Hi. I was inspired by a friend to start developing apps. I don't know where to start though. What can you advice to me? I will greatly appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.
taionsaf you
As I said to someone else on this forum who asked: It really depends on a lot of factors, such as if you have any programming experience at all or not and what you want to build.
If you are just starting out, I would stick to frameworks/engines that have a built-in scripting language and even come with their own IDE (environment where you create the app and other things).
For example if you are wanting to make a game, then google search for game engines that are geared to those with no experience.
Also a bit of advice: have fun creating the app and don't worry about making money from it, i.e. don't think of the end goal yet, just enjoy the journey.
Hi, i think live wallpaper is a easier place to start from. I personally have not much programming experience apart from basic windows programming learned a decade ago which I forgot most of them by now. Still, i managed to create several live wallpapers which definitely helped me to gain experience on android programming. If you want to build a game, you can try Andengine.
I would suggest checking out tutorials and such.
If you want to see results quickly while you learn, you can try this:
http://gigaom.com/2012/03/05/with-this-tool-even-you-can-write-android-apps/
Haven't tried it myself. Seems like it's all plug and play. You can make an app then go about learning how it's doing what it's doing. I would still strongly suggest tutorials instead of relying on things like this or you can handicap your programming skills. I did that when learning web development :/
Now I'm die hard code from scratch be in 100% control of your code.
But stuff like this is fun and can really help you learn. Just don't rely on it
where and why before how
Don't start on a journey without first knowing where you want to go. Ask yourself what exactly do you want and why, and the answer will be an important factor in deciding how to start.
Chances are you either want to try your hand at app writing just to get the sense of what it is and see if you like it, OR you're serious about mastering a skill and have already decided to put in the effort that will take you there.
1) If you're just interested in dabbling to begin with, I would second marozu's advice and recommend going with a high level framework that deemphasizes coding in favor of doing a lot of design work visually. When you get the hang of it, and if you still like the process of designing apps, then it's time to go lower and learn how things really work under the hood, which will take you to mindset #2.
2) On the other hand, if you're dead set on learning app development and you know you have the willpower to go through a steep and boring learning curve, then just buy or download a recommended beginner's book teaching app writing on your platform of choice (Android, iOS, WP, etc.) and go through it cover to cover. If you're diligent, by the time you finish the book you'll most certainly be a competent, if inexperienced app developer. Also, you will have a really good idea of where you want to go next from there, so it will be a good time to recalibrate your learning compass. I'm not even going to list potential directions here because they are essentially limitless.
I noticed than many starting developers want to create games. It's understandable. Developing games you can see what is happening and play your own games.
But I can recommend to start with small programs which do one small task. Learn how to work with file system, internet etc. This will give you undrestanding OS and how complecated soft works. After that it'll be very easy to create a game according to your ideas.
start watching tutorials about it and reading about the basics
Related
hi. so first off i have never made an app or anything. i am a winemaker. we use a lot of equations in the winemaking process. i know the has an app that is pretty much a calculator for winemaking. i was wondering if it would be even possible me to give it a shot to make(since i have never even tried and do not even know where to start). would it be easy for me to try. it does not have to be pretty. any feed back would be great and how to get started would be even great. if someone would be interested in helping me with, i know about 30 other wine make that would pay good money for an app like this. any suggestions. thanks
Making basic applications isn't that hard if you know what you're doing. Especially if it doesn't have to have pretty graphics and a clever interface, that's even easier. That said, programming does take a while to pick up and get to grips with. The best thing to get you started is to have a project to do, and in that sense, you're well set. If you want to experiment for yourself, I'd suggest going to the Android Developers' official website as it has all kinds of tutorials and basic information to get yourself started and write very simple applications.
That said, if you're serious about paying someone to write this for you, I'm interested. How much did you have in mind? If you want to have a look at my past work, I've written a game for the Android Market; you can have a look at it and see the standard I'd provide. It's called Spectrum Puzzles, a fun jigsaw puzzle game with lots of high quality images and an easy-to-understand interface.
For someone with no programming experience whilst I'm sure you could dive straight in, it might prove off-putting or result in slow progress. If you have no experience whatsoever, you need to get to grips with programming, Java, the Objected Oriented approach & Android.
Personally, I'd suggest installing Java & the integrated development environment Eclipse & using these to allow you to work through some programming tutorials in Java, which will give a more gentle introduction to programming & OO via Java, all of which you'll directly need for Android development.
Others might even suggest you take a seemingly longer route & first learn programming using a language other than Java, but hopefully that won't be necessary.
Once you feel more comfortable - which might not take long if you have plenty of spare time & find yourself suited to thinking like a programmer - you could then begin to learn how to apply all of this to the Android environment.
Of course there's no reason why you couldn't compromise & slide from the former to the latter that bit earlier so you can start on your project which will help maintain motivation when your head starts to hurt
[Edit:] If you're willing to make your offer of payment a subject for public discussion I'd certainly be interested, if only in learning what kind of rates are considered acceptable for such projects. I'm not in a position to take up your request myself & it seems you already have someone with sufficient experience who's interested, but I hope to be up for such projects in the future. As an aside, I'm a former C programmer who's just getting into Java & Android now.
iam trying to learn java and i must say its kinda hard
You need to learn the basics of object oriented programming before you even think about teaching yourself JAVA. Once you learn the meaning of object oriented programming then you could pick up a Java book .
ilmar72 said:
You need to learn the basics of object oriented programming before you even think about teaching yourself JAVA. Once you learn the meaning of object oriented programming then you could pick up a Java book .
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It can be done incrementally. Some aspects of the language can be taught to introduce general programming concepts such as sequence, selection & iteration. OO concepts can then be introduced, followed by their implementation in Java & this can then be built upon.
The biggest risk to this approach is that of establishing a functional programming mindset before getting to the OO meat, however that's no worse than learning programming first through a non OO language. As long as the student understands to some degree how much they don't yet understand, as they proceed, imho this is workable.
The alternative of going straight into OO is going to require a fair bit of theory before getting into coding & while this might work in a classroom with plenty of teaching resources, someone reliant on self study could lose motivation.
I'd be interested in any opinions on this?
FAO the OP: If you like having a physical book to work from, rather than relying on online material solely, I am finding Eckel's Thinking In Java to have been a good choice. Of course you should check out alternatives, multiple reviews etc & look for something to fit your style of learning. I hope you don't give up - programming is a very satisfying skill to develop & use
Today i was going through different demos of various games on android platform and i got interested in designing a game myself, prolly a simple one like doodlejump or something? but then i thought that i have no developer skills such as coding knowledge java script and all that so my question is, have any one of you used a software which basically doesn't require coding skills and you can design a whole game just using textures? i also haven't started using Unity so just a question if a developer can answer this.
Thanks a lot !
Unity requires programming skills. There's no such thing as a magical program that can take an idea and turn it into a game at the click of a button. If you want to write a game, then you're going to have to put some effort in to it.
You will need to learn basic programming theory, and a language.
You will need at least SOME graphic skills, unless you know someone who can do this for you.
There HAVE been tools in the past that make games through simple point and click interfaces, but even THEY require an ability to put scripts together, and a reasonable level of understanding of how games work. From your posting history, I wouldn't bother if I were you.
Hello all and thanks for taking time to read this.
I am a 41 yo male that would really like to get into programming but I am stuck on exactly where to start as for a career.
I will say that I do enjoy working with computers and have a couple of programs and apps that I would like to make. I do not know if that vague statement helps set a direction.
I vaguely remember programming in basic many years ago (Commodor 64/Amiga....confirming my age here).
From my research (no where near any of the amount you guys have stored in your head), to do Android it seems that I would need to start learning Java. Is that true? I have just recently picked up a book on beginning programming for android and will so find out if that is a little advanced.
I could see myself making programs, websites, mobile apps very easily and I have no problem being in front of a computer for hours on end.
Sometimes I have put programs/websites into various utilities to see the source (yes, most of the time I have no clue the commands and words used, but I have found myself at times spending hours to see just how something was done or displayed.
I hope my words do not seem like to much rambling just trying to give a flavor of me and what I would like to end up doing years down the road.
I understand that I would eventually have to choice one (unless it would be easy to say program for pc and mobile, or mobile and web, etc.).
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I can also mention I do not think I would be interested in just programming databases all day for rest of my life (no database programmer for me).
Thanks again for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
David in Virginia
PS. I know this doesn't carry much weight but I have rooted and performed S-off with my HTC Evo Shooter. Probably will not mean much in regards to this but just trying to explain I have no problem learning/researching, just looking for a direction on a compass. Seems programming isn't as set as IT is (meaning you want to go security then you go this route with these certifications and so forth).
Hello @HyNrgy Android is slightly advanced but one wouldn't consider it hard.
You will need a basic environment and set up to proceed with app development.
You can set up your PC with everything needed from the android developer website - http://www.developer.android.com"
And like you stated about Java, you are correct. You will need to learn Java coding because Androids apps are based on this.
Why? Apps in android contain the source which is made up from Java coding. This is a set of functions which executes when the app runs. The rest of the files are to do with layouts and the look of the app. So the app is split into two. (Code/functions - Layouts/UI).
There are plenty of ways to get to learn Java development. Many websites and tutorials.
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
HyNrgy said:
Hello all and thanks for taking time to read this.
I am a 41 yo male that would really like to get into programming but I am stuck on exactly where to start as for a career.
I will say that I do enjoy working with computers and have a couple of programs and apps that I would like to make. I do not know if that vague statement helps set a direction.
I vaguely remember programming in basic many years ago (Commodor 64/Amiga....confirming my age here).
From my research (no where near any of the amount you guys have stored in your head), to do Android it seems that I would need to start learning Java. Is that true? I have just recently picked up a book on beginning programming for android and will so find out if that is a little advanced.
I could see myself making programs, websites, mobile apps very easily and I have no problem being in front of a computer for hours on end.
Sometimes I have put programs/websites into various utilities to see the source (yes, most of the time I have no clue the commands and words used, but I have found myself at times spending hours to see just how something was done or displayed.
I hope my words do not seem like to much rambling just trying to give a flavor of me and what I would like to end up doing years down the road.
I understand that I would eventually have to choice one (unless it would be easy to say program for pc and mobile, or mobile and web, etc.).
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I can also mention I do not think I would be interested in just programming databases all day for rest of my life (no database programmer for me).
Thanks again for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
David in Virginia
PS. I know this doesn't carry much weight but I have rooted and performed S-off with my HTC Evo Shooter. Probably will not mean much in regards to this but just trying to explain I have no problem learning/researching, just looking for a direction on a compass. Seems programming isn't as set as IT is (meaning you want to go security then you go this route with these certifications and so forth).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to start with android a good start is download android SDK! I too want to learn android so I will be keeping up with this post.
thank you so far
I just wanted to say thank you all for your replies.
I have set up my laptop with SDK and Eclipse. I have a beginners book for android.
Should I also get a book about starting with JAVA or just go with this book first? I have read several post where some are saying that if you do not learn basic JAVA first you will be behind but also some say that can come later.
At the moment though (side note) I am having a issue with OfficeMax warranty and Toshiba. Laptop bought as Christmas gift started failing, sent to Toshiba 3 times to fix (one time outside warranty time but right after first 2 failed repairs) and they "said" they fixed it but I am still getting the dreaded Windows BSOD at random times (yes, factory resets, driver updates, program updates have been done). I called OfficeMax(Assurance) warranty at the beginning to fix but was told since in warranty had to go with manufaturer and now they say since they have not fixed it once (Assurance) I have to send to them before replace/refund can be done. Great way to never pay a claim. (sorry for the rant)
You also mentioned the UI, which language is generally used for that?
I know I am probably trying to eat the whole cow at once, but that is why I am researching and asking for assistance so I do not explode.
David
HyNrgy said:
I just wanted to say thank you all for your replies.
I have set up my laptop with SDK and Eclipse. I have a beginners book for android.
Should I also get a book about starting with JAVA or just go with this book first? I have read several post where some are saying that if you do not learn basic JAVA first you will be behind but also some say that can come later.
At the moment though (side note) I am having a issue with OfficeMax warranty and Toshiba. Laptop bought as Christmas gift started failing, sent to Toshiba 3 times to fix (one time outside warranty time but right after first 2 failed repairs) and they "said" they fixed it but I am still getting the dreaded Windows BSOD at random times (yes, factory resets, driver updates, program updates have been done). I called OfficeMax(Assurance) warranty at the beginning to fix but was told since in warranty had to go with manufaturer and now they say since they have not fixed it once (Assurance) I have to send to them before replace/refund can be done. Great way to never pay a claim. (sorry for the rant)
You also mentioned the UI, which language is generally used for that?
I know I am probably trying to eat the whole cow at once, but that is why I am researching and asking for assistance so I do not explode.
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ui is native android, the UI xam be modified within the work station. "Eclipse" you can drag in images and stuff to make it look nice.
The functions are done in Java. I recommend you learning java too
Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;
When you say "career" in programming, do you mean that you would be willing to take up some courses?
Most computer science and software engineering courses start you off with Java as it's quite simple to learn and understand. I didn't say easy, but you don't need to worry so much about garbage collection and pointers and low-level stuff like that. It's also a very good language to learn object-oriented programming (OOP); which was non-existing back in the C64 days as everything was procedural.
Even if you don't want to become a software engineer, you can still take some CS classes to get you started, and from that point on, the textbooks on Android will become much clearer to you.
You're definitely on the right track, as far as setting up the Eclipse IDE (almost defacto for Java) and the Android SDK but if you really want to make it a career, I'd recommend at least investing in some courses. Perhaps even a 2 year software technology diploma at a community college or technical institute. Or even some correspondence (online) courses. Even if you're in your second half-life and college is probably not the most enticing idea for you, you're in it for the knowledge, not the diploma; and remember that most credits count for 45 hours of class / lab time. Those are 45 hours that would otherwise be spent in front of a computer trying to learn by yourself.
That really takes me back. My first computer was a Commodore Vic 20. Once I wrote the first basic program on that I was hooked. I have been programming ever since and turned it into a career.
To get started just take any simple Java program and change the text of what it displays on the screen to your name or something else. Once you are able to do that you know you have your programming environment setup and working. Then you can write you first standalone program. Something that displays "Hello world!". From there just keep on adding to it like adding 2 numbers together and displaying the result then creating a loop to display a counter the previous results times.
Probably the most important thing is to start small and not try to complete a full blown app to submit to Google Play. That could be frustrating and make it seem to hard.
i know i am late but thanks
Just wanted to say thanks and words did not fall on deaf ears.
My computer took a dive, had to get another, some family medical emergencies and all. I just wanted to say thanks to the community for support and advice.
Hello XDA-Dev's,
I have two huge idea's but no experience and I'm looking for a place to start. I wish i had the capital to just hire someone to do the coding but that isn't an option so I'm running with the idea of learning how to code and make the app and web interface myself.
I will keep this post for my development on the way, as almost an interactive diary of my business. All help towards my goal will be greatly appreciated and I hope to develop some strong relationships with members of the forum along the way.
So there is my introduction, now i'll give a brief for my challenge.
First of all i need to learn to build an app in android/iphone, I'll also need web interface, If you think facebook, your on the right lines. So here is my first question, what program and language should I use to create an app similar to facebook or linkedin? A comprehensive list of suggestions would be appreciated. Also good sources to learn coding? I'm sure there is a thread on it so i'll get hunting but likewise feel free to make suggestions.
The next question would be what type of web hosting will i need, what should i use to build the web interface, and any idea's on the kind of bankroll I will need for something with a few million users?
Last of all, how long do you all think this will take to achieve alone?
Thoughts, opinions and introductions would be hugely welcomed. This is going to take me years, but I'd be a fool if I didn't try and make the most of an obvious opportunity.
Regards,
Si
p.s if your a mod and there is a more suitable place for this post, please move it for me, it's my first post here so I'm alien to the layout right now.
Hi,
From my personnal experience, i have two massive impressions about the coding universe, first it's a very pleasent world if you're interested by computer or programms mechanics. Learning how to structure an idea how to put a shape on something moreless abstract is an unique experience. But on the other hand this will drive you crazy sometimes, coding is a very strict language where you'll have to learn all of the basics first, but i can assure you that when you've learned the C or the Java or even Pascals basics, you become able to understand any other programm in any other language, the expressions or the designation objects are the only thing that'll change, it's like playing at a ps3 when used to xbox, almost ...
So coding is a very enjoyable experience but it takes time and will to master it, although huge programmes like facebook aren't based on just one language but it uses several ones like html/css for the structure of the website but this one is a kind of basic for every developper even if you're not interested by web design, also c# and c++ are the new platforms for algebra, then you have php to handle the servers of such a huge and massive network. There are so many other knowledge recquired to lead such a huge project that you can't do it alone. Despite that, if you take a good start in coding you'll be able to run other type of application on android for instance you'll need java or on pc my advise would be to start with C it's really easy at the beginig, in fact the only limitation is your imagination.
Good luck for your project
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I am looking to design an app that allows me to ask questions and allow people to record answers via video or voice and then keep those answers recorded on the same device the app is on. If I can get that done I may look into, depending on complexity and the learning curve, designing a branching series of questions in a logic style format (i.e. If the person inputs 'a' for an answer then go to 'c', if 'b' then go to 'd', if skipped go to 'e'). The issue I am having is that I have no real coding or programming experience, but I do have 30 years of practical experience so I am aimless but not completely clueless. I understand the extreme basics of logic paterns and scripts but I can not stress how limited that knowledge is. In the end my app is not meant to be ground breaking or complex nor does it require a grand UI, but I do not know where to go to begin to get the help or jump start I desperately need.
I am looking for advice on where a beginner like me can go to look for learning resources that do not require me to learn things I do not need to know. I want to focus on keeping it simple and to the point so I can complete the project I have set for myself in a timely fashion. I have researched for countless hours on this and the closest I can come are free courses that take you through designing an app from the ground up, which is great, but I do not know if I am looking at the right courses to meet my needs. I also am not interested in using a survey style app out there already that offers services like this as I am not creating a survey nor do I have the capital to pay for some of the licensing fees being asked. So I am turning to the community here and if this is a question posted in the wrong area or forums I apologize but I am hoping someone out there will be able to help guide me. I thank you for reading this and doubly so if you are able to help a nooblet coder start out on a beginners journey.
Android applications are built on Java and XML files for most of the part.
If you want to get into Android app development then I would suggest you to build some foundation learning C++ first and then move ahead. You might even be able to start with Java right away but C/C++ helps build a solid foundation and I've never seen a programmer who knows Java but not C/C++. Even courses on the internet mostly assume that you are coming from a C background.
So once you're done with C++ you can start learning Java and once you're done doing that, you can move on to Android.
If you're interested in time frames then I'd say about 3 months for C++, 3-4 months for Java.
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