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[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
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

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.
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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...
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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:
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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.
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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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Hello!

Hey I want to make myself a theme for my SK4G since all the preloaded ones look like they came straight out of the Ed Hardy catalogue. Where do I start?

The Pope of Dope said:
Hey I want to make myself a theme for my SK4G since all the preloaded ones look like they came straight out of the Ed Hardy catalogue. Where do I start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need a deodexed rom first or else it wont boot. Also nandroid backups arent working properly so its risky to try and flash anything right meow because theres also no stock update.zip

heres a decompiled framework-res.apk that i just rared (just a bunch of folders) that i added a battery 1% mod to so you can get a headstart with a piece of it. If you google or look around the epic xda forum you can see themeing guides... You can theme the battery images too and such if you want....
the apk i made might even work on non deodexed roms since it does on the epic, just dont want to send it out to anyone because of the lack of recovery options (you could always just adb push your original framework-res.apk over... though...most people dont know how to do that and i dont even have a sidekick to test on. if you want the apk let me know )

blu9987 said:
heres a decompiled framework-res.apk that i just rared (just a bunch of folders) that i added a battery 1% mod to so you can get a headstart with a piece of it. If you google or look around the epic xda forum you can see themeing guides... You can theme the battery images too and such if you want....
the apk i made might even work on non deodexed roms since it does on the epic, just dont want to send it out to anyone because of the lack of recovery options (you could always just adb push your original framework-res.apk over... though...most people dont know how to do that and i dont even have a sidekick to test on. if you want the apk let me know )
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Yo dawg I heard you like themes dawg so I'm gonna be puttin dawgs in yo' theme dawg.
But seriously. I'll read everything I can when I finish my homework, and that could take all night. I really appreciate your help brother! I'll be on tomorrow to continue this discussion =]

blu9987 said:
heres a decompiled framework-res.apk that i just rared (just a bunch of folders) that i added a battery 1% mod to so you can get a headstart with a piece of it. If you google or look around the epic xda forum you can see themeing guides... You can theme the battery images too and such if you want....
the apk i made might even work on non deodexed roms since it does on the epic, just dont want to send it out to anyone because of the lack of recovery options (you could always just adb push your original framework-res.apk over... though...most people dont know how to do that and i dont even have a sidekick to test on. if you want the apk let me know )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey so I am very serious about developing for the SK4G.
What is the best development platform? I've got a MBP and a Desktop capable of dual booting windows & linux and another dedicated Linux laptop.
Tools? I've got years of Photoshop, and hex editing experience. I'm sure I can learn how to decompile code quickly. Compiling from source is my ***** yadda yadda yadda

The Pope of Dope said:
Hey so I am very serious about developing for the SK4G.
What is the best development platform? I've got a MBP and a Desktop capable of dual booting windows & linux and another dedicated Linux laptop.
Tools? I've got years of Photoshop, and hex editing experience. I'm sure I can learn how to decompile code quickly. Compiling from source is my ***** yadda yadda yadda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have a lot to learn too I'm not a real dev.
There's numerous tools available for each platform... apk manager, signapk for window. You need linux for anything with kernels and making odin tars I'm dual booting right now though I'm not really too efficient in linux yet. I made a deodexed rom out of the stock rom too but it needs a few fixes
Perhaps we could make a newbie dev team for the sk4g there's a few people interested in other threads too. I don't have a sk4g I'm just interested because there's no devs yet and its similar to my epic4g in the system dump. My gf has one though she doesn't want to root it

blu9987 said:
I still have a lot to learn too I'm not a real dev.
There's numerous tools available for each platform... apk manager, signapk for window. You need linux for anything with kernels and making odin tars I'm dual booting right now though I'm not really too efficient in linux yet. I made a deodexed rom out of the stock rom too but it needs a few fixes
Perhaps we could make a newbie dev team for the sk4g there's a few people interested in other threads too. I don't have a sk4g I'm just interested because there's no devs yet and its similar to my epic4g in the system dump. My gf has one though she doesn't want to root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a great idea. Maybe I can use my group texting for something other than group sexting.
If you could shoot me their usernames in a message I would like to get a hold of all of them.

Might be a good idea to make a recruiting post in general section

I'm interested in helping with dev stuff. Msg me
Sent from my Sidekick 4G using XDA app

Ill help with development as much as I can... which won't really hep much. I can't code.
I can test drive roms once we get working nandroid backups and people start working on roms.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App

If you just want a theme, you can easily grab wallpaper and icons from the Hiptop SDK's built in simulator. Unfortunately, the version of the simulator that fully supported audio was never released to developers outside of the Danger offices.
You could also get a screen grab directly from the device with the htconsole.
Sent from my SGH-T839 using XDA App

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
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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
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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.
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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!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

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!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

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

[REQ] where to learn android developement

So I've been rooting and moding for quite a while and I enjoy doing it but I wanted too give back to the XDA community and help work on some of the kernals and some Roms and other android development. I've been programming for about a year and I already know how to make android apps (I'm actually in the process of finishing up my own android game) so I'm not new to programming. I just want someone to point me in the right direction to start my new journey in the android modding community. Any help will be greatly appreciated
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

First of all this should have probably been posted to the general thread. Secondly there are plenty of places and ways to learn programming for android. You'll want to start with learning java. Go to udemy they have some good java classes I am taking one as well. You can use XDA university or the android developers website etc etc. Just search google there's a million free ways to learn this kind of thing.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

First learn to post in the right section.

Ya, the thread been moved. I don't post much so I didn't know. And I already java and ik it pretty well to. I just want to know if anyone has any super good tutorial or something like that I can look into to learn android development cause I thought the kernal is wrote in C and part of roms are wrote in other languages
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

What sort of development are we talking about?
Beside app development, I see categories as below
- Decompiling stock apps, theming them or modifying code, then recompiling them
- Building Android from Source
- Building kernels from Source
- Building PARTS of Android from source as modifications
I think the first steps should be learning to build android from source. That gives you the basics. Then you can start to delve into the code and look to write functions in java and cpp to build in extra functions. It would also be good to get busy figuring out how to cherry pick other functions into the source from other repositories.
Here is a good starting point for that
https://source.android.com/source/building.html

Thanks, really appreciate it, I guess I got to first get Linux running on my machine before I download the aosp source code, any recommendations on which Linux distro I should install, I'm thinking Ubuntu
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shogun656 said:
Thanks, really appreciate it, I guess I got to first get Linux running on my machine before I download the aosp source code, any recommendations on which Linux distro I should install, I'm thinking Ubuntu
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ubuntu is the staple. I got bored and went for Mint in the end, but that's because I use Linux as my daily driver and found it appealing. It's still Ubuntu (which is Debian) based though. If you're just building, Ubuntu makes sense as all guides are geared up for that.

rootSU said:
Here is a good starting point for that
https://source.android.com/source/building.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rootSU thanks for the link. It's been a while since I've read that. If I'm reading that correctly it means you can build AOSP with jdk7 now. Sweet. I quit building pure aosp because I've been running jdk7 for a while and it was the only source that wouldn't compile with it. Time to repo sync I guess.

theesotericone said:
rootSU thanks for the link. It's been a while since I've read that. If I'm reading that correctly it means you can build AOSP with jdk7 now. Sweet. I quit building pure aosp because I've been running jdk7 for a while and it was the only source that wouldn't compile with it. Time to repo sync I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, 7 works fine