that you need Eclipse 3.5 (not 3.6) and the JRE 1.6 for everything to be happy. Now where to go from here....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can either use the Emulator or a physical device for debugging (granted the device has usb debugging enabled). I would just look over samples and try to make more complicated application from here, it seems like you have all the prep work done.

Ok here's a good one...when I use the keyboard in the emulator I get Japanese characters instead of English even though I have all the settings I can think of set to US English. Anyone know how to change that?

Related

i want to become an ANDROID DEV!! help me please

hello everyone. my goal is to become an android rom/ app developer. right now im currently attending college for my bachelors in Computer Science. right now im still working on my AA so its going to be a while before i even get into the field. ive researched online about linux and learned the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them etc. but of course i dont think these codes apply to android.
im not trying to learn all this by myself but i atleast want a basic idea of the type of things im going to be learning.
so far ive downloaded android sdk and eclipse on my ubuntu linux netbook.
do you guys know of any websites that can help me get started or at least point me in the right direction in getting started on my first android rom or app.
thanks
Start with building your first hello in eclipse.
The best place to start is right on the Android site. Watch all the videos and get ready to read lots.
They have tutorials and step by step instructions for your first hello app.
BTW they tell you to break it so you have to fix it.
My biggest obstacle is just doing it.
http://android.voxisland.com has a good set of down and dirty introduction videos to app development for Android. Also, developer.android.com. A lot of that knowledge is pretty essential when doing any other kind of Android devving.
pick up some basic java and you'll have a nice head start.
If your looking for examples you can find them here
[can't post links]
developer.android.com/guide/samples/index.html
I wouldn't pay for videos from some jackasses website - plenty of free java tutorials out there to get you started.
www.anddev.org is a good site
You will need to learn the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them, etc.
These codes apply to Android.
thanks guys for the replys. im going to start looking for tutorials for java using eclipse.
the android.dev.com pages and anddev.org show me how to make apk files. what im trying to find out is how to make roms and mess with kernels and such. how would the java and apk's tie into that?
I've got the same doubt as ripmeck. I didn't know where to ask for help, so I came here.
And I looked into all the replies, thanks for the help guys.
Unlike ripmeck, its already been two years since I've finished my bachelors.
I'm pretty okay with C programming that includes pointers, structures, etc., (but only the basics of all concepts, cause i know how deep and confusing the root goes).
And I'm slightly familiar with Eclipse, as I have done simple (very simple) java programs in it. Programs that makes use of exception handlers, multithreading etc.,
But I'm not so strong in Java (cause it has got lot more features than C and I couldn't remember it all and make use of it, I've got used to the linear style of coding without making use of any classes ).
My question is:
Should I have to get myself very strong in java before started coding for android app or can I eventually learn the java language in parallel with android development?
There was a thread posted by Cyanogen on XDA called 'some advice' with lots of good info on what you need to get started. Sorry I don't have a link since I'm mobile right now. My suggestion is to find that thread and start there.
Here are some steps vaguely describing what you need. Each is a never ending process.
1. Understand Linux/Unix
2. Understand Android
3. Make something.
My advice is to learn everything you can. Read around XDA and tackle learning each bit individually.
Learn ADB, make some themes or mods using metamorph, learn how to sign files and build update.zip files. Most importantly, have fun.
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

How to make an app?

I'm putting my theming project aside for now and get onto creating an app that I've always wanted to create that I do not see ANYWHERE in the market, forums, android websites, etc.
I've been reading and reading and reading different threads, instructions, etc. But no clue where to start. I've been reading on App Inventor but realized that it is very limited and I have my high doubts that App Inventor will not be able to achieve what I have in mind to make.
I've got the latest SDK and AVD Manager, JDK, Java, and have been using my emulator to test edited APKs. I'm pretty sure I'll be using my emulator to see how my app progress is coming along and see possible FCs and other issues and correct them as well as adding more to the app to make it even better.
But right now I'm stuck at where to begin here. Right when I was about to create this thread, I was making the name of the Title of this thread and was given threads relating to my title name and saw one thread that was sort of mentioning what I'm asking here.
I read the link provided in that thread ( http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals.html ) and got some clues but just not enough to get me started here. I just need that push to get me going and eventually push it out to the market and make some money as a side project and learn from that and possibly make more useful apps. I cannot disclose my ideas here because then someone else (who has experience making apps) could take those ideas from me and go make it.
Is anyone willing to work with me here to get me started? I've helped countless people so it would be nice for a change for someone to help me out here.
There are so much Android development books on the market that I suggest to start with one of them. It's the best way to get some knowledge of the design principles used by the Android development framework.
Another method is to start with some examples found on the web. Just search for Android examples or something like that and you get tons of links
Another method is just to create something, get stuck and try to search for a solution (the most pragmatic method )
Yeah I know. That's why I'm constantly researching. I'm seeing some similarities between Java coding and building scripts in IRC (which I used to do, nothing big, just really small stuff). But my main problem is knowing what exactly are the main tools I need. I've had Eclipse for awhile but never used it. It has a lot of stuff in it and I get lost after a couple executions.
I'm just anxious to get started somewhere and get the momentum rolling for starters.
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
DannyBiker said:
Could someone point me to a good book/ebook ? There are many out there but I'm sure that are some better than others...
If any french-speaker knows one in Voltaire's language, I'm in too. But English is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
You don't have to buy books but they do contain a lot more info in one book and would be better to have than trying to scour the internet and pull a bunch of infos together and try to put it together to understand step by step on how to get started and everything else.
Here's a link to a lot of android development books:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...pment&sprefix=android+application+development
Here's a link to some more info to getting started that is also useful:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
You may also need to get a Java coding book to help you put codes together properly and understand what each coding does, and tweaking them to work better.
Here's the link to Java coding for Android stuff for beginners:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...x=java+for+dummies&rh=n:283155,k:android+java
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
mdonova33 said:
Yeah, a good book (english) would be great. Can anyone recommend one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
professional android 2 application development by Reto Meier: http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTi...ication-Development.productCd-0470565527.html
Or, the Busy Coder's guide to android development by Mark L Murphy: http://commonsware.com/Android/
Last one is more written in a "let's get dirty" style. Really like that
TheSwaggeR said:
...
I just bought 2 books for Android application development and looking around for a good Java coding for beginners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think any java book will do, as long as it covers the principles of object oriented design and the data structures used by Java. You don't need any info about GUI programming in Java because that's all covered by the Android application framework.
The best Java books are the ones written by James Gosling et al, the designers of Java. But that may also be over the top for Android application development. Just some basic Java will do to get you started. The algorithms needed for basic apps aren't that complex.
App Inventor is a great tool to develop your android app. It simplifies the development and the editor is very intuitive.
Check out my blog on App Inventor and AppToMarket and a Workshop
http://Amerkashi.Wordpress.com

[Q] !!! What's the Best Book to learn Android Development for beginners!!!

The subject says most of it really. I'm looking for a book that will teach me to develop for the Android market. A book for beginners. The kind of book with lessons, tasks, examples etc..
I'm a complete novice when it comes to Android Development, I've no understanding of the Java programming language at all and only minimal xml knowledge. However I am very good with computers and learn quick, I've got the time the patience and the motivation + (a Samsung Nexus S & a HTC Desire S).
I know it takes time and practise but its something I really want to learn and have plenty of time on my hands at the moment.
I've done webdesign so understand html, css, online shopping carts etc.. not that that's going to help me a lot.
Maybe I'll need a couple of books one for Java and another for Android please provide your thoughts on this.
Any suggestions maybe with links (if allowed) would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Marc
aka - NexusCrazy
Though I've no links to books which you could buy..
Android applications are written in Java (J2SE, not a pared-down Java Mobile/Micro (Java ME) as found on many low-end phones) using an open-source J2SE implementation based on Apache Harmony along with tons of Android-specific libraries for things like UI and handy third-party libraries for things like HTTP requests and JSON parsing. That Java code is compiled and then transformed into Android-specific files in a format called .dex, and runs on the phone in a highly optimized VM runtime called Dalvik. Luckily, you’ll almost never have to think about any of those pieces in between writing your code and running it on the phone, since the tools take care of them for you.
You’ll want a recent version (3.4 or 3.5) of the Eclipse IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for J2SE, the Android SDK, and the Eclipse ADT plugin to interface with those tools and provide project templates. Be sure to check out Google’s complete installation instructions for details.
Here are some other links to get you started;
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/android/AndroidGuide.aspx
Android Developers website
Have fun programming,
Senax
I just started out and the android developer site is really awesome. I come here for regular roaming looking for answers.
They have a bunch of "real" tutorials that is a step by step building apps like a picture that you touch and it makes a noise, to this pic call app and etc.
I just started my first CS class and we are using "Java: How To Program" 8th. But I have researched these forums looking for the same question.
The most up to date forums that had recommended books:
Beginning Android, Head First and The Dummies Android Book. Although most of the stuff i read said the android site has pretty much everything you need to know and that books will help with getting to know the basics!
What about roms?
im going through a similar phase in my life with wanting to learn about Android and im downloading the ebooks to my rooted nook color now.. What would be the first few steps in just building a rom... im not interested as much in building programs... but i am a flashaholic.
The best book to learn about android development hasnt been published yet. I geuss thats just because you cant publish XDA Forums xD
Hopefully you're a pro by now, but if not, I picked up "Hello Android" today from Amazon, and it has received a lot of positive reviews.
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA App
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Tutorials are best
Books help, but i like tutorials because they are direct information with real cases
unusualbob said:
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the way i took .
I knew C, SystemC, some bash and C++.
Started with the hello world tutorial and then i just dove in with an idea.
API documentation, StackOverflow and Google eventually got me where i wanted to be.
Then just repeat this process often enough with other ideas and will get comfortable with writing android apps.
But the android sdk is vast and i still find something cool and new everyday.
Also try #android-dev on freenode irc.
I took a couple of courses on C++, Java, and one in C. However, I really get lost when I look at how Android apps are developed. Also has anyone tried mobile development tools?

How to become a developer?

I would like to become a developer. Obviously, that means learning code, but which one? Also, I don't have a PC with Linux OS, so will that be any problem? What tutorials or ebooks or stuff like that do you recommend to start me learning?
King-V said:
I would like to become a developer. Obviously, that means learning code, but which one? Also, I don't have a PC with Linux OS, so will that be any problem? What tutorials or ebooks or stuff like that do you recommend to start me learning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's right. To become a developer means learning to write code and apply those while creating a software.
Question on which one? is completely upto you because you need to know what are you aiming for. If you're looking for web application development, you may have to study any languages like PHP, DotNet, Java - J2EE/EJB etc.
If you're looking for Android application development, first step is to study Java, because its the main language used for programming apps. Then you can move over to Tutorials on Android development, and it will be easy. If its iOS app/ Mac specific app development, Objective C it is.
Not having PC with Linux OS won't be any problem, because you can do these in Windows platforms or in a Mac.
Tutorials = Google my friend. It has almost everything in the universe. Also in Youtube, you get the video tutorials.
Some which I could recommend is, for Java Oracle docs is good and "Java - The Complete reference" by Herbert Schildt is a good book too. For Android, you can find all resources in the App development forums.
You can try out the freepascal with a good IDE (codetyphoon), simple to make windows or linux graphical apps, or the visual studio express with c#.
coolsandie said:
Yes, that's right. To become a developer means learning to write code and apply those while creating a software.
Question on which one? is completely upto you because you need to know what are you aiming for. If you're looking for web application development, you may have to study any languages like PHP, DotNet, Java - J2EE/EJB etc.
If you're looking for Android application development, first step is to study Java, because its the main language used for programming apps. Then you can move over to Tutorials on Android development, and it will be easy. If its iOS app/ Mac specific app development, Objective C it is.
Not having PC with Linux OS won't be any problem, because you can do these in Windows platforms or in a Mac.
Tutorials = Google my friend. It has almost everything in the universe. Also in Youtube, you get the video tutorials.
Some which I could recommend is, for Java Oracle docs is good and "Java - The Complete reference" by Herbert Schildt is a good book too. For Android, you can find all resources in the App development forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. That surely will get me started.
Also, if you wouldn't mind, I'd add that green glowing gif of your signature to mine.
King-V said:
Thanks a lot. That surely will get me started.
Also, if you wouldn't mind, I'd add that green glowing gif of your signature to mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I wouldn't mind. :good:
Start Android Application Development
Hii..
If You Want to become android Developer best video tutorial series on Internet Is
Link
http://youtube.com/playlist?list=SP2F07DBCDCC01493A&hl=en-GB&gl=IN&client=mv-google&guid=
And Android ADT is ready made available on their website just download and start developing android apps.
Link: Android ADT
http://developer.android.com/tools/index.html
Best Of Luck....
Press Thanks Button ( Left corner of this post ) if I helped You
Sent from my GT-S6102 using xda app-developers app

Fresh To App Development. Looking For Advice And Opinions

I have just started looking around and researching a bit on what exactly goes into app development and since I am an Android lover, clearly looking to develop Android apps. I am typically pretty good at picking this stuff up, but would like some advice and opinions on where to start. I've looked up some stuff and installed Eclipse along with AndroidSDK because that seemed like a popular choice (sound about right?). I'm not 100% certain on what I'd be developing to begin with, something basic to start would seem logical, and then move on to more advanced projects. Any suggestions? I'm willing to put the work in, but where to start? Some of the how to's I've seen are somewhat dated, even if only a year old I'm looking to start with current firmware. As far as frameworks go, are they typically a better idea to start with or should I build something myself from scratch if I'm really looking to get into this? Also, feel free to redirect me if this would fit in better under a different topic but I think it works here. Any other dev programs I should look into installing? I'm running Windows 8 and think most if not all programs should run correctly on it. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
p
Don't have any programing skill please advice me more on apps and more to use
First you have to learn Java then it will be easier for you to choose what you have to do!
Sent from my V8110 using XDA Premium App
OP, you've got the right attitude so with a bit of effort in digging up answers to the basic questions you'll soon figure out what you need to do. There's no need to learn Java before creating an Android project, learning both concurrently is fine, although you'll be faced with two (kinda vertical) learning curves, but it is most definitely possible.
You've got the right software for a start, but I wouldn't worry about guides being out of date - using APIs from the older SDK versions is fine. It's hard to recommend a path without knowing your goals, but starting out depends on how much coding experience you have, and your goals. For instance, making a Hello World app in an Android activity that prints out text might be a start, then figuring out how to specify the UI (add buttons for interactivity etc), separation of concerns, et al. Or if you're interested in games, start out by drawing rectangles on screen, moving them, creating Pong.
If you're making vanilla Android apps i'd stay away from frameworks initially until you figure out the raw basics - but this probably doesn't apply for games, in which case you probably wanna pick up LibGDX or something and read a ton of blog and StackOverflow posts until you get something on the screen.
Half the trick is figuring out how to Google the right questions - if you're finding decent StackOverflow answers, you're on the right track.
Imnice777 said:
I have just started looking around and researching a bit on what exactly goes into app development and since I am an Android lover, clearly looking to develop Android apps. I am typically pretty good at picking this stuff up, but would like some advice and opinions on where to start. I've looked up some stuff and installed Eclipse along with AndroidSDK because that seemed like a popular choice (sound about right?). I'm not 100% certain on what I'd be developing to begin with, something basic to start would seem logical, and then move on to more advanced projects. Any suggestions? I'm willing to put the work in, but where to start? Some of the how to's I've seen are somewhat dated, even if only a year old I'm looking to start with current firmware. As far as frameworks go, are they typically a better idea to start with or should I build something myself from scratch if I'm really looking to get into this? Also, feel free to redirect me if this would fit in better under a different topic but I think it works here. Any other dev programs I should look into installing? I'm running Windows 8 and think most if not all programs should run correctly on it. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know that you're interested in Android Development.
Since you say that you have No programming experience..I suggest you go like this ...
Start with a simple basic language, like C (to know how programming generally happens)
Move on to an Object Oriented Programming Language,like C++ (to know about the concepts of Objects,Methods etc)
Start with the basics of Java
Head on to https://developer.android.com/ and read about Android App Dev Basics
Download the Android SDK from http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html and install it
Choose your favorite IDE, Eclipse or Android Studio
Start with a basic app
And Experiment !!! ANd Enjoy !! :fingers-crossed: :fingers-crossed:
I wish you All The Best !! :good: :good: :laugh:
I hope to see your first app soon ! :fingers-crossed:
I have been using teamtreehouse.com and it has been amazing. Its a paid service but for only $25 a month it has been worth it. It not only shows you from 0 skills to launched app. It also has the business side and other programs. I highly recommend it at least for 1 month so you can get started.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I recommend you to start learning Java and not learning C/C++. Java is easy-to-learn language and you don't have to know anything about object programming, you can program in Java without that too (but please only for learning).
It won't take long time until you understand methods and so on and you can start with object oriented programing.
Imnice777 said:
I have just started looking around and researching a bit on what exactly goes into app development and since I am an Android lover, clearly looking to develop Android apps. I am typically pretty good at picking this stuff up, but would like some advice and opinions on where to start. I've looked up some stuff and installed Eclipse along with AndroidSDK because that seemed like a popular choice (sound about right?). I'm not 100% certain on what I'd be developing to begin with, something basic to start would seem logical, and then move on to more advanced projects. Any suggestions? I'm willing to put the work in, but where to start? Some of the how to's I've seen are somewhat dated, even if only a year old I'm looking to start with current firmware. As far as frameworks go, are they typically a better idea to start with or should I build something myself from scratch if I'm really looking to get into this? Also, feel free to redirect me if this would fit in better under a different topic but I think it works here. Any other dev programs I should look into installing? I'm running Windows 8 and think most if not all programs should run correctly on it. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Participates in following communities as well, from there you can extract some ideas to work on
https://sellanapp.com/
http://www.newappidea.com/
niranjan94 said:
Good to know that you're interested in Android Development.
Since you say that you have No programming experience..I suggest you go like this ...
Start with a simple basic language, like C (to know how programming generally happens)
Move on to an Object Oriented Programming Language,like C++ (to know about the concepts of Objects,Methods etc)
Start with the basics of Java
Head on to https://developer.android.com/ and read about Android App Dev Basics
Download the Android SDK from http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html and install it
Choose your favorite IDE, Eclipse or Android Studio
Start with a basic app
And Experiment !!! ANd Enjoy !! :fingers-crossed: :fingers-crossed:
I wish you All The Best !! :good: :good: :laugh:
I hope to see your first app soon ! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm I think C might be a bit advanced for this guy to start off with I would say what i say to anyone wanting to get into programming is start off with python then move on to something like C# with .NET and then move to java or go straight from python to java, Java was my first language everything you said was right but i don't think throwing this guy in the deep end is a good way to get him excited about programming.
Failed to load JNI shared library
I've programmed some with Java and recently started app development with Eclipse. I ran into trouble with "git". I thought I'd blown the environment setup, so I removed Eclipse and installed the "bundle" as suggested in a Jan 2014 thread. When I tried to start Eclipse, the subject message popped up, along with "C:\Users\Anne\AndroidDev\adt-bundle-windows-x86_64-20140321\eclipse\jre\bin\client\jvm.dll"
Is this a problem with PATH or ? I'm running Windows 7 - 64bit.
Thanks.

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