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Want to be a Dev

I am really wanting to become a developer and build android apps and possibly get into Kernel tweaking, ROMs, etc. What would I need get to learn Java and Coding and such. The closest I've done before is App Inventor.
Books, Web Guides, Even paid books are good suggestions.
I want to give back to XDA

Same Here
It'd be interesting and I got the summer ahead so it's perfect timing to start preparing.

my advice, just start trying to have fun and play around. If you make it a very formal approach, IE. taking classes first, reading a ton of books without ever coding, you will lose interest. I would get android programming for dumbies and just start making small stuff.

pyrator said:
my advice, just start trying to have fun and play around. If you make it a very formal approach, IE. taking classes first, reading a ton of books without ever coding, you will lose interest. I would get android programming for dumbies and just start making small stuff.
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Click to collapse
That sounds good to me, I was thinking about getting a book and just following around with it and like you said. Should I set this all up in OSX or would Windows or Linux be the best environment for this? I have 2 Lappys to use for this

If you are planning to use Eclipse, you can install it on OSX, linux and windows. I have personally programmed in both windows XP and 7, and linux. I had some minor problems with W7, but nothing I could not fix with a bit of googling ;D
My advice:
Start here
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
And go through all the framework topics
You also have sample code (http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=sample) and some basic tutorials (http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial)
Hope it helps!

aitorTheRed said:
If you are planning to use Eclipse, you can install it on OSX, linux and windows. I have personally programmed in both windows XP and 7, and linux. I had some minor problems with W7, but nothing I could not fix with a bit of googling ;D
My advice:
Start here
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
And go through all the framework topics
You also have sample code (http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=sample) and some basic tutorials (http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial)
Hope it helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I heard there are some things that work flawlessly on Linux and won't work on OSX or Windows. I'll probably be using Linux and OSX because 1 lappy is a macbook and the other is vista so il put Ubuntu on it. Thanks

Android applications and Linux. Where are the Linux Fans ?

I posted this thread already in the ATRIX sub-forum, but there was nearly no feedback. Hopefully here it will have more rresponse.
The xda-developers forum is really great ! I love it. Was my first place to go, after I bought my ATRIX some weeks ago in USA.
I do not know, what was the reason for you fellows to get an Android smartphone. Mine was to replace my 8 years old cellphone from Samsung with a mondern smart phone. To be honest, the "telephone option" was the less important one. I like the MP3, video and some little games (as Sokoban and Pinball). Of course could have been an other operation system, but Windoz mobile was out of question (I hate everything from M$), Macintoy is too much restriceted and I love Linux. Therefore was an easy decision for me.
For me, as a Linux-fanboy, it was (and still is) a little bit sad that a lot of applications (remote control, synchronizing, ...) and all hacks are running on Windoz. Maybe some there are other ones here in the xda-formum feeling the same.
Therefore my suggestion to the responsibles of the forum:
- Could be an idea to open a sub-forum (or a sub-sub forum) for the Linux-fanboys to exchange information.
and my suggestion to other members:
- Lets share information, ideas about applications (tips, tricks, ... ) running perfect with Linux operating system.
To begin.
- The Moto Phone Portal application (Motorola) is not (too) bad. Running nice with Firefox and Ubuntu (Linux). Except the filemanager option.
"File Manager access supported on Internet Explorer only." Upps ! Even the Windoz-fanboys do not use this buggy program.
- IP Webcam. Running nice with Firefox and Ubuntu (Linux)
- SSHDroidPro. Running perfect with Gnome-commander and Nautilus on Ubuntu.

It sounds like you just want a place to feel superior to all those filthy non-open sourcers.
If xda is making an exclusive Linux-section, they better be doing exclusive Windows and mac-sections as well.
And xda is not a computer forum.

Android = Linux/linux = android
These are fu¢king computers. Not GOphones
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

Most of the users use windows, yet I do notice that the more advanced users run a GNU/Linux based distri.
Developers usually want to develop for the biggest market.
I have seen a lot of tools being able to run with mono.Usually these are not serving applications but rather tools for the phone like a qtADB, an interface for ADB, Rooting tools, Flashing tools etc.
Btw
GNU/Linux*
or otherwise sadstallman.jpg

Well, if you're a linux user you're probably used to finding your way out of such situations And there's always Wine and Mono for them tools.
P.S. Triple boot Linux/Windows/Hackintosh-yeah-I-know-it's-bad user.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

there should be a bit to do with linux as i find a lot of stuff easier to do on linux rather than windows

Linux and Android
I'm a full time Linux user, anything Debian/Debian-based really.
I suppose a few docs on things like flashing with Heimdall's frontend or explaining you cant use pit files like Odin. Random stuff like that would be helpful. Then again being a Penguin my response to that is RTFM! hehe.

Thanks for the feedback
Hey, there was some feedback ! This is nice ! I was in Lisbon for some days, so only today I could read your feedbacks. Would like to respond now:
Hi 8ESP,
relax my friend. The idea of my thread was not to show / feel "superior to all those filthy non-open sourcers". For me really doesn't matter what kind of operating system someone uses (on his computer) ...
... "And xda is not a computer forum". Yes I noticed this, we are in the “Android forum“, but thank you for your information. ;-)
… by the way a modern smartphone running Android is a computer
Skye Menjou
… "but rather tools for the phone like a qtADB, an interface for ADB, Rooting tools, Flashing tools etc."
This exactly was my idea, to share some information (between the Linux users) which are interesting applications for us. Why to check 100.000 applications, if someone of you already got some good experiences.
K900
"Well, if you're a linux user you're probably used to finding your way out of such situations"
Yes, one is to share information.
exjinn
"Then again being a Penguin my response to that is RTFM! Hehe."
What manual and why ? ;-)
Of course most of the applications from the market run on your smartphone only, so it doesn't matter if you are a Windoz or Linux-Fan boy. But there are a few exceptions as
Remote control Android <> PC
Streaming
Synchronisation
Addressbook (Thunderbird)
Bookmarks (Firefox)
About this kind of applications I am talking. Here I would like to compare notes

I am game and here to help. Mint is calling my name...anyone else here it..."sudo aptitude install..."
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

Well, almost everything Android can be done with fastboot and adb which are both available for Linux. There's also qtadb if you don't like command line tools.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

bdawg31 said:
I am game and here to help. Mint is calling my name...anyone else here it..."sudo aptitude install..."
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arch / Gentoo / Agilia user here
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

We are approching my idea
Well, almost everything Android can be done with fastboot and adb which are both available for Linux. There's also qtadb if you don't like command line tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we are approching my idea. Thanks K900. By the way I will try gtadb. As I my smartphone is an ATRIX, I use the "Motodev Studio for Android" (running on Linux of course)
... but my idea is not the PC side and which Linux is used or what application you use here, but the Android side. - 8ESP reminded us to be in an Android forum. - ;-)
To give an example. I would like to convert my Thunderbird addressbook to my smartphone, to K9-mail or the contacts. Could not find any application (up to now) which is doing this on a Linux (!) PC. I am not in the mood to use a virtual machine for this task. -
An other example. To convert the bookmarks of Firefox (running on Linux) is easy as long as you use the version 4 running on the PC and mobile firefox on Android.
What about a remote control of the Android on the PC (running Linux ;-). For example how can I use my notebook keyboard for the ATRIX. Any bluethooth possibility.
-> I would like to share interresting Android applications between the Linux Fan-Boys.
Something like this : He fellows I found a very nice application doing .... "

Okay, there you go. Contacts - export vcards from Thunderbird (dunno tho. I use KMail), import to desktop GMail, sync. Bookmarks - use xmarks. Remote control - use x11vnc on desktop and any vnc client on the device. Remote control other way - android vnc server on device, any vnc client on desktop. Needs root though.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

Since everything is cloud based, I have zero concerns about Android in regards to Linux.. When I need to transfer something over I'll just download it in the browser, maybe sometimes put it on Dropbox... I could also sftp it over if I wanted to.
Maybe if you ask a coherent question about what you're wanting to do people can make suggestions...

Couldn't transmit my message ;-(
OK fellows. Thanks for your posts, they showed me that I could not transmit my message, my idea of this thread.
- Was not my intension to talk about Linux and to feel superior
- Was not my intension to ask for help. RTFM
- Was not my intension to dig into Thunderbird (this was only an example)
- Was not my intension to get information about clouds. Good luck, we have only few of them only here in Portugal ;-)
My intension was to share same information between other (Linux) users which are these special applications to get your Androidsmartphone "connected" with Linux. Connected, I wanted to say something like remote control, filesharing, synchronization, addressbook and contacts ...
... nothing more, nothing less.
So lets close this thread and be happy !

I just suggest some of those apps. So I guess this should be a QA thread from now on. People ask, people answer. Simple as that.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

I'm using linux Fedora 14, my defy and magic works excellent, no drivers needed, tethering is super easy, mounting can't be easier. That's all what I need. Android plus windows is a hell

PC emulation on Android - OS XDA project links.

So in this thread it tells you how to install pc operating systems like windows and linux on the Evo 3D.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1459153
This, is freaking awesome. This one is a big breakthrough.
----
Here is the thread in the Nook Color forums for ubuntu on the device:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055954
----
These two threads are native installs, not using some client to access the installation, the device itself is the client as it should be.
This is not some chrooted virtual OS simulation, but the real deal installed to the device.
----
In the back of my mind i've wanted to play with ubuntu installed on the MT4GS, but not a virtual installation I want it installed and running on the device natively.
I definitely don't have the time to do this and a lot i'm trying to do around here even if I wasn't in my busy season for work.
Dropping this information so I can find it later when I do get to trying to get ubuntu (and now windows XP looks like a possibility) installed on this device.
If anyone else feels like looking into this, here's a good place to start. If anyone comes across any other projects that are the real deal and not virtual installs please post links here.
Have fun!

Blue6IX said:
So in this thread it tells you how to install pc operating systems like windows and linux on the Evo 3D.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1459153
This, is freaking awesome. This one is a big breakthrough.
----
Here is the thread in the Nook Color forums for ubuntu on the device:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055954
----
These two threads are native installs, not using some client to access the installation, the device itself is the client as it should be.
This is not some chrooted virtual OS simulation, but the real deal installed to the device.
----
In the back of my mind i've wanted to play with ubuntu installed on the MT4GS, but not a virtual installation I want it installed and running on the device natively.
I definitely don't have the time to do this and a lot i'm trying to do around here even if I wasn't in my busy season for work.
Dropping this information so I can find it later when I do get to trying to get ubuntu (and now windows XP looks like a possibility) installed on this device.
If anyone else feels like looking into this, here's a good place to start. If anyone comes across any other projects that are the real deal and not virtual installs please post links here.
Have fun!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regardless of what impression you may have, it is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE to run MSWin on ARM hardware natively. The reason for this is that MSWin is x86 and ARM is... ARM. The approach used in the first link is to use BOCHS (pronounced "Box"), which is a VIRTUAL HARDWARE EMULATOR. It requires a host operating system to be functioning in the background, in this case Linux.
As for Ubuntu... well sure. No problem. Its Linux and the phone runs Linux. Not that big of a stretch to replace the Android parts with GNU.
Note that NONE of this is any kind of "great breakthrough". Bochs has been around for a VERY long time. First OPEN SOURCED in early 2000. Yeah, 12 years ago. As for Ubuntu... well I suppose that the main reason that most people aren't making a native android replacement out of ubuntu, is that not many people are all that interested in it. Cute in theory, but not practical.
What would be a more worthy project would be to upgrade android to GNU libraries and utilities. This would afford us an actually USEFUL balance between the two. Also the ability to run X *through* android without having to do stupid things like VNC. Have the proper interface ***AS AN ANDROID APPLICATION***, leaving Android to work (i.e., phone calls, etc.) while simultaneously offering the standard Linux applications.
My thought though, is that this is becoming less and less important. Firefox is on Android now, the Document foundation has announced LibreOffice for Android -- supposed to be by late 2012 to early 2013... GIMP has no place on Android... That certainly covers the basics.

Appreciate the post. I didn't have time to dig into it too deeply, so took it at face value for the impression I got. Happened to come across it in passing and didn't want to lose track of something vital to the future dev of a project like this on the doubleshot. (but definitely this doesn't belong in the dev section at this time - just clutter there.)
I was hoping people would add to it, especially the way you have, who had more of an understanding of what's going on there - I didn't realize that it was a virtual environment for the windows stuff, but it did seem to good to be true.
Even if no one responded I figured the thread would get pushed down out of the way, but still be here when I got the time to come back to it.
----
My reason for running native linux on the device itself is to be able to use the Android SDK and tools without needing a computer to do so. I have 2 of these phones and a Nook Color. The NC has USB host support, so I could plug the doubleshot into it without frying either device. (yes, i'm blending android and linux concepts here - but usb host support in android shows that it's capable of doing it)
Even from one doubleshot to the other I could use wifi adb for a lot of stuff without plugging them into each other through USB and frying the phones. So that would be a victory as well.
The lack of a hardware charging circuit in the doubleshot makes the worry of frying the phones a big deal, power transfer through USB is a big hurdle to jump in management.
Beyond that - the doubleshot is powerful enough on hardware specs to be able to compile a kernel, but that's not gonna happen through a virtual linux install because the overhead is too much. A native install might just be able to do it though. Won't know until I try, but it's worth the work to get to the point of trying, even if it doesn't work out.
The Nook Color probably won't be able to compile a kernel - it's asking too much from a device not really able to handle that.
Getting what I mentioned above to work would mean I could do all my dev work with what fits in my pocket, and let me keep working wherever I am.
I do like the idea of an app to work with this through Android itself - but I don't see how I could use the SDk and variety of user-created tools without a native linux install. Worth pursuing either way though.
If anyone has anything to add, i'd be welcome to hear it. Just understand this is not a project i'm working on or actively pursuing right now - but fully intend to down the line.

Actually blue. There is a thread somewhere that has a step by step on installing ubuntu on gingerbread. I meant to add it when I added the backtrack link. For some reason I didn't, I probably forgot, I actually think the link for it is in the backtrack thread in the sticky.
If I do find it ill let you know.
Sent from my ICS Splashed using Tapatalk

Developing apps, mac vs pc?

Just curious what most of the devs use? I'm looking into getting a new computer just for app development. Any input would be appreciated.

PC, I never liked building things on a mac

loudaccord said:
Just curious what most of the devs use? I'm looking into getting a new computer just for app development. Any input would be appreciated.
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Click to collapse
For general devolpment, I actually prefer Linux. However, windows is the most featured for dev compared to mac, which is only good if you develop for ios
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

I do all my development using Ubuntu. I develop using only the terminal and gedit primarily because I found Eclipse to be not flexible enough when developing.
I've tried to develop for Android on Windows using command line or Eclipse, but I much prefer Ubuntu. It's just a preference because I'm sure development is the same on all operating systems.

nraboy said:
I do all my development using Ubuntu. I develop using only the terminal and gedit primarily because I found Eclipse to be not flexible enough when developing.
I've tried to develop for Android on Windows using command line or Eclipse, but I much prefer Ubuntu. It's just a preference because I'm sure development is the same on all operating systems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting, I'm using Windows/Eclipse and was just thinking of what other options would be. I'll start looking into Ubuntu now.

The only commands you'll ever need are:
ant debug
ant release
adb install -r apkfile
adb uninstall package
adb logcat
emulator -avd emulatorname
I usually have three terminals open.
- Compiling / Installing
- Emulator
- Log output (logcat)
I use the workspace feature of Ubuntu so that way I can sort my applications into groups and using the alt+ctrl+arrow shortcut I can quickly navigate around.
Ubuntu is free, heavily updated, heavily supported and easy enough to use.
Definitely worth checking out if you are still trying to find your place of zen.

I'm looking at getting new hardware also, laptop would be preferable but I know it might not have the muscle I'm looking for. What hw are you guys running to do app development?

I'm developing on a laptop as well.
The hardware is as follows:
2.4ghz Intel i3
4gb of ram
500gb hard drive
Ubuntu 11.10
1366 x 768 screen resolution
If I was going to do it over again, I'd get a better screen resolution. Many items are larger than the screen with this low resolution. The other specs on my laptop are overkill for developing Android applications.

Mac Users&Android

Recently I've been trying to teach myself how to develop for our phone, but I'm using a Mac. I have a Windows Partition, and can run Windows on my Mac, but it's a pain to have to restart just to use a single program for whatever it is that I need done. So I've done some research and thought it would be nice to share all the programs that I've found that help in Android Development.
It would also be nice if other Mac Users would share what they have found as well or what they use when trying to accomplish certain tasks when working with android. So here goes:
--Android SDK--
This is rather obvious…that being said you can download this from android.com. However, if you chose to install Eclipse I find installing the SDK from Android to be rather Redundant, if you agree go on and read the part about Eclipse.
--Wine/MacPorts/xCode--
First, sometimes it's useful to use Windows programs on Mac, and an one quick way to do that without having to reboot is with Wine. It takes a while to set up, but it is useful for running MOST executables. The last two programs you install as part of the tutorial, so follow on:
So here is the website I used to set up Wine: http://www.davidbaumgold.com/tutorials/wine-mac/
All of his instructions are accurate excluding where he talks about installing xCode. It is OK to install xCode through the App Store, all you have to do afterwards is install Command Line Tools. To do this:
1. Open xCode
2. Open Preferences (cmd+,)
3. Click the Downloads tab
4. Use the link to create an Apple Dev account
5. Click Command Line Tools
Now you can continue to follow the rest of the Tutorial
--Eclipse--
This program is useful for creating Android Applications on your phone. If you choose to install Eclipse I would follow this guide once you're done. I realize it is for creating Android Applications but it also explains how to set up a working environment.
So here is the website I used to set up Eclipse: http://www.vogella.de/articles/Android/article.html
I would start at section 5.1
Also Eclipse can be used for compiling .9.png files…I found a good tutorial for this on XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=487001
Go hit damnitpud's thank meter if you find his thread useful
--APK Manager--
I found this tool extremely useful for pulling APK's and pushing them to your phone. This app can be used for Themeing apks, or editing the XML files.
I found this application on XDA as well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285130
Go hit s0niq3's thanks button, maybe it'll convince her that people actually care about her program.
--android-utility or AU--
This little program looks to be extremely useful, I found it while searching for a way to compile .9.png files without having to use Eclipse. But it also has a host of other applications and uses. Make sure you read the thread thoroughly and follow all instructions.
I found this application on XDA as well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167623
Go hit tommytomatoe's thanks button as well, he gave us a marvelous little program. There is also a version for windows now, well at least part of it.
[For windows, and Linux Users: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1272513]
Go hit kakomalo's thanks button
If you download the version 1.0.1 and you try to compile a .9.png file, and you receive an error telling you that aapt is missing, all you have to do is drag and drop the aapt from the Android SDK into /android-utility/utility/
--xUlitimate--
I'm not sure if this one is worth mentioning for Mac, but it would be kinda cool if someone figured out how to get this to work with Wine…so here it is:
So here is its link: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/xeudoxus/47283-release-xultimate.html
This one has some theme tools. I found it specifically for the Draw9Patch Compiler, but I could not get it to work nicely with wine.
--Gimp--
This one is well known, so I don't think it needs much explanation…but it is image editing software.
Here is the download link if you don't already have it: http://gimp.lisanet.de/Website/Download.html
---Finally
After spending hours searching, downloading, and finding out what works I thought I would share to save someone else the expense of having to go through the trial and error. I would love it if other Mac Users, or any one else would share their knowledge on programs they use when working with Android; to theme, compile ROMs, or any other activity related to Android while pertaining to Mac.
Also, if you mess up your computer while doing this it is your own responsibility

Don't know why you haven't got any thanks for this, here's one from me for a very detailed and informative post. I am not a Mac user but thanks for your contribution.

Well I guess I just gave you your first thanks!
This post should be a little useful for Mac users... especially those that don't understand Unix.
Developing on Mac can be very similar to developing on Linux. Mac is just slightly more GUI oriented. Unix commands are the same, though.
So Linux users could use this guide as well!
EDIT: After I posted... I noticed 4 more users had thanked you as well... o-o that was fast

Haha oh thanks guys! After the first couple of days I thought my thread was going to get swallowed up. I'm starting to think that Mac Users are rare amongst Android developers. I do realize that other Unix OSs like Ubuntu are favored more, but sometimes it's a pain to run these back and forth. I've even tried to VM UBUNTU, but I had a problem getting the USB to interface with the program, whether it was how I sent it up, or the program itself I have no idea. So I went out looking for alternatives. There is always triple booting I suppose.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I'm use a Mac at my office, and not by choice. Thank you for this extremely helpful post!

Great guide for anyone who is looking to start developing for Android. Better yet, for people who need to get the jist of what is going on in UNIX!