Database Info

Cell Phone Programming Classes

hey guys,
i've been looking online this morning for classes where i can learn how to do cell phone programming and modification. i haven't had much luck though. most of the results either bring me back to XDA or a similar website, or they take me to a site that is just trying to sell me something that is cell phone or computer related. so i guess my question is: what exactly is this field or line of work called? i've been looking under computer programming, cell phone programming, cell phone modification, smart phone programming, and smart phone modification, all with "classes" at the end, of course. can someone help me out with this? i know it probably sounds like a dumb question, but i'm just having no luck bring back any "course related" results in my search. like i said, it just produces results for websites like this one, o retail websites. i'd love to get into this field of work. i have been customizing my phone (HTC Tilt/Kaiser/Tytn, etc) which i have an extra one of to test on thanks to my lovely wife, and i have been enjoying it very much. trying new ROMs, making some feeble attempts at cooking ROMs, and checking out all the software that is available for my phone. i have been enjoying it so much that i would like to take some courses on the subject and start a carreer in this field! my wife can't seem to drag me away from the computer, and when she does, i've got my phone. we figure that if i like it this much, i should take some courses and get paid to do this kind of stuff 8 hours a day. then it wouldn't take up quite so much time at home. anyway, i'm rambling now, so if anyone could give me some more ideas on what exactly to search for or what this line of work is called, it would aid me in trying to find a place locally that offers some classes on the subject. thank you in advance for any help that you folks can provide me with. by the way, i'm in the DFW (TX, US) area, if any local folks happen to be reading and could point me in the right direction. for the moment, i'm interested in campus classes or online classes, doesn't make much difference at the moment. i would like to see what each has to offer for the time being, and money will be an issue, as things are pretty tight right now financially. Thanks again!
Chris

Hi,
I think you will need to learn by searching and looking. These videos will help you http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/bb495180.aspx

Classes for small electronics / cellphone programming
Hi my name is Mark and I am a technical manager at SuperRey's Exotics and my team and myself inlcuded have studied at Stevens Tech in Hoboken, N.J. not sure how serious and how far away you are but Stevens has an extensive technology program, really indepth in fact many large corporations like Sharp, Apple, HTC, Exxon, Motorola and many others hire techs directly from Stevens Tech. However at Stevens it is really indepth stuff and they work on, not only new invetions but many patents actually come from the technology that Stevens does. I hope this helped you a little. And at SuperRey's we apply that knowledge for new inventions, cell phone repair and reprogramming and all kind of crazy stuff that we do, if your into it you will have alot of fun with that kind of technology. Good luck.

Any advice at all for an aspiring Software Engineer?

First a little background on me:
- Hey I am currently a college student (hopefully I will get my A.S. & A.A. in computer science in the summer of 2011 -yes, I am eligible for both due to the fact there was no A.S. in Computer Science when I started attending college consecutively in 2007, so why not?...haha)...
- I would really love to be a Software Engineer some day (I was originally thinking Systems Software Engineer, but Applications Software Engineer will still be great for me)...
- I have a lot of experience troubleshooting and fixing /repairing / building computers starting from when I was about 12 years old when I set up my first PC (not build, mind you) and I used to always mess with the computers in Elementary (figuring out how to exit the schools provided screen and getting to a regular desktop etc...)
-Now I do not have any of what you may call formal experience (I never had an actual job with computers)...I have a lot of warehouse job experience though...and lately I was getting worried that it will hold me back, because I do not know how to get into the job field....
- I would like to get a masters degree (in Computer Science), hopefully with honors if everything continues as it is. (currently a 3.4 Cumulative GPA...)
Some of my thoughts / ideas / questions:
+I was thinking of trying to get some kind of IT Tech or support job to start off in the field (though jobs are scarce right now, so that may have to wait at least until I get my degree)...Is that a good thought?
+I currently have some experience with Visual Basic .net, C, C++, IA32 Assembly and now have developed my first Android app in Java.
Now I really would like to be a Software Engineer one day, so how would you suggest I go about doing so? Do you have any advice / ideas / comments @ all for me? Could you in the field give me some tips or even tell me your story (short OR long, I would love to hear it either way) about how you got to where you are & your current thoughts about it (do you like it?, what would you have done different? How and Why ?)
-in advance: Thanks A LOT! I am sort-of worried about my situation because sometimes it gets a little discouraging and/or confusing on what to do to get where I want to be....

how come no one has responded? there seems to be many educated people here and I am sure someone has something to say... also I am sure there are many of you who happen to be in some type of IT field, I would like to hear from you all...
Please advise me, I am in need of a little advice and guidance...

Just one possibility:
Do a computer science degree and make sure you get a 2:1 or more. Work for a recognized (so your CV looks good) large IT consultancy for a couple+ of years working for lots of their clients so you get varied experience. If you can, get some Finance (in combination with your IT experience) experience there. Learn a language that's particularly commercial (I recommend C# combined with your C++ - plus other areas of Microsoft .Net - asp.net, win forms, smart clients, full n-tier development, full life cycle development). Then go IT contacting where the real money is - with C++ and C# and Finance you'll be able to get the best paid contracts - assuming you're personable and committed too.
Does that help?

My advice, get a real job.....Software Engineers are a dime a dozen.

corrie said:
My advice, get a real job.....Software Engineers are a dime a dozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, i've met too many software engineers in college, and that is the main reason why i stay away from the computer field (i'm a biomechanical undergradate student, specializing in auto design or biomedical engineering)
1.) you need to go higher than an associate's degree, i suggest going for a bachelores in computer science than maybe some experience before going to get your masters, if you're lucky maybe your company will pay for your tuition
2.) specialize, as said theres too many software engineers in this world, therefore you have to specialize.
3.) engineering is the combination of art and science remember that
4.) for a tech job, since you're still a student with no real work experience in the computer field, i suggest getting certification such as A+ certification
5.) always have a backup plan, i was thinking network security personally since i like tinkering with things lol

d k of the new add for breaking its still up no more, whaaaatttt?

Danni3 said:
+1, i've met too many software engineers in college, and that is the main reason why i stay away from the computer field (i'm a biomechanical undergradate student, specializing in auto design or biomedical engineering)
1.) you need to go higher than an associate's degree, i suggest going for a bachelores in computer science than maybe some experience before going to get your masters, if you're lucky maybe your company will pay for your tuition
2.) specialize, as said theres too many software engineers in this world, therefore you have to specialize.
3.) engineering is the combination of art and science remember that
4.) for a tech job, since you're still a student with no real work experience in the computer field, i suggest getting certification such as A+ certification
5.) always have a backup plan, i was thinking network security personally since i like tinkering with things lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow that is discouraging...
I am actually planning on going higher than an Associates degree for sure, hopefully a masters, but if not then a bachelors at the least...
hmm, now you have me thinking... should I really try to go for something else? I was excited thinking about being a software engineer ...

erebusting said:
wow that is discouraging...
I am actually planning on going higher than an Associates degree for sure, hopefully a masters, but if not then a bachelors at the least...
hmm, now you have me thinking... should I really try to go for something else? I was excited thinking about being a software engineer ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying that you shouldn't become a software engineer, but i'm just implying that they're not in high demand currently. But that could be said about any job, you just have to be very good at what you do and you'll find a job in no time =P
I'm suggesting that you specialize in something a bit more specific than software engineer, just like there are specializations of mechanical engineering (auto,aerospace,bioengineering,energy systems... etc) that way you can still do what you love (programming i assume) but to a more specific goal.
The reason i tell you to get higher than an associates (2 years) is because the average job now a days require atleast a bachelors degree. My Mom, a tiny little asian women, has a computer science degree and works for the government, its about 60k starting and shes been there for a few years so now she makes just under 80k ;] but you need atleast a 3.0 gpa and a bachelor degree
http://www.earnmydegree.com/online-education/learning-center/education-value.html
just look at the difference in salary!
don't worry about what degree to get either, you can complete all of your undergraduate studies before you have to choose a major, thats about two years of undergrad study

thanks for that advice...
I currently have over a 3.0 which I am trying to maintain...
I am in California, where seems to be a dense pack of tech jobs around (am I wrong though?)...
Also, I have not looked at many colleges around and what specific section of computer science they specialize in, after I do that though- I will have an Idea of what programming I want to specialize in (any ideas of what may be popular?)...
I know theres like robotics programming, gaming programming, and there are others I am not too aware of which I will have to look into....
Hey I just want to say I appreciate each and every comment here, it really helps chatting about it with you all...
I do look forward to more comments also from different people, I know things aren't the same for everyone and maybe some others have views on a different side of the story...idk, but thanks so far!!

[Q] any devs got time?

i would like to know if there are any devs out there who would mind maybe sending me any links that would better inform me as to how all this stuff works. i am intrigued with all the stuff you guys come out with and would love to be enlightened a little more on how it is put together. basically i want most of the things im reading about to make more sense to me.

I am not sure what kind of information you're looking for exactly. Your question is rather vague. However, here is an overall generic reply without further details to go on.
http://google.com
that's how i learn. seriously. if you want someone to hold your hand through it, go buy a book on software development or make friends with someone locally that's a computer scientist (or related field) and buy them some beers. If you're more interested in the theming of things, that doesn't take quite as to figure out, but would require some basic design knowlege or sources on how to aquire things if you cant design them. There's quite a few books out for android alone now if you look on amazon. I know o'reilly makes a good one.
I really dont think someone giving you a few quick links will get you very far from my own experience of teaching others. I've tutored a friend on software development and it can be a slow painful process to relate it to someone that has little to no background at first until it starts to "click" (some people it just never clicks because well, not everyone is cut out to do this stuff). After about a year, they finally had a decent grasp on how to develop, but it's something that takes years to really say "you're good" at it (unless you just make doing basic hacking and not really adding to things, that can be accomplished quicker).
Software development and hacking of already made software is something you generally learn best by experience (your own experience more so than others). Short of that, formal courses taught by a decent professor at a university will lay a foundation, but doesn't mean much if you do not add to it with your own bricks.
This is really overall a question you should ask in the general XDA forums or go to somewhere like stackoverflow.com (or their more mobile focused site, http://android.stackexchange.com/) and look for people who have already asked similar questions there. Have you tried to at least do a basic google search for something like android tutorials? If you cant show a little motivation and inspiration on your own, don't hold your breath for someone wanting to mentor you for free since no one wants to explicitly tell you everything all the time, it gets kind of annoying to have to lay things out always when common sense should at least take over sometimes. I know that last statement sounded a little harsh and blunt (and dont take it personally, I just want you to be realistic about it), but it's pretty true.
I think it's great you want to learn and are willing, but I don't think the answers you want can be answered in a thread discussion alone. Your best bet if you cant search for relevant information on the web on your own is to get start by buying a book as I mentioned or take some courses at a university or community college just on basic programming (language and os [so long as it's something linux/unix] doesn't matter so much as just getting the info). If you're too young for college courses, see if your schoool as an AP computer science course or something similar. I don't think anyone who is doing actual development on android got their start on android alone (by development I mean actually writing code, not theming or ripping a few small things out of already made code). It comes from building up and relating basic computer science concepts you carry over.
If you want to build applications for android and hack around on applications already made, learn Java.
If you want to learn how android os works and mod, develop and patch it, learn c and c++.
If you want to mod themes and make your own. Learn how to use a graphic design app like gimp, photoshop, etc and learn the structure of xml documents.
There are other languages that work on android as well (as well as web applications which language no longer matters), but those work on every android enabled device without addons/overhead.
In short though, there are no quick answers and no encompassing solution and any books you see that say "learn x in 24 hours or whatever" are full of s*it.

yareally said:
I am not sure what kind of information you're looking for exactly. Your question is rather vague. However, here is an overall generic reply without further details to go on.
http://google.com
that's how i learn. seriously. if you want someone to hold your hand through it, go buy a book on software development or make friends with someone locally that's a computer scientist (or related field) and buy them some beers. If you're more interested in the theming of things, that doesn't take quite as to figure out, but would require some basic design knowlege or sources on how to aquire things if you cant design them. There's quite a few books out for android alone now if you look on amazon. I know o'reilly makes a good one.
I really dont think someone giving you a few quick links will get you very far from my own experience of teaching others. I've tutored a friend on software development and it can be a slow painful process to relate it to someone that has little to no background at first until it starts to "click" (some people it just never clicks because well, not everyone is cut out to do this stuff). After about a year, they finally had a decent grasp on how to develop, but it's something that takes years to really say "you're good" at it (unless you just make doing basic hacking and not really adding to things, that can be accomplished quicker).
Software development and hacking of already made software is something you generally learn best by experience (your own experience more so than others). Short of that, formal courses taught by a decent professor at a university will lay a foundation, but doesn't mean much if you do not add to it with your own bricks.
This is really overall a question you should ask in the general XDA forums or go to somewhere like stackoverflow.com (or their more mobile focused site, http://android.stackexchange.com/) and look for people who have already asked similar questions there. Have you tried to at least do a basic google search for something like android tutorials? If you cant show a little motivation and inspiration on your own, don't hold your breath for someone wanting to mentor you for free since no one wants to explicitly tell you everything all the time, it gets kind of annoying to have to lay things out always when common sense should at least take over sometimes. I know that last statement sounded a little harsh and blunt (and dont take it personally, I just want you to be realistic about it), but it's pretty true.
I think it's great you want to learn and are willing, but I don't think the answers you want can be answered in a thread discussion alone. Your best bet if you cant search for relevant information on the web on your own is to get start by buying a book as I mentioned or take some courses at a university or community college just on basic programming (language and os [so long as it's something linux/unix] doesn't matter so much as just getting the info). If you're too young for college courses, see if your schoool as an AP computer science course or something similar. I don't think anyone who is doing actual development on android got their start on android alone (by development I mean actually writing code, not theming or ripping a few small things out of already made code). It comes from building up and relating basic computer science concepts you carry over.
If you want to build applications for android and hack around on applications already made, learn Java.
If you want to learn how android os works and mod, develop and patch it, learn c and c++.
If you want to mod themes and make your own. Learn how to use a graphic design app like gimp, photoshop, etc and learn the structure of xml documents.
There are other languages that work on android as well (as well as web applications which language no longer matters), but those work on every android enabled device without addons/overhead.
In short though, there are no quick answers and no encompassing solution and any books you see that say "learn x in 24 hours or whatever" are full of s*it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
very detailed answer, refered him to google like everyone else would have but done in a great way

Thanks
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

How does one become an XDA Developer?

Or basically a developer in general.
I know XDA probably gets a helluva lot of these threads regularly, but bare with me.
No I am not a script kiddy. Rather, I'm looking for somewhat of a career advice.
So please don't simply say: Learn C and Java.
That is already an imperative for me.
Here's the deal.
I'm in my final year of my schooling life, Year 12, and next year I will probably begin University (or what the U.S call College).
Important decisions need to be made, like what courses I want to do, what subjects I should take.
Now my ultimate goal in life (not really but you get what I mean) is to be able to do anything to my device.
Like when I was following the PSP dev community, it was incredible. Custom firmwares, homebrew, plugins, exploits etc.
It was awesome. And I want to be able to help and give back to the community.
And I also want to be independent.
Like if theres a bug or something I don't have to rely on the developer to fix it.
For example, my current rom has a random reboot problem.
I want to be able to find and fix the problem myself and add new features and stuff.
That's my ultimate aim.
To be able to legitimately own my devices to such a degree.
Currently my skill resides in web-based javascript, which isn't even legitimate javascript (not in my eyes at least).
I've done some programming courses at school and one year I did Pascal which helped me to get a basic idea of programming functions, like loops and basic practice etc.
But it still doesn't really help me with the two big languages C (#/++) and Java that I have yet to start learning.
Anyways, there's a point to this I promise.
There are 3 courses that I'm interested in Software Engineering, Advanced Computing and Computer Science.
I've looked at the course descriptions and they still all sound the same to me. Although Advanced Computing seems to be more Mathematical based.
But yea, I'm not sure which one will help me achieve my said aim.
Do you guys have any basic career advice? Better yet, any career advice that could relate to my situation?
Are any of you in University/College right now? What courses are you studying?
Perhaps you've already graduated and you're currently an employed developer or something. What courses did you take to get there?
I'm sure XDA isn't one of the best places to ask this kinda thing; heck I bet the first comment will be someone saying how this is in the wrong section or something.
But yea. I just want to help and contribute back to the community.
Legitimate advice is more than welcome.
Trolls and attention ____s please exit to the left.

Closed
Wrong section

[Completed] Internet of Things (IoT) - General Assistance

I apologize in advance if I posted this thread in the wrong place... I appreciate all the contributors, forum admins, etc.... for all the hard work and expertise that is the backbone for the XDA community!!!
Here is my question: (for additional background info, etc... please see details below) I'm wanting to learn as much as possible about the IoT. So I have checked out starter kits for the Arduino and Rasberry Pi Platforms but not sure if 1 is better than the other or should I get both? I understand the difference in technology, specs, etc... for these 2 platforms but have no idea which 1 would best help me develop the skills necessary to find work in the IoT field. I do have some basic coding skills, expert on hardware of all types and basic soldering skills working with boards/electronics. I feel like the basic starter kits for either platform will be very boring and uninspiring... should I buy a certain starter kit and add a couple component kits? I don't mind running through the basic projects very quickly to get a quick overview on how it all works but I would prefer a greater challenge and more in depth projects. I cant find any intermediate or higher degree of experience type sets. Any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated... or if you know of any forums where I might find XDA quality professionals to mingle with...
***** (the extended, long winded and probably way too much info version)*****
I am looking for a little basic assistance\guidance on the latest hot topic, the Internet of Things (IoT). I rely on XDA for all my mobile needs. The professionals that contribute content, apps, roms, root methods, etc... are the best in the biz, truly amazing people! I have spent 2 days searching the web for info on this topic but all the info I have come across is a little too generic so I thought I would try my luck here on XDA where the real brains and experts behind all things technical congregate.
My Question is very basic but I'm hoping to get some helpful feedback or pointed in the right direction. I have worked in IT field of the Telco industry for 20yrs. Mostly designing and building multi-million dollar data centers. As manager of IT, my staff and I supported 80+ MS Servers (Exchange, IIS, SQL, PDC"s, AD, SMS). I got my MCSE in Windows NT 4.0 (you can stop laughing now... haha). I actually started the IT Dept, for a small CLEC and it all went to **** when I was promoted to Mgr. of IT, then Director of IT. I helped many techs get the latest CCNA, MCSE licenses while I was sent to "executive training seminars/courses". Just wanted to provide my experience and background.
Now I'm 45yrs old, was laid off many years ago and lost my footing in the fast paced IT market. I will never take another mgmt. position because I enjoy being in the trenches. I'm not a fan of Bill Gates, MS software and OS bore me to tears so I figured the next big thing is gonna be IoT apps/solutions. So now to piss you guys off with a very basic question... I want to get a starter kit for the Arduino or Rasberry Pi platforms but not sure which 1 is best suited for IoT integration, apps, etc... or should I get both? I have seen all the starter kits but I'm not the type of person that enjoys making a light blink or any of the other basic projects. I'm pretty confident that I can take on more challenging tutorials/projects. I would have more fun building my own drone/quadchopper or integrating blu tooth devices, security cameras, etc... and eventually hope to find a not so common area to integrate IoT solutions, maybe agriculture in the medical marijuana industry. That would be lots of fun. hahaha
I'm an extremely fast learner (already have some experience soldering boards, etc... but far from an expert) so if there are any pros here with experience on these platforms in regards to IoT, I would greatly appreciate any help, technical or career advice. Again, I know this isn't the focus of XDA but I know where to find the experts... I would probably ask for marital advice on here if it involved any gadgets. lol...
PS. Sorry for the long read I just wanted to provide some background info hoping to avoid the "newbie" label and being referred to a basic beginner kit. There are so many variations in the available kits, an extensive list of projects, upgrades and components. What I hope to find is someone who has already been down this road and can help me avoid buying over priced gimmicky kits. I assume I will want to purchase a larger starter kit then add a few components, sensor, etc,.. type kits. Has anyone purchased any of this stuff off WISH? I wouldn't trust the boards off that site but small electrical components like resisters, etc... might be fine.
Thanks to all those who take the time to respond to my request and if I get nothing, I'm forever grateful for all the support on my SamSung devices.

TeeShark said:
I apologize in advance if I posted this thread in the wrong place... I appreciate all the contributors, forum admins, etc.... for all the hard work and expertise that is the backbone for the XDA community!!!
Here is my question: (for additional background info, etc... please see details below) I'm wanting to learn as much as possible about the IoT. So I have checked out starter kits for the Arduino and Rasberry Pi Platforms but not sure if 1 is better than the other or should I get both? I understand the difference in technology, specs, etc... for these 2 platforms but have no idea which 1 would best help me develop the skills necessary to find work in the IoT field. I do have some basic coding skills, expert on hardware of all types and basic soldering skills working with boards/electronics. I feel like the basic starter kits for either platform will be very boring and uninspiring... should I buy a certain starter kit and add a couple component kits? I don't mind running through the basic projects very quickly to get a quick overview on how it all works but I would prefer a greater challenge and more in depth projects. I cant find any intermediate or higher degree of experience type sets. Any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated... or if you know of any forums where I might find XDA quality professionals to mingle with...
***** (the extended, long winded and probably way too much info version)*****
I am looking for a little basic assistance\guidance on the latest hot topic, the Internet of Things (IoT). I rely on XDA for all my mobile needs. The professionals that contribute content, apps, roms, root methods, etc... are the best in the biz, truly amazing people! I have spent 2 days searching the web for info on this topic but all the info I have come across is a little too generic so I thought I would try my luck here on XDA where the real brains and experts behind all things technical congregate.
My Question is very basic but I'm hoping to get some helpful feedback or pointed in the right direction. I have worked in IT field of the Telco industry for 20yrs. Mostly designing and building multi-million dollar data centers. As manager of IT, my staff and I supported 80+ MS Servers (Exchange, IIS, SQL, PDC"s, AD, SMS). I got my MCSE in Windows NT 4.0 (you can stop laughing now... haha). I actually started the IT Dept, for a small CLEC and it all went to **** when I was promoted to Mgr. of IT, then Director of IT. I helped many techs get the latest CCNA, MCSE licenses while I was sent to "executive training seminars/courses". Just wanted to provide my experience and background.
Now I'm 45yrs old, was laid off many years ago and lost my footing in the fast paced IT market. I will never take another mgmt. position because I enjoy being in the trenches. I'm not a fan of Bill Gates, MS software and OS bore me to tears so I figured the next big thing is gonna be IoT apps/solutions. So now to piss you guys off with a very basic question... I want to get a starter kit for the Arduino or Rasberry Pi platforms but not sure which 1 is best suited for IoT integration, apps, etc... or should I get both? I have seen all the starter kits but I'm not the type of person that enjoys making a light blink or any of the other basic projects. I'm pretty confident that I can take on more challenging tutorials/projects. I would have more fun building my own drone/quadchopper or integrating blu tooth devices, security cameras, etc... and eventually hope to find a not so common area to integrate IoT solutions, maybe agriculture in the medical marijuana industry. That would be lots of fun. hahaha
I'm an extremely fast learner (already have some experience soldering boards, etc... but far from an expert) so if there are any pros here with experience on these platforms in regards to IoT, I would greatly appreciate any help, technical or career advice. Again, I know this isn't the focus of XDA but I know where to find the experts... I would probably ask for marital advice on here if it involved any gadgets. lol...
PS. Sorry for the long read I just wanted to provide some background info hoping to avoid the "newbie" label and being referred to a basic beginner kit. There are so many variations in the available kits, an extensive list of projects, upgrades and components. What I hope to find is someone who has already been down this road and can help me avoid buying over priced gimmicky kits. I assume I will want to purchase a larger starter kit then add a few components, sensor, etc,.. type kits. Has anyone purchased any of this stuff off WISH? I wouldn't trust the boards off that site but small electrical components like resisters, etc... might be fine.
Thanks to all those who take the time to respond to my request and if I get nothing, I'm forever grateful for all the support on my SamSung devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. This is not really our field of expertise unfortunately. I know very little about Arduino but have used the raspberry Pi. We have a dedicated forum for the Pi here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/raspberry-pi
I think the experts ther will be able to assist you bettert than us
Good Luck
Sawdoctor