[Q] How to start a mobile app project - General Questions and Answers

I'm making this thread in search of information. I am very new to the world of app development and am in need of some guidance. This forum seemed most relevant to what I will be asking, but if there is a better forum then please refer me there.
I have an idea for an app I would like to be made, how ever I have little to no experience in mobile app programming. So my plan is to hire a programmer and or designer. I initially know exactly what the app will do, how it will look and respond to the user, and the layout as well. What is the best tool for me to create a wireframe or an exact replica of what the app pages will look like? Often times I hear people use photoshop to make a jpeg file of what every page looks like, and then pass it on to a programmer to code it. What are your opinions on this?
Also, I do not know anything about hiring programmers or developers. Where can I find information on how to do this properly? Or how can I find out what the process is in starting a mobile app project? Like finding investors, how to patent an idea to have some security as far as it being stolen, big trusted sites for these kind of jobs? These kind of questions. I'm just looking for a place where I can learn all these things to make sure I don't get scammed.
I don't expect to get all my questions answered, but i'm just searching for a place where I can find the answers. I have been searching google, and there are so many websites and so much advertisement, that I really do not know where to begin. This probably is not the place to ask all these questions, but what is the best place to go?

Related

tegratab.wikidot.com (Tegratab Wiki Site)

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to announce a work-in-progress that I'm working on to capture information from the forums at xda and tegratabs. I'm trying to get information into an easily searched location so that if anyone needs to find out something, they can do a direct search and locate it quickly. My goal is to go through the monster threads and cull the good info and organize it in a manner that allows for the average user to find what they need quickly.
The url is http://tegratab.wikidot.com. All are welcome to help edit the site although I do ask that you email me for format, template, etc.
I am not trying to take away any discussion from xda or tegratab.com. I just want to develop a place that makes it easy for the newcomer (and vet alike) to find info as quickly as possible.
This will not incur extra work for the awesome mod builders, developers, etc. You guys keep on posting in the forums; we'll capture the info and make it searchable.
I make no money from this nor will I accept money for this. The site is free; no renumeration is necessary.
Thanks,
EJ
ehunyadi said:
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to announce a work-in-progress that I'm working on to capture information from the forums at xda and tegratabs. I'm trying to get information into an easily searched location so that if anyone needs to find out something, they can do a direct search and locate it quickly. My goal is to go through the monster threads and cull the good info and organize it in a manner that allows for the average user to find what they need quickly.
The url is http://tegratab.wikidot.com. All are welcome to help edit the site although I do ask that you email me for format, template, etc.
I am not trying to take away any discussion from xda or tegratab.com. I just want to develop a place that makes it easy for the newcomer (and vet alike) to find info as quickly as possible.
This will not incur extra work for the awesome mod builders, developers, etc. You guys keep on posting in the forums; we'll capture the info and make it searchable.
I make no money from this nor will I accept money for this. The site is free; no renumeration is necessary.
Thanks,
EJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://wiki.tegratab.com was started a week or so ago and needs some input if you want to do it there, or you can take from what is there already and add to yours.

[Q] Learning coding

I'm looking to learn how to code, mainly because its something that has always interested me but I have never done. I have no experience in it at all. I'm looking for a book that can set me up with the very basics in java (or is it better to start off with a different language?) and hopefully I can move on from there.
If anyone knows of any good books that could help me I would greatly appreciate a link to it.
Thankyou.
http://goo.gl/xB9rK
Why does no one use the search before opening another thread?
Ohnoez
http://www.google.com/cse?q=learn+c...ub-2900107662879704:fs7umqefhnf&ie=ISO-8859-1
Wut?
http://www.google.com/cse?q=learn+d...ub-2900107662879704:fs7umqefhnf&ie=ISO-8859-1
I seriously could not find an answer to your question by using the search function.
http://www.google.com/cse?q=learn+p...ub-2900107662879704:fs7umqefhnf&ie=ISO-8859-1
So even on sophisticated websites like this there are still childish idiots like yourself on them. Yes you're probably right in that I should have searched before creating a new thread, however obviously I didn't think of that.
Maybe next time you should try and show maybe at least an inch of maturity when posting. Oh and for someone who would like me to donate to them and buy/download their apps you're not going the right way about it.
I dont know if that because you joined before me or have more posts than I do, this makes you think you have some superiority over me or new members, but it doesn't and remember with every new member is potentially another donation to you for your work. So if you want to carry on alienating these member towards you then carry on but if you don't then you might want to re-think your mentality towards them, because personally I wont be donating or ever downloading any of you apps.
With that said, thankyou for the links.
SxcKieranGrr said:
So even on sophisticated websites like this there are still childish idiots like yourself on them. Yes you're probably right in that I should have searched before creating a new thread, however obviously I didn't think of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you are seeing is my lack of understanding for people creating new threads with topics that have been covered a hundredtimes over.
I'm merely calling you out for your obvious mistake of not using the search.
You made the mistake, deal with it.
childish idiots like yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. May i call you lazy idiot?
SxcKieranGrr said:
Maybe next time you should try and show maybe at least an inch of maturity when posting. Oh and for someone who would like me to donate to them and buy/download their apps you're not going the right way about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want anything from you.
You want something from this forum, more exactly from its members.
You want an answer.
You did not pay anything for the knowledge available for free here, neither the time a member puts up to help you out.
What you could do is show some courtesy by using the search function to not waste the time of people who are willing to help out.
I dont know if that because you joined before me or have more posts than I do, this makes you think you have some superiority over me or new members, but it doesn't and remember with every new member is potentially another donation to you for your work. So if you want to carry on alienating these member towards you then carry on but if you don't then you might want to re-think your mentality towards them, because personally I wont be donating or ever downloading any of you apps.
With that said, thankyou for the links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both my join date and post count are indirectly related to this.
It just means that i have seen too many threads like this, which could have been avoid by a few seconds of search.
What is more astonishing is that i still browse the question and answer forums to help people out.
Yeah maybe some people won't get the answer they wanted to hear, but hey you got your answer.
Im confused now, from looking around it looks like python is the most basic of languages but if i was to start with a dummy book for that, would it actually help me achieve learning java? I dont want to get the wrong book and be completely lost because I havent learnt the complete basics.
It seems like everyone says different things and I cant get a clear answer of where to start.
@Dark3n I'm not going to sit here and argue, you have your view I have mine let's leave it at that. If you would like to help me (which somehow i doubt) that would be great, thanks.
SxcKieranGrr said:
Im confused now, from looking around it looks like python is the most basic of languages but if i was to start with a dummy book for that, would it actually help me achieve learning java? I dont want to get the wrong book and be completely lost because I havent learnt the complete basics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most basic language would be machinecode (ASSEMBLER).
But beleive me that it is really painfull to write and learn.
Python is a nice language to write in, no doubt.
But you should think about what you want to do with your programming skills?
Something Android related?
Then you should look at C for linux kernels and the lower levels of android.
or
Java for Apps and the higher levels of the android os.
If you want to learn java there is no advantage in learning python first, besides that you can program in python and java.
I would like eventually to create an app for android, which is obviously done in java but if i got even the most basic of java books would i still be lost?
Edit: I just remembered there was a thread similar to this one where i already had a lengthy discussion about this topic.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179816
SxcKieranGrr said:
I would like eventually to create an app for android, which is obviously done in java but if i got even the most basic of java books would i still be lost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not totally lost, you will learn about variables, if statements, loops, classes etc. those things are all still valid when writing apps. Those somewhat remain valid through most of the programming languages.
But basic java does not cover connecting your java code with the android user interface or making use of any android feature (rotate display, sensors, telefon,gps,etc.).
But seriously you don't need a book. Of course you can get one if you really want to. I would probably search the amazon bestseller list for something on android programming (for dummies) which does not require previous programming knowledge.
You can also just jump into it, google for "android hello world tutorial" or something like that.
But the official hello world tutorial should do.
Should make you able to write your very first app pretty quick. It's only a "Hello World" app, but hey thats where everyone starts out.
Aside from the programming itself, knowledge of Linux and *nix orientated operating systems would be useful. Terminal commands and such will prove invaluable if you take application development to a professional level in the future.
C and Java are obviously what's mainly involved in Android. But if you want something simple to begin with look at HTML and CSS (which are basically just translation matrixs not languages).
DeviateDefiant said:
Aside from the programming itself, knowledge of Linux and *nix orientated operating systems would be useful. Terminal commands and such will prove invaluable if you take application development to a professional level in the future.
C and Java are obviously what's mainly involved in Android. But if you want something simple to begin with look at HTML and CSS (which are basically just translation matrixs not languages).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTML and CSS knowledge would help a bit with the android user interface, but not with the actual code of the apps/programs themself.
I would advise the OP not to start with HTML and CSS if he wants to get into the programming buissness.
Unless you are going to make webpages HTML and CSS takes you pretty far of the track.
HTML and CSS knowledge would help a bit with the android user interface, but not with the actual code of the apps/programs themself.
I would advise the OP not to start with HTML and CSS if he wants to get into the programming buissness.
Unless you are going to make webpages HTML and CSS takes you pretty far of the track.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTML and CSS, are two useful skills to have regardless. As you mention for interfacing, and also for the ability to work with Web Apps in the future. For myself learning Javascript and PHP has certainly helped with getting into Java/C.
Certainly HTML/CSS aren't related to learning Java and C but it's a good entrance point to coding in general. Although you yourself may see it as sidetracking, it can help some not to jump in at the deep end.
I wish the OP the best of luck.
Hey dar3n, I had posted a similar thread as well, minus all the attitude, but I agree it does get posted alot, after talking to u and searching around a bit. Why dont u get someone to make a sticky post in one of the newbie rooms, or the q&a. Start a sticky discussion and I bet half these posts dissapear.lol

[Q] A question to any developer willing to answer...

I wasn't sure where anything like this would go, so I made sure to put it in a forum as general as possible.
I'm a beginning web designer, but seeing as I spend most of my free time on this site, I'm growing more of an interest in learning to code for the mobile platform. If anybody is willing to help, all I'm asking for is a few tips from developers here on where to begin.
I learned some very basic java in college, but was wondering if there is a better path to go on. Do I start with BASIC? Do I continue and go towards more advanced Java and stick with only one programming language?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
-Considering I've done almost everything that I can with my rooted EVO, all of you were the people I'd rather hear from. I appreciate all of the hard work that you all have done!
You can develop full market apps using the language I use called basic4android.
Its easy to use but very powerful, produces a native android apk (so no interpreters) and has regular updates.
There are free user contributed libraries that make it even better and it has been used to produce everything from live wallpapers and anti theft apps to games and gps software so is a good option to consider.
I wrote my first app after messing about with it for about an hour and was amazed how easy it makes things. Google basic4android and you will find its homepage for more info. I can't remember the address as it's saved as a bookmark on my pc not phone.
EDIT: did a google search and its at http://www.basic4ppc.com/
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

[Q] Developing: Windows, Mac, Linux, & Other Questions

Hello all! I'm new to this wonderful forum and community so please spare me if I've done, or said anything stupid. :crying:
I am interesting in developing applications for Android. I do understand that developing apps for any device/software is a challenging task. Especially with Android (I think) since it's such a diverse amount of devices, screen resolutions, capabilities, etc. What I'm hoping to do is to build a somewhat simple app, targeted at business owners, or folks who sell merchandise, and so on. It's supposed to have tabs set up for certain folks/companies. I'll spare the details about the app I want to make. Bottom line is, I want to start off with that 'simple' app and move on to a game for my second app. I know that I won't be a huge hit or any of the sort. But before I begin to develop, I have some questions that I hope can be answered here.
Here are my questions, please be patient with me, and to all mods/admins, I'm sorry if I've violated any rules by posting this up. I couldn't find any decent answers that'll help me out.
1. What Operating System is considered to be "better" for developing Android apps, and why?
2. How do I go on testing my app, do I use my own phone, or are there any great emulators out there that can emulate/simulate a real phone very well?
3. Where would you recommend me, a complete noob, on developing? I know I can look this up on my own, so I don't mind if this question isn't answered. I just want to find some guides that actually explain why things were done, what it's supposed to teach and so on.
4. This question is the one that worries me the most, and I understand it might start some debate () so please, be respectful. :laugh: I'm not a legal US resident, citizen, or any of the sort. I'm currently seeing a lawyer to apply for Deferred Action. But I'm worried that it might be illegal for me to publish apps on the Google Play store. /: Does anybody know if it's it legal for a 16 year old, illegal immigrant (USA) to publish apps on the app store? ​
Sorry guys, I really want to know. >.< So... BUMP ​

[Q] Making android app for Ajax chat - any documentation?

Hello everyone,
I'm looking to make android app for this Ajax chat we have on a certain forum. The chat is MGC Chatbox Evo. Basically, I want to connect an app to the chat, like you do when you fire up a browser.
Now, my programming experience is very out of date, so I'm looking for some documentation (noob friendly if possible) on this. I've searched google all over the place, I found a couple of tips, but those aren't very understandable for someone at my level.
Here are the questions I'd like to cover:
1) In which language do I write this?
2) Using what compiler?
3) Where can I find documentation related to making something like this?
I'm a bit savvy, so if I find a way to do this in one programming language, I'll probably find a way to do it in another, but I can't. I've never made an android app before, but I'm very eager to learn, so all and any help is appreciated. Of course, if someone has time and desire, I'll gladly work with you on this and learn that way. Forum has 600,000 registered users, and you would be free to take all the credits for it.
Thank you for your time
Have a great day!
Bump? :s
Oooh

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