[Q] Want to learn Android Development - General Questions and Answers

Hi All,
I have 4 yrs of experience in IT (Telecom/Networks/Desktop support etc.).
After changing many domains, I have finally figured out that I want learn something in which I can put my ideas and create things according to my vision so I have decided to learn programming and decided to go for Android development.
I have researched and found that I will have to learn somethings in Java before I go to Android so I found a course from CBT nuggets for Java. (cbtnuggets . com/it-training-videos/course/java-programming-for-developers).
Could some one tell me that what topics should I choose to learn for going on a path to learn Android development?
The reason why I asked this question is because I read somewhere that I don't have to learn complete Java (it was like "Don't bother learning things like servlets, Swing etc") but core language so I am not sure what topics should I pick and what I should drop. I literally cannot read books to learn anything so chose to learn in thru video tutorials.
Please help me.
Thanks
AyJ

I would start with figuring out the recent changes (Android L hype!), and how to work with the core UI at dev.android.com.
After that, more advanced tutorials can be found all over the web, including XDA.

Related

beginner at java/android

I know very little when it comes to programming. About the extent of my programming is getting a batch file to read from a list. So where do I start if I want to look into android programming? Should I pick up a beginning java book?
I have an idea for program, so I have a goal.
not sure if books are needed anymore really
soo many sites and forums just about general programming
and also spc about developing java for android
google should be much faster then using a real book
If you are getting started with android, one thing you will need for sure is the SDK, found here.
As far as learning it goes...google has a fairly good introduction on the platform, although I am not sure it is suited for someone new to programming. I can't really help you there, except point you to the google guide if you want to try anyway.
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html

i want to become an ANDROID DEV!! help me please

hello everyone. my goal is to become an android rom/ app developer. right now im currently attending college for my bachelors in Computer Science. right now im still working on my AA so its going to be a while before i even get into the field. ive researched online about linux and learned the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them etc. but of course i dont think these codes apply to android.
im not trying to learn all this by myself but i atleast want a basic idea of the type of things im going to be learning.
so far ive downloaded android sdk and eclipse on my ubuntu linux netbook.
do you guys know of any websites that can help me get started or at least point me in the right direction in getting started on my first android rom or app.
thanks
Start with building your first hello in eclipse.
The best place to start is right on the Android site. Watch all the videos and get ready to read lots.
They have tutorials and step by step instructions for your first hello app.
BTW they tell you to break it so you have to fix it.
My biggest obstacle is just doing it.
http://android.voxisland.com has a good set of down and dirty introduction videos to app development for Android. Also, developer.android.com. A lot of that knowledge is pretty essential when doing any other kind of Android devving.
pick up some basic java and you'll have a nice head start.
If your looking for examples you can find them here
[can't post links]
developer.android.com/guide/samples/index.html
I wouldn't pay for videos from some jackasses website - plenty of free java tutorials out there to get you started.
www.anddev.org is a good site
You will need to learn the basic codes in terminal to move files, delete them, etc.
These codes apply to Android.
thanks guys for the replys. im going to start looking for tutorials for java using eclipse.
the android.dev.com pages and anddev.org show me how to make apk files. what im trying to find out is how to make roms and mess with kernels and such. how would the java and apk's tie into that?
I've got the same doubt as ripmeck. I didn't know where to ask for help, so I came here.
And I looked into all the replies, thanks for the help guys.
Unlike ripmeck, its already been two years since I've finished my bachelors.
I'm pretty okay with C programming that includes pointers, structures, etc., (but only the basics of all concepts, cause i know how deep and confusing the root goes).
And I'm slightly familiar with Eclipse, as I have done simple (very simple) java programs in it. Programs that makes use of exception handlers, multithreading etc.,
But I'm not so strong in Java (cause it has got lot more features than C and I couldn't remember it all and make use of it, I've got used to the linear style of coding without making use of any classes ).
My question is:
Should I have to get myself very strong in java before started coding for android app or can I eventually learn the java language in parallel with android development?
There was a thread posted by Cyanogen on XDA called 'some advice' with lots of good info on what you need to get started. Sorry I don't have a link since I'm mobile right now. My suggestion is to find that thread and start there.
Here are some steps vaguely describing what you need. Each is a never ending process.
1. Understand Linux/Unix
2. Understand Android
3. Make something.
My advice is to learn everything you can. Read around XDA and tackle learning each bit individually.
Learn ADB, make some themes or mods using metamorph, learn how to sign files and build update.zip files. Most importantly, have fun.
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

Where and How can I learn to develop roms/apps?

I hope I'm posting this in the right forums (I read the rules, but still).
Anyways, I'm wanting into get into Android development like doing applications or even hacking roms. I'm always reading at how awesome you guys are at developing stuff. Sadly, I don't have much experience. Majoring in Computer Engineering, but I can't wait for years.
So does anyone have any points on how to get started? Even if it takes me a year, I'm fine. I just want to get to know this stuff. Can I start with, say, Java? Thanks, and I apologize if this is the wrong board!
I would definitelly recommend first familiarizing yourself with Java and getting the language down and going to learn how to turn that knowledge into developing for Android from there. There are a lot of easy to find ways to learn Java right online from Youtube and articles people have written, however Android is a little harder to find help learning. Everyone seems to want you to pay them ridiculous amounts of money. And when you do find tutorials on it they will assume you have an advanced knowledge of working with the Java Development Kit and normally Eclipse as well.
Hi! But even if i learn "well" (not to mention basics) can i customize any rom as i wish or rather make some changes on? I've to get into java world beacuse my knowledges about are not necessary as android deserve...
Thanks in advance!
For app development, u hav to learn java and google APIs thoroughly.. u can learn from various development forums..
For Rom tweaking u need to learn linux scripts and other stuffs like directory tree n much more..

[Q] !!! What's the Best Book to learn Android Development for beginners!!!

The subject says most of it really. I'm looking for a book that will teach me to develop for the Android market. A book for beginners. The kind of book with lessons, tasks, examples etc..
I'm a complete novice when it comes to Android Development, I've no understanding of the Java programming language at all and only minimal xml knowledge. However I am very good with computers and learn quick, I've got the time the patience and the motivation + (a Samsung Nexus S & a HTC Desire S).
I know it takes time and practise but its something I really want to learn and have plenty of time on my hands at the moment.
I've done webdesign so understand html, css, online shopping carts etc.. not that that's going to help me a lot.
Maybe I'll need a couple of books one for Java and another for Android please provide your thoughts on this.
Any suggestions maybe with links (if allowed) would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
Marc
aka - NexusCrazy
Though I've no links to books which you could buy..
Android applications are written in Java (J2SE, not a pared-down Java Mobile/Micro (Java ME) as found on many low-end phones) using an open-source J2SE implementation based on Apache Harmony along with tons of Android-specific libraries for things like UI and handy third-party libraries for things like HTTP requests and JSON parsing. That Java code is compiled and then transformed into Android-specific files in a format called .dex, and runs on the phone in a highly optimized VM runtime called Dalvik. Luckily, you’ll almost never have to think about any of those pieces in between writing your code and running it on the phone, since the tools take care of them for you.
You’ll want a recent version (3.4 or 3.5) of the Eclipse IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for J2SE, the Android SDK, and the Eclipse ADT plugin to interface with those tools and provide project templates. Be sure to check out Google’s complete installation instructions for details.
Here are some other links to get you started;
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/android/AndroidGuide.aspx
Android Developers website
Have fun programming,
Senax
I just started out and the android developer site is really awesome. I come here for regular roaming looking for answers.
They have a bunch of "real" tutorials that is a step by step building apps like a picture that you touch and it makes a noise, to this pic call app and etc.
I just started my first CS class and we are using "Java: How To Program" 8th. But I have researched these forums looking for the same question.
The most up to date forums that had recommended books:
Beginning Android, Head First and The Dummies Android Book. Although most of the stuff i read said the android site has pretty much everything you need to know and that books will help with getting to know the basics!
What about roms?
im going through a similar phase in my life with wanting to learn about Android and im downloading the ebooks to my rooted nook color now.. What would be the first few steps in just building a rom... im not interested as much in building programs... but i am a flashaholic.
The best book to learn about android development hasnt been published yet. I geuss thats just because you cant publish XDA Forums xD
Hopefully you're a pro by now, but if not, I picked up "Hello Android" today from Amazon, and it has received a lot of positive reviews.
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using XDA App
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Tutorials are best
Books help, but i like tutorials because they are direct information with real cases
unusualbob said:
From my perspective I knew nothing about Java/Android, but I had a couple other programming languages under my belt. Just jumping into tutorials really helped me more than any reading material. Also there are a ton of helpful stackoverflow posts related to android, so if you get stuck a quick google search will usually help you out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the way i took .
I knew C, SystemC, some bash and C++.
Started with the hello world tutorial and then i just dove in with an idea.
API documentation, StackOverflow and Google eventually got me where i wanted to be.
Then just repeat this process often enough with other ideas and will get comfortable with writing android apps.
But the android sdk is vast and i still find something cool and new everyday.
Also try #android-dev on freenode irc.
I took a couple of courses on C++, Java, and one in C. However, I really get lost when I look at how Android apps are developed. Also has anyone tried mobile development tools?

Learning to Develop for the Android Platform

I'm a college student, Just finished a C programming, and Intro Java Class, ( i am starting a CSE minor at UCSD which i plan to finish by summer), relatively intelligent, very interested in technology.
What do I need to learn? Are there any books/textbooks anyone could recommend i read or follow to help me learn?
Im interested in developing apps and also custom roms!
I have just set up Eclipse and the Android SDK on my Mac. I know about the tutorials on googles developer site, i am just starting these but it seems like they require so prerequisite knowledge. I notices that the code in the my first app look alot like java. (if it isnt completely java)
Any other ideas or links anyone can share?
Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
Hi frarredo,
Make the tutorials from android-developers web site is a good start point, and in my opinion, you should use the android-developers web site always as the main reference to build your android applications. However, you have very good references in the internet like Vogela tutorials and others.
My first advice to you is: start reading the android documentation before you start the implementation process. You do not need to read all the documentation and can give a quick read to get a general idea. But, is very important that you understand some basic Android concepts. As you said, the tutorials seem to require some previous knowledge. If you read, it is much easy to understand what you are doing
I know that sometimes this is boring but is really very important.
The android-developers have a very good documentation, so take a look at: developer. android. com/ guide/ components
(I can not post links yet, sorry)
If you want to know more about Android and in the future build custom roms or whatever, I suggest you to read a very good book: Embebed Android from Karim Yaghmour.
Last, but not least, you have all the forums from xda

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