The best/fastest way to start/learn developing on Android? - General Questions and Answers

Hi I'm new to developing with android. I have created programs for windows using vb and know a lot about websites. I don't know if that will help any but any advice would help. I already have the sdk and avd along with eclipse for both windows and Linux. Also does anyone have any source codes I could benifit looking at?
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If you are looking to develop apps there are several good books you can buy from Amazon such as Hello android and SAMS teach yourself android just to get you started and introduce you to the way that Android apps are written (although some bad habits creep in from reading these books too)
Otherwise a good free place to start is the Android pages themselves - developer.android.com/resources/tutorials/hello-world.html
This will get you in to the basics and show you how to set up eclipse (sounds like you have done this bit though)
Otherwise just google and you find lots of links, and possibly check out Replica Island -replicaisland.net/ - which is an open source game that you can also download for free in the android market

OfficialLocdoGg said:
Hi I'm new to developing with android. I have created programs for windows using vb and know a lot about websites. I don't know if that will help any but any advice would help. I already have the sdk and avd along with eclipse for both windows and Linux. Also does anyone have any source codes I could benifit looking at?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you already know vb maybe try basic4android, a lot of people on the forums there are used to vb and say its easy to transpose skills learnt on vb to b4a.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

developer.android.com should be a good start for it.

Dblt said:
If you are looking to develop apps there are several good books you can buy from Amazon such as Hello android and SAMS teach yourself android just to get you started and introduce you to the way that Android apps are written
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SAMS one is very good. Covers a lot of important ground.

check out these links its the best place for you to start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667298

Thanks guys. I'm going to check it out.
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Related

Seriously want to start Developing - Need some help.

It's not just another one of those 'LOLZ WANA DEVLOP PLZZ HELPPPZZ'.....
I'm very serious and need to know where to start off. I would maybe do it for a living when I'm older. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while. I used to mess around with some private servers coded in Java, but I didn't learn much.
I'm just wondering if there was a place where I could take classes online, or a good way to start off. I would be using my Evo for development aswell.
Any serious help would be appreciated.
nsteger123 said:
It's not just another one of those 'LOLZ WANA DEVLOP PLZZ HELPPPZZ'.....
I'm very serious and need to know where to start off. I would maybe do it for a living when I'm older. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while. I used to mess around with some private servers coded in Java, but I didn't learn much.
I'm just wondering if there was a place where I could take classes online, or a good way to start off. I would be using my Evo for development aswell.
Any serious help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me to....
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
The best place to learn and this may be a shock...for real. But i had begun to read an android development book and that didnt really do it for me but when i started to read Google Development pages it all made sense.
developer.android.com
Check it out.
1) read the entire dev guide
developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
2) install sdk and eclipse
3) build hello world and deploy to emulator, then to real device
You'll be on your way to devdom if you can make it through these 3 trivial steps
I bought three android books and they all seem to be very helpful in their own ways.
Hello, Android! 3rd edition - Great for beginners to the android platform
Professional Android 2 - Great and has a good amount of corners covered. From layouts to bluetooth and wifi. This one is by wrox and the code samples are available online without purchase verification.
Advanced Android - Good but not really worth is.
I've spend sometimes using eclipse but i can say it's quite buggy for now.
You may wanna stick to it but i suggest to test the last IntelliJ X Community
It's free and it get Android dev without plugins. I get this tips from the Twitter
of Romain Guy ...
For the dev, a little book from manning.com. They offers code is you register
you can get 50% of the price. Android in action.
Then for the advanved topics StackOverflow is now replacing the android
newbies developpers google group officially and there's a lot of advanced topics.
Give yourself some weeks to get some results, you've to learn the philosophy
of a new system.

[Q] Java for Android

Ok, been using these forums for quite awhile to mod my various devices. However I've never had to post, so you'll have to forgive that this is in the wrong board as it wont let me post in the right one due to lack of posts.
I want to get into actually developing Android apps, and then eventually get into developing ROMs and such. From what I've seen apps would be programed in Java, and I've seen links to a few web resources to learn Java. But none on them answer what I am really looking to find out. I need to know what "flavor" of Java is best to use. Java 1? 2? 6? Java++? Visual Java? Etc etc etc.
I don't want to waste my time learning Java 6, if Android is only compatible with Java 4, for example. And vise versa. Like-wise I don't want to learn a version of Sun Java, if Java++ or Visual would be be better/give better functionality.
In closing, I just need to know what flavor of Java would be best to learn. Thanks.
It's not really java, it's android.
Here you have everything to start:
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
And to set up the environment for developing:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
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knowing java is a good start, think of android like an advanced java applet programming.
leblid said:
knowing java is a good start, think of android like an advanced java applet programming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, exactly. And that's what I am looking for. Somehing to get my base knowledge started on. But their are allot of diffrent versions of Java and I don't really know which would be the best to use as a jumping off point.
I have also looked at the Android dev site, but it isn't really going to "teach" me from scrach.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
Glgamesh said:
Yeah, exactly. And that's what I am looking for. Somehing to get my base knowledge started on. But their are allot of diffrent versions of Java and I don't really know which would be the best to use as a jumping off point.
I have also looked at the Android dev site, but it isn't really going to "teach" me from scrach.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, if you plan to develop for android, it's better to focus on android, and not learn first java.. It's like learning first to ride a motocycle, and then go for the car.... It has some common ground, but..
If you want to learn from the scratch, the links I posted are your point. You can also take a look to the tutorials:
http://developer.android.com/intl/es/resources/tutorials/hello-world.html
If you still want to go through Java.. I reccomend you take a look to this:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/index.html
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
and start from Java SE 6 (http://download.oracle.com/javase/6/docs/)
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/index-jsp-135888.html
aitorTheRed said:
Again, if you plan to develop for android, it's better to focus on android, and not learn first java.. It's like learning first to ride a motocycle, and then go for the car.... It has some common ground, but..
If you want to learn from the scratch, the links I posted are your point. You can also take a look to the tutorials:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok, I get it now, thank you for breaking it down like that. I thought it was the exact opposite, I thought you needed Java to lead into Android. I'd looked at several books to learn Android, but all the reviews said that you should know Java before getting the books. (Hence where I got the idea) I actually read this post earlier, and I have given the Developer section of the Android site a LOT deeper look, and it looks like you were very much correct. Upon first glance I didn't think it was actually be what I needed. Thank you for your assistance and I am sorry for the missunderstanding.
Glgamesh said:
Oh ok, I get it now, thank you for breaking it down like that. I thought it was the exact opposite, I thought you needed Java to lead into Android. I'd looked at several books to learn Android, but all the reviews said that you should know Java before getting the books. (Hence where I got the idea) I actually read this post earlier, and I have given the Developer section of the Android site a LOT deeper look, and it looks like you were very much correct. Upon first glance I didn't think it was actually be what I needed. Thank you for your assistance and I am sorry for the missunderstanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to ask for sorry we all have to start sometimes from zero it's true that knowing java helps, but I think that if you have some notion on OOP (object-oriented programming) will be enought
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YANPAT (Yet Another Noob Programming for Android Thread)

Good afternoon,
I want to start learning programming for Android, as I am sure many before me have said. And as the title very well expresses, I am completely virginal in relation to programming. OK, some years ago I punched some Delphi lines, but what I learned about it can be amounted to zero
In order to commence the task, I count with a netbook, running Ubuntu 11.04, an Android phone (Xperia Play) and an Android tablet (Advent Vega), two "starting in Android" books, HTTrack in order to save websites for offline reading, a vacant summer, and the enthusiasm to learn something new. I don't have a specific goal in mind (is that a problem? Should I aim for something concrete to do as well?) but I think that, if I win certain knowledge, I will be able to create a useful app to share here.
The reason why I've opened this thread is because it should serve as a log of what I am doing concerning this endeavor, and maybe spark some support, some naysaying, some interesting discussions and some natter. At any rate, I hope to be able to contribute something good!
I am interested also. I was going to program for the iOS but can't bring myself to buy a MAC.
I have a lot of VB 6, VB.NET and Java - JSP development experience. My 10 year old daughter is a big gamer and wants to make games when she is older. I want to get her to help me make a small game so she can see what is involved in programming.
I still need to search for resources but if anyone has any good starter tutorials that would be great.
Sorry not trying to hijack your thread Logseman. Just don’t want to make more threads on the same topic.
Thanks
It's cool, in fact it'd be great if other people "out themselves" as potential programmers. It'd be a bit like a blog then, with the whole commenters sharing experiences . From what I've read your Java experience should make programming in Android quite easy, as the OS itself seems to be. I'm going to fire up my netbook and start the whole deployment. It can take the whole night easily...
After a whole night of downloads, I have deployed the SDK and eclipse on my netbook. They should make it more amenable, IMO, not only in this case but in installations in general. Installations are boring, as are videogame loading screens, but many of the latter feature something to make it worth your while.
I recently started android developing too (im 14 ) but since i was teaching myself it was hard to find a good book, but hello android by ed burnette easily teaches you how to make anything from 2D graphics to web views and 3D games. Tell me if you need a link, hope this helps
is that possible learn android programing without know any programing language before ?
kancil168 said:
is that possible learn android programing without know any programing language before ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can. At the end of the day you have to start somewhere. Why not Android ?
I have an EEPC netbook with Ubuntu Linux also. I think I will pull it out and see what I can do with it.
Does anyone think it would be good for this or should I use my HP windows laptop?
I hope we can get some feedback from some experienced Android Devs.
Well, I am happy to see people sparked by the same idea! I hope we all get to do something worthwhile!
Ncaissie, I'd recommend the Linux netbook. It's more portable, which is particularly important for your assistant if she wants to handle part of the process and I have to say, after instaling many Linux distros, I find Ubuntu 11.04 a perfectly stable, quick and efficient OS, much more than Windows or other Linux distros. I am in fact pleasantly surprised as I was unconvinced by Unity in 10.10. Aside of that, since you're programming in Android, which is a mixture of Java and Linux, it reduces the confusion if you work with a Linux host as well, in my opinion.
About the learning process, I've been reading a bit about Activities and Services and Android building blocks. I've decided on my first milestone: a "Hello XDA" app. If time allows, I will have it done before this weekend. If I can't post it after this weekend, I'll stall the project as it would be clear I am not focused enough.
14yrolddeveloper said:
I recently started android developing too (im 14 ) but since i was teaching myself it was hard to find a good book, but hello android by ed burnette easily teaches you how to make anything from 2D graphics to web views and 3D games. Tell me if you need a link, hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have read good reviews for this book but I decided that I would learn Java before android since I'm planning on taking computer science anyway.
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I was set to buy a cheapo Android phone as a development device. Turns out I made the worst choice: the Huawei U8110 Selina I chose seems to have issues about being recognised by ADB. Had I known this, I'd have taken some other one...
Fate conspires to keep me away from development Now my Xperia Play is not mounting the SDCards I feed it. I need to reflash it with FlashTool, but since I only had Linux installed on my computer and Flashtool requires Windows, I'm having to set up a dual boot environment, which implies wiping Linux, installing Windows and setting up two partitions, and then installing Linux again. Seriously, it's crap.
I really like this post,good luck with it.
Only one thing- I think it's important that you'd come with an idea for an app,rather than learning Android in general.
It will keep you motivated to move on and progress.
I've recently started developing for android too. While they get mildly bashed sometimes I've found that the apress books are pretty good. "Learn java for android development" by jeff friesen is long and very technical, and also requires that you be paying attention, but gets a pretty decent amount of java floating around inside your head before you even have to open up eclipse.
Honestly though I found it easier to work on a project and when I needed something that I didnt know to search around and find code snippets or dig through my books until I find the right answer and then move on to the next problem.
Good Luck
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tofira said:
I really like this post,good luck with it.
Only one thing- I think it's important that you'd come with an idea for an app,rather than learning Android in general.
It will keep you motivated to move on and progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have an idea in mind, and it is related with the security pattern grid. Is that part of Android opensourced?
Enviado desde mi VegaComb usando Tapatalk
I wasn't able to pick up the pace this weekend But my goal is clear for now. I'm up for a Hello XDA app.
Well, here comes my very first apk... plus source (complying with XDA's rules ) I managed to screw some things because I typed the code incorrectly. Eclipse moaned in two lines until I discovered two syntax mistakes. Just therefore, because I saw them, I think I did the proper thing in typing this example code even if I had it in front of me. I will try not to copy-paste code if I can avoid it.
I've installed HelloXDA in my XPlay and it works as intended, and per the source you can see there's no malware in the app. And I know that I'm making a bit of a fuss about a stupid HelloWorld app, but hey, it's MY HelloWorld app, I coded it
I like this thread. I'm also going into android programmins as a noob still in highschool. I've got a question: I am looking into creating a home screen replacement app, so what do you reccomend me to do: Learn java first or just read through the sections of the android books I've purchased that talk about homescreens?
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk
Start with something smaller than a homescreen. Mess around with some tutorials.
roblikeschocolatecake said:
I like this thread. I'm also going into android programmins as a noob still in highschool. I've got a question: I am looking into creating a home screen replacement app, so what do you reccomend me to do: Learn java first or just read through the sections of the android books I've purchased that talk about homescreens?
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what book is that?
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I wanna get into android development.. where to start?

I found some books... basically learn Linux/android developing, i wanna get a good idea/knowledge... create ROMS, Kernals, just anything that has to do with android..
Where do I start?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
one thing at a time buddy. Start by learning some Java. From there you'll be able to move into app development.
You might be able to do some rom manipulation without being able to program, but knowing how apps work from app development would be helpful.
Ill leave the kernel stuff for someone else to answer.
Sent from my GT-I5500 using xda app-developers app
I agree - start with learning a programming language.
Many are pretty similar in concept/structure - so once you understand the basics, you'll be able to branch out as you will find you need to.
Start with java and learn the basics of app development. Then jump into some theming and modding. This will help you familiarize yourself with system files and such. Finally, the most difficult of all, coding and kernel work. This will require a bit of C, C+, python, and a couple other computer languages. You'll mainly be working with C tho. Start at the bottom and be patient with your learning! Good luck!
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Any good resources on the stuff you've mentioned?
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I learned Java using a book called Java by dissection.
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Me too
Me too i also wanted to learn how to dev some android apps or Rom.
Ceelos09 said:
Start with java and learn the basics of app development. Then jump into some theming and modding. This will help you familiarize yourself with system files and such. Finally, the most difficult of all, coding and kernel work. This will require a bit of C, C+, python, and a couple other computer languages. You'll mainly be working with C tho. Start at the bottom and be patient with your learning! Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally agreed. i want to get into developing, too, rooted my ROM firtst, getting into the Terminal of Linux/ubuntu, decompile, modify, compile random apps, Theming the system UI... build your way up and see what you can do. One thing i have to say: You will need A LOT of time. most of the things are trial and error, the best way to learn how things are working.
What kind of development do you want to do? Applications? If so, google 'java tutorials' and you should find good materials on Oracle's site and others.
zgx said:
What kind of development do you want to do? Applications? If so, google 'java tutorials' and you should find good materials on Oracle's site and others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roms/kernals
"Vanilla android >jail broken iOS>90" TV's"
Would it be worth buying a raspberry pi and learning the python language.. to get started in learning?
"Vanilla android >jail broken iOS>90" TV's"
xvi. Jeweboo
Ceelos09 said:
Start with java and learn the basics of app development. Then jump into some theming and modding. This will help you familiarize yourself with system files and such. Finally, the most difficult of all, coding and kernel work. This will require a bit of C, C+, python, and a couple other computer languages. You'll mainly be working with C tho. Start at the bottom and be patient with your learning! Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, for the apps Java is fundamental, for kernel and other part of the OS i think it is required C.
Ceelos09 said:
Start with java and learn the basics of app development. Then jump into some theming and modding. This will help you familiarize yourself with system files and such. Finally, the most difficult of all, coding and kernel work. This will require a bit of C, C+, python, and a couple other computer languages. You'll mainly be working with C tho. Start at the bottom and be patient with your learning! Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for guidence
A good resource to check out is WWW.programmersinstitute.org. There are step by step videos for setting up your computer to program and then projects to work through with the instructor. The last time I checked it was free!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
steekyjim said:
one thing at a time buddy. Start by learning some Java. From there you'll be able to move into app development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely this. Java's the best way to go. Go download NetBeans IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and look up some free online tutorials. That'll get you started.
If you're more inclined towards kernels / ROMs, better to start with C, and then learn JAVA. Kernel is mostly C and android framework is mostly JAVA & C++ (For ROM development, you can make do with framework C++ if you know C)
For C, read Kernighan & Ritchie, for JAVA, any basic Java tutorial should do. Most of all, start coding from your first day - without trying things, you'll never learn programming.
If you decide to go into application/game development, I would highly recommend to try libgdx. I have been using it for 2 years and I am very happy with it.
ivoidwarranty said:
If you're more inclined towards kernels / ROMs, better to start with C, and then learn JAVA. Kernel is mostly C and android framework is mostly JAVA & C++ (For ROM development, you can make do with framework C++ if you know C)
For C, read Kernighan & Ritchie, for JAVA, any basic Java tutorial should do. Most of all, start coding from your first day - without trying things, you'll never learn programming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do,
"Vanilla android >jail broken iOS>90" TV's"
To know java is the first

I don't know any code what so ever. What's a good book, website, source to begin lear

And what language should I try to familiarize myself with first? Where do I go from there?
I aspire to work on ROMs one day, and even develop apps.
To be honest, I've also got ****ty computers and are too slow to work with, does anyone recommend getting a new laptop?
I'm probably going to need to be using something along the Unix, so will it be advisable to get a Mac or just stick with Windows and install Ubuntu?
(Sorry for not knowing as much as everyone else.)
I would be grateful towards any replies!
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Hello @narsciso
Its great to see another individual taking an opportunity on learning more about Android development.
I would recommend you getting a new laptop or desktop as some developing programs are RAM hungry. Though they should still work.
Building ROMs from source - To be able to build ROMs from source you'll need to learn allot about Android, ive never attempted this so I can't help you here. But don't worry, there are plenty of guides here on xda that'll get you set up with a Linux distro and a workstation that will lead you to compile your first ROM from source. Just use the search function.
Modifying ROMs, ROMs can be modified using windows so you wouldn't need a Linux Distro to be able to achieve this. Again there are plenty of guides and useful resources that can get out started, just use the search function.
Building apps from source - Building apps isn't all that hard to be able to achieve this. You will need to set up a environment. You can do so by going to the android developer site and you can start by downloading their SDK Pack. This contains vital files that will get you started. Also includes Eclipse studio (Application Creator).
Another info on android app development is that its based on Java. So I suggest you learn Java coding as others won't be as helpful. But no need to stress over this, Java is straight forward and its easy to pick up.
Modifying apps, you can achieve this by using apk decompilers (this can be done on Linux and windows) you can decompile the app and make changes within the work folder.
You can use the source code of an app (contains functions and commands) to build an app on eclipse.
The apk itself just contains the layout and looks. The src contains vital info for the app to run right.
I would have provided links but I am using my device. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)
You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.
So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?
Thanks again!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
narsciso said:
Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)
You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.
So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?
Thanks again!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries mate, there's a fantastic place to get started in java coding its called "codeacademy".
Its all up to you on the operating system bit. Here's a bit of information.
If you're planning on building ROMs from source Mac will work as its based on Linux as I have been told.
If you're planning to work just on apps and further your work into ROM dev later on, you can use Windows.
If you want to build from source on Windows you can do so by using a virtual machine to run a Linux Distro.
Note: when compile ROMs you need a good PC and the compiling process requires lots of time. Which means you'll need patience but assuming that you're only going to work on app development for now. I suggest Windows.
But its up to you on what you feel is the best the looks, price, design or durability.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
krishneelg3 said:
No worries mate
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the source! I guess I'll be investing in a new Windows computer soon!
Again, I can't thank you enough. You may have changed my life around Krishneelg3. Thank you!
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narsciso said:
Thanks for the source! I guess I'll be investing in a new Windows computer soon!
Again, I can't thank you enough. You may have changed my life around Krishneelg3. Thank you!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, good luck and all the best with your upcoming project.
If you find it hard to work with just learning Java, you can also refer to tutorials on YouTube. There are so many. And they're really helpful.
Cheers.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
TheArc said:
No worries, good luck and all the best with your upcoming project.
If you find it hard to work with just learning Java, you can also refer to tutorials on YouTube. There are so many. And they're really helpful.
Cheers.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I got a macbook pro as a gift from my girlfriend, and I have took it upon myself to register and start at codeacademy.com
What do you recommend I should focus on for the first 6 months? Should I hop from language to language to mess around with ONE certain thing?
It or ally depends on you, important one would be Java and c

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