Programming Point of View - General Questions and Answers

Hey guys, so I really want to get into programming and get good enough for Android Development and such, but I feel like I just don't have the mindset for it. There's kids my age already making apps and stuff, and I'm kinda haulted, having no sense of how I should start. Could anybody please help? Thanks a lot.
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wheelsXwilly said:
I feel like I just don't have the mindset for it.
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Click to collapse
Why do you feel like that? Have you tried any programming before? It can certainly feel daunting to get started, but I reckon it's a skill that pretty much anyone can pick up if they're willing to learn. Some resources you might want to check out:
CodeAcademy.com -- has a couple of nice tutorials to get you started that you can run straight from your web browser
Udacity CS101 -- free online "Introduction to Computer Science" course. Covers a bit of programming in Python as well as some computer science fundamentals
Books/online tutorials -- can be of varying quality and many assume some prior programming experience. Because you mentioned you want to develop for Android, you might want to look at "Java for Dummies" or similar.
Hope that helps!

Yeah I went through about 40+ python tutorials on thenewboston, and I took a break because of school, and I didn't contain all the things I learned. So I'm a little discouraged. I'll check your suggestions out, thanks!
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wheelsXwilly said:
I didn't contain all the things I learned. So I'm a little discouraged.
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Click to collapse
That's normal -- if you don't keep practicing, you'll get rusty. I recently had to brush up on C++ after having not used it for over 6 months. You should pick it up more easily the second time, and you might be surprised at how much you actually remember.
Good luck!

Related

[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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Learning Java and programming using an app called AIDE

I was wondering if this app is reasonable to learn how to program and create apps, being an extreme novice (I mean that at the lowest level) and having very little patience and giving up so easily, maybe its a good thing to try and learn for 10 minutes here and there when having free time, what do you people think?
Here is the link to the app so you know what app I am talking about https://play.google....bS5haWRlLnVpIl0.
Any feedback or advice welcome, whether its positive or negative, thank you.
SealsNavie said:
I was wondering if this app is reasonable to learn how to program and create apps, being an extreme novice (I mean that at the lowest level) and having very little patience and giving up so easily, maybe its a good thing to try and learn for 10 minutes here and there when having free time, what do you people think?
Here is the link to the app so you know what app I am talking about https://play.google....bS5haWRlLnVpIl0.
Any feedback or advice welcome, whether its positive or negative, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
having been in this situation....
it takes MUCH longer than 10 mins to try to figure something out. i personally think that programming is NOT for you.
I'm not going to attempt to crush your dreams or anything, but I know from personal experience and from watching my friends in my classes, that if you have little patience, expect little results.
new ion? said:
having been in this situation....
it takes MUCH longer than 10 mins to try to figure something out. i personally think that programming is NOT for you.
I'm not going to attempt to crush your dreams or anything, but I know from personal experience and from watching my friends in my classes, that if you have little patience, expect little results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this. I've been learning Java for some time now, and I can tell you that it's not something you can learn in "10 minutes here and there," especially if you're new to programming. Since I'm assuming this will be your first programming language, you'll have to grasp the basic concepts first, then implement them in Java. Of course, once you've learned concepts, picking up languages is quicker; it's like human languages, where the meanings are the same, but the words and grammar are different. Either way, it's not something you can do without patience.
Oh, and that app won't actually teach you anything. It'll allow you to write programs, sure, but it won't teach you how to do it. If you want to learn Java, get a book or look up lessons online. And you might want to do your coding on a computer first. It's more convenient.
Just to add my thoughts: I have never made an app for anything before, but I have been wanting to try and start making android apps. When I saw this app in the market I got pretty excited and decided to finally attempt it. Now obviously what everyone else said is true, it is not easy...at all! lol, but if you want to spend the time and learn then this app is a really cool( and I think pretty easy) way to make apps. I mean...its an app used to make other apps . The main thing is to not get discouraged by how difficult it may be and instead get help when you're stuck. I'm in highschool and the computer science teacher there happens to be working with android this year so I often go to him for help. I think actually talking to people who know a bit about android is the best way to get help, but I'm sure books and online lessons could help as well.
Basically the point of all of that ^^^ is this: This is a pretty good app for making apps. It won't teach you how to do it, but if you do want to learn then this is a great tool to do so.
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Here you go
I am more of a visual learner, books aint cuttin it for me (sorry for slang lol) here are some youtube vids, FAR longer than ten minutes
Vids for Developing
I've got a friend that started recently with these videos.
/playlist?list=PL3D7BFF1DDBDAAFE5
LESS than 10 minutes a piece. Typically 5. Baby steps!
Looks like I'm too new to put links up. Just stick that after youtube and you'll find it.

Want to learn Linux (shell)?

I saw this tutorial linked to from the Raspberry Pi blog:
http://linuxcommand.org/learning_the_shell.php
You can use this thread as a Q&A. There are a few users here that will be glad to help you, especially since you're taking the initiative to move away from the GUI, one of the best steps you can take on a *nix computer.
I recommend you actually try out the commands as you're following along in the guide. It'll stick in your memory better that way.
Good link bro
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Started reading. Thanks bro !
If you have Java recommendations I will like that (not something I can get through Googling)...LOL
itzik2sh use the link that it is on my thread codecdamy.com
Fb nice find man this well help to make my first bml rom
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itzik2sh said:
Started reading. Thanks bro !
If you have Java recommendations I will like that (not something I can get through Googling)...LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started learning Java (having known a little PHP beforehand) from a book called Absolute Java by Savitch. You can buy it pretty cheap used. I have the second edition.
http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Java-Walter-Savitch/dp/0321205677
solrac1212 said:
itzik2sh use the link that it is on my thread codecdamy.com
Fb nice find man this well help to make my first bml rom
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Java =/= JavaScript
Here's some reading:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_JavaScript_and_Java_the_same_language
FBis251 said:
I started learning Java (having known a little PHP beforehand) from a book called Absolute Java by Savitch. You can buy it pretty cheap used. I have the second edition.
http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Java-Walter-Savitch/dp/0321205677
Java =/= JavaScript
Here's some reading:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_JavaScript_and_Java_the_same_language
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's:
Java != JavaScript
;-)
sorry did't know the difference
xaocon said:
it's:
Java != JavaScript
;-)
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Click to collapse
Haha. True. If we want to get even more specific Java !== JavaScript
solrac1212 said:
sorry did't know the difference
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Click to collapse
It's all gravy, now you do
Man I feel like a noob ..again with the java stuff I knew a lot of things but I never tough that java was so important anyway thanks for the link I will find more links for extensive reading
FBis251 said:
I started learning Java (having known a little PHP beforehand) from a book called Absolute Java by Savitch. You can buy it pretty cheap used. I have the second edition.
http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Java-Walter-Savitch/dp/0321205677
Java =/= JavaScript
Here's some reading:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_JavaScript_and_Java_the_same_language
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't propaganda but you can "PROBABLY" find Absolute Java somewhere online. Maybe even transfer to your phone for reading at your convenience! Even have a copy on the computer. Thanks FBIS251!(wink)
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Try not to make references to warez... It's looked down upon on these forums. *cough* edit your post man! *cough* .
Shameless bump.
Who's gotten anything out of this so far? . I've been having fun with a lot of these. You learn something new every day! If possible, every hour
FBis251 said:
Shameless bump.
Who's gotten anything out of this so far? . I've been having fun with a lot of these. You learn something new every day! If possible, every hour
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have thx fb
Or learn powershell... 'get-superbowl' is super fun
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Here's some good information if you are learning about using a linux console:
http://unix.stackexchange.com/quest...ce-between-a-terminal-a-shell-a-tty-and-a-con
Bash is fine but I recommend you try out zsh. If you get the configs from GRML (http://grml.org/zsh/) as a start you will find it to be very comfortable since the stuff you've learned about bash will carry over and it will seem to have a magic understanding of what you want to do. As you read more about it (man zshall) you will find it has more features and options than you could imagine a shell could have.
Take the time to learn your way around a good console editor too. I prefer Vim for a variety of reasons but emacs is also very popular. There is a bit of a holy war about which is better so it's hard finding unbiased comparisons between the two but the wikipedia page seems to do a pretty good job (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editor_war).
Congrats to everyone learning the command line. You will find some of it a little unintuitive at first if you are used to the windows way of doing things but most people that learn can't imagine how they got anything done before they did it.
Good luck and feel free to ask specific questions here. I'll answer. I love spreading the good word.

Come Learn ANDROID Game Development! Beginners are welcome.

Hi! I am the Lead Developer at Kilobolt Studios and I just wanted to let you know that I have just started my series of tutorials that will cover everything from basic Java to Advanced Android Game Development.
If you are willing to put in the time and dedication, please join us!
Beginners are welcome. :good:
I hope to see you in the comments section!
Cool, will take a look, currently very new to Android and programming in general , first app launching soon.
Could you give us more information about yourself, like how long it took you to learn Android game programming, any prior programming experiences, etc.
Not doubting your ability, but just to get a sense of things, like how long will a person need to get to that skill level:laugh:
DavidLT said:
Cool, will take a look, currently very new to Android and programming in general , first app launching soon.
Could you give us more information about yourself, like how long it took you to learn Android game programming, any prior programming experiences, etc.
Not doubting your ability, but just to get a sense of things, like how long will a person need to get to that skill level:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I started programming just about a year ago. I've had no formal training, but I've been reading a lot of books, watching a lot of tutorial videos, and practicing a lot to get to where I am now.
I've always been pretty good with computers, so I picked up programming pretty quickly.
I'd say if an absolute beginner followed my tutorials for a couple of weeks (provided he knows computer basics already), he will be quite capable of game programming.
Very nice! I will definitely be apart of this. I have zero knowledge of Android programming but would love to learn. Thank you so much this.
FearlessDK said:
Very nice! I will definitely be apart of this. I have zero knowledge of Android programming but would love to learn. Thank you so much this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how everyone starts. Welcome aboard!
i am interested too!
Though all i know are basics of C, i would love to learn!!
Let's see how it goes. Gonna study hard
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Thanks, this will help me when I decide to develop a couple of my android game ideas.
In past I did some minor programming in Delphi but i would love to start with this learning project thank you for pointing it out, there will be more of us who will gladly join your ranks ;-)
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I'd be very happy to see something like this. Game developing for PC became too complex to grasp single-handedly (2D is no more a real option) but Android would open many possibilities here.
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I really appreciate your work.
So far I followed all your steps from the guide and I cannot wait for your next instructions...I really like your way of writing, it's really easy to understand, keep it up.
PS: You even made me register here. ;D
dosek said:
I really appreciate your work.
So far I followed all your steps from the guide and I cannot wait for your next instructions...I really like your way of writing, it's really easy to understand, keep it up.
PS: You even made me register here. ;D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. Thank you. I'm glad you are learning!
In about a week, we will actually start game programming so be excited!

ROM Development Guide?

Remember about a month ago when XDA came out with a book about rooting and flashing ROMs?
I was just wondering if there were any books (or guides maybe) like that, that showed how to make ROMs from scratch, not through all of these annoying kitchens. (Don't really like them, they make me feel like a noob... of course I suppose I am)
So whatever, that's really about it. Thanks guys!
(Oh by the way, I have tried Nero's ROM guide and wasn't a huge fan, also I'm getting another computer solely for the purpose of Ubuntu too if that matters at all.)
...subscribing, also just out of interest I'm trying out Lubuntu, Ubuntu 12.04 server too!
jdgfdqtuzs said:
...subscribing, also just out of interest I'm trying out Lubuntu, Ubuntu 12.04 server too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty awesome, never heard of Lubuntu before now. I'd consider it, but any recent tutorials I've looked at use Ubuntu. (Sadly though, they're ridiculous! For example, there was a post about compiling Jelly Bean from source code, and its practically not even in English! I mean I know some coding and all, but despite that, nothing is explained. It just do this like "do this and then do this and this and then we're done. An don't worry, there won't be a troubleshooting page because we know all you out there are experts.)
Whatever, that's my rant. Hopefully a mod will come along some time soon and point us in the right direction. Fingers crossed. :highfive:
thebeastglasser said:
Pretty awesome, never heard of Lubuntu before now. I'd consider it, but any recent tutorials I've looked at use Ubuntu. (Sadly though, they're ridiculous! For example, there was a post about compiling Jelly Bean from source code, and its practically not even in English! I mean I know some coding and all, but despite that, nothing is explained. It just do this like "do this and then do this and this and then we're done. An don't worry, there won't be a troubleshooting page because we know all you out there are experts.)
Whatever, that's my rant. Hopefully a mod will come along some time soon and point us in the right direction. Fingers crossed. :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lubuntu is basically a lighter version of Ubuntu, still runs on the same principles as in version number etc. I understand your frustration with regards to where to find "how to" code, but, my view on tutorials is exactly that where aspects of what you're supposed to be doing are not explained. I think we need to be looking into another category for books, e.g. a coding practice used for android. See what happens
Yeah I suppose you're right. Off to Google/Amazon!
(of course if anyone sees this and would still like to post, by all means, do so!)
EDIT: After a god half an hour of searching, I think I finally found it. The problem is, you're gonna need $50 if you want to snag it.
http://www.amazon.com/Android-Foren...-Security/dp/1597496510/ref=cm_cr_dp_asin_lnk
It is by far the most in detail book I've seen. Just look at the overview of the chapters! It's just like what I was looking for! Woohoo!
Oh man $50. Hard being a broke student.
I would love to learn to. Anyone can tell me where to start? What languages i need to learn (java, linux, c++, etc)?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my rooted tomato using xda app
If your tomato just so happens to be running a version of android that can support the Kindle app, you can actually get it for about $40 too...
And while I'm not an expert in this field (in fact I really don't know too much) I do know that android uses java and converts it to another language using the dalvik machine. So if you really have no where to start, try learning some java.
thebeastglasser said:
If your tomato just so happens to be running a version of android that can support the Kindle app, you can actually get it for about $40 too...
And while I'm not an expert in this field (in fact I really don't know too much) I do know that android uses java and converts it to another language using the dalvik machine. So if you really have no where to start, try learning some java.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Offtopic: I think tomatoes dont taste good at all.
I'm a fan, but that's just me. (end of off topic conversation before a mod takes down the thread.)
thebeastglasser said:
I'm a fan, but that's just me. (end of off topic conversation before a mod takes down the thread.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(nah I love this convo) I think theyre pretty sour.
Thanks
This is a great guide thanks
Thanks, good guide !
That book looks more related to security than anything else. Anything for development in particular?
If you look at the insides though, it shows how to create the internals, with step by step pieces. Chapter 7 (I think) also has 6 popular methods to obtain root access.
Look at the sneak peek and read the summaries of the chapters. It's definitely going on my Christmas list.
EDIT: As for anything solely for development, I have yet to find anything like that. Hence the reason for posting this thread.
Well, my tomato can support kindle.
Anyway, great thread. Hope someone who can help us reads this and decides to help us further.
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Bump.
We still need support smart dev guys.
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