Help! Programming mobile apps - General Questions and Answers

I have a need a proposal for my highschool graduation project. I have no hands-on experience with programming mobile apps. What my question is, is I'm asking if it's do-able to learn and make a mobile app by next year? I have more then a year, but I just want to know if I'm capable. If so, what mobile platform is easiest to program on? I've heard good things about wp7 sdk but you guys tell me...your the ones with expereice =/
TY

Do you have any previous programming experience?
Learning Android programming isn't that hard and it's fairly well documented, but you must know Java before starting. Learning Java is easy and well documented (lot's of great books), especially if you come from a quite similar language like C#.
If you've got a Mac/Hackintosh you could program for iOS, it's very well documented but the syntax is very different compared with languages like C# and Java.

Yeah, programming experience is a plus. I haven't had a chance to sit down with Android SDK yet, but I've done some Blackberry J2ME programming and I think it's fairly easy if you're familiar with OOP. Then again you're in HS, I don't know if they teach you that stuff in HS.
I think you should just start with their Hello World examples and expand on that... That's the only way to really learn.
Find some Youtube videos on C#, those were pretty helpful when I started learning

Thanks guys =D
So what do you say the learning curve is Android

Related

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!
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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.

Thinking of getting into the Mobile Phone programming scene?

Hello All,
I am thinking of diving into the coding world for mobile phones and would greatly appreciate your thoughts.
As per experience I had a few programming classes in college and had no problems acing them.
Having said that I have had no further experience with programming. I am fairly comfortable with Visual Basic and C++.
With that which platform would you suggest is the easiest to get your foot at the door. From research I believe is Objective C for Apple, Java for Android, Silverlight for Windows 7 and Javascript for WebOS.
If it helps I did create my first "Hello World" app in WP7 following the eBook by Charles. ....I know nothing to brag about...hehe but atleast lets you guage my aptitude.
Fire away!
Anyone? Some wise words?
UNhooked said:
Anyone? Some wise words?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go for it, nothing to lose. I would start by programming for the device you have.
come up with an idea and get to work ... It's not so easy, so you really have to enjoy it to learn it.
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Moved to Q&A

[Q] New to Programming

Hey guys, so I've had an interest in programming for quite a while now. I have tried Python, but I didn't have much success there. I really want to learn to program, and thought I'd start on Android, because I have a few android devices. I know practically nothing about Java(or any other programming language). I'm not really someone that can learn from examples, so I'm looking for some good guides. Guides that start from the absolute basics and work up from there. What are some good ones?
TL;DR? : What are some good guides for learning Java for android development, for someone with practically no programming experience?
Thanks!
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electric...nce-and-programming-fall-2008/video-lectures/
This is mostly python. But once you learn one programming language then all the others will fall into place, the hardest part is learning the first one.

[Q] Learning the basics of Android

Hello,
I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct forum for my question(always a good start to begin a post).
But i have this question that some of you could help me with.
I'm currently studying a marketing related study in the Netherlands, but i my interest for programming for android has kept growing over the past few years. Next year i have the opportunity to follow a minor program(undergraduate minor i think it is called in english). And i would like to learn the basics of android programming during this period. Also i want to follow a program like that in the US.(Its a half year period)
So i have 2 questions that maybe some of you guys could help with.
1. Should i choose a minor that learns you how to program in Java first? Because i know that there are some programs that emphasize on android programming and knowledge of Java is not needed at the start of it.
2. Does somebody here has recommendations for a university in the US which offers these kinds of programs and has positive ratings?
Or maybe a school outside of the US that is recommendable?
i know many of you programmers have just learned it by doing and self study but i want to take this oppurtunity to learn it while studying.
Ps: i do have some basic knowledge of how android works and have some experience with app inventor. I know it's not a lot but hey it's a start.
And please excuse me for my english as you might guess it's not my native language
Thanks in forward
Here is a great website that will help you with finding assistance with your phone... I always recommend it...
http://www.androidcentral.com/help

[Q] about knowledge and jobs

Ok so I'm really interested in android development and I'm gonna get some books to read about them. Books that I'm gonna get are C and Java for general OS knowledge and to develop apps. So I'm wondering what jobs can I get in future??Apart from these:
-Working in Google[i made this an exception at the moment since its not easy to be the top]
-Making apps and sitting at home
-Making mobile apps for companies
Hope to get some good replies, cause I don't wanna choose the wrong path and have my life ruined/jobless in future
PS: Is android OS/kernel 100% on C only?? no C++ or C#? also are the apps 100% Java??thanks!
Learning Java and C++ isn't going to ruin your life even if it turns out to not be what you wanted. It takes like, a semester to get the basics down - this isn't four years of your life. You can even teach yourself.
Writing code is like writing English - most people can learn to do it. It's the creativity and ability to problem solve that makes a difference.
Just learn C++ or Java (flip a coin) and see if you like it and if it's a kind of thinking and problem solving you're good at or even like. It's not going to take ages. It's like taking a cooking class to see if you like it - you're not going to be a master chef or even a good one at first - but you won't know unless you try. And even spending a year and not wanting to go on isn't the end of the world.
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wong93 said:
PS: Is android OS/kernel 100% on C only?? no C++ or C#? also are the apps 100% Java??thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Android Kernel is actually a modified Linux Kernel which is 100% written in C. No C++ or C# is involved. Android OS is written in C, C++, Java.
And yes, all the android apps are written in Java and there are places where XML editing is performed.
Pennycake said:
Learning Java and C++ isn't going to ruin your life even if it turns out to not be what you wanted. It takes like, a semester to get the basics down - this isn't four years of your life. You can even teach yourself.
Writing code is like writing English - most people can learn to do it. It's the creativity and ability to problem solve that makes a difference.
Just learn C++ or Java (flip a coin) and see if you like it and if it's a kind of thinking and problem solving you're good at or even like. It's not going to take ages. It's like taking a cooking class to see if you like it - you're not going to be a master chef or even a good one at first - but you won't know unless you try. And even spending a year and not wanting to go on isn't the end of the world.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a lot of C++ in android?? i'm kind of confused lol, so its kernel is fully written in C , and the OS is C and C++ while apps are Java??btw what are some jobs I can get i Im really a pro in android one day?? and what if I do not take android?? what path can i go with these languages??
coolsandie said:
Yes, Android Kernel is actually a modified Linux Kernel which is 100% written in C. No C++ or C# is involved. Android OS is written in C, C++, Java.
And yes, all the android apps are written in Java and there are places where XML editing is performed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply,btw any idea what jobs can I get??
wong93 said:
thanks for the reply,btw any idea what jobs can I get??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jobs will be mainly based on your education and experience. Just do stuffs that proves your experience, add it to your Resume, and if employers are convinced you'll get the job. There are countless opportunities for Android development.
Also, you can read this similar article which was published in Portal:
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...s-dont-work-on-the-internet-xda-developer-tv/

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