[Q] New to Programming - General Questions and Answers

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.

Related

Help! Programming mobile apps

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

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.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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.

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.

[Q] Suggestion

Now that my tablet is back in order, back to normal.
Wanting to start learning code and there are a lot of choices, from the ones that have been around to bleeding edge,I am thinking of either dart, python or c++ as I have no coding experience thought I would ask for advice?
geomonroe said:
Now that my tablet is back in order, back to normal.
Wanting to start learning code and there are a lot of choices, from the ones that have been around to bleeding edge,I am thinking of either dart, python or c++ as I have no coding experience thought I would ask for advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have no prior programming experience, Python will be better for you. C++ is a very very powerful but also pretty complicated language. It makes it really easy to shoot yourself in the foot. STL and Boost help a little bit, but as a beginning programmer - Python is a better example. Lots of good and free resources available if you search online but the Python language tutorial on python's website is a pretty good place to start.
Would also recommend taking a look at Ruby. It is a language that is a lot of fun. Of all the languages that I know, this is the one I like most. Choosing between Python and Ruby is a wash though - just pickup which ever you like or whichever your friends know (that helps more than anything else).
But most importantly look at some algorithms books once you have some experience under your belt. That is what programming is all about, the languages are easy to learn. And once you know one, the others are not as hard to learn.

[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

Categories

Resources