How difficult will this be... - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I want to make an app. Basically it involves being able to retrieve live data from an internet server that is then used to create a live railroad dispatching panel. You can search up ATCS monitor on the internet and read about it. Now, my only programming experience is with MATLAB. My question is this. How difficult would it be for me to learn the language Android is coded in and develop an app like this?

Java is not that hard to learn. Learning all the little nuances of Android dev is the tricky part. I would suggest coding in Eclipse. There are many tutorials out there at your disposal. On YouTube, TheNewBoston and MyBringBack have some good videos on the matter.
With all that being said, I believe you have posted in the wrong forum

JaymzTA said:
Java is not that hard to learn. Learning all the little nuances of Android dev is the tricky part. I would suggest coding in Eclipse. There are many tutorials out there at your disposal. On YouTube, TheNewBoston and MyBringBack have some good videos on the matter.
With all that being said, I believe you have posted in the wrong forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that but at the same time I figured someone here would be able to provide a useful answer. Anyhow, thank you.

I thought I answered your question spot on. Maybe I misunderstood what you were asking.

JaymzTA said:
I thought I answered your question spot on. Maybe I misunderstood what you were asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it is worth, so did I.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Just my 2 cents
Just my 2 cents worth.
Being that I was in GTI6speed's boat a few months ago. I had slightly more experience in coding probably, having used C, C++, PHP, and JavaScript for some web stuff. I was/am by no means a seasoned coder. I had a basic understanding of the syntax for Java, but not the overall language or API's. I read the Google Android documentation, which I found a bit non-informative at parts but it was a fairly decent primer for someone with no knowledge of Java or the Android API's. I then ventured into taking a publicly available open source app that had a few bugs in places and fixed them myself. Ok took me 4 days to do what an experienced coder probably could do in minutes but I did it without too much trouble. I then moved on to making my own app from scratch. Nothing too overly major. Just trying a GreaseMonkey like implementation as a plug-in for Dolphin Browser. It's still in pre-alpha but it's 50% functional.
So in short to answer OP's question. Not difficult if you don't mind spending some time reading up. First thing I would do differently if I were to do it all over, is get a Java language primer book. Then move into the Android API documentation. From there it's smooth sailing. There may be some books dedicated to priming someone with no Java knowledge to jump straight into Android programming but I'm afraid I don't know the title of any such books myself.
I would have to say having looked at someone else's well written and commented code probably helped me to understand what was going on and how to implement things myself.
Hope this was useful. Sorry this was probably more than 2 cents, maybe a half dollar.

JaymzTA said:
I thought I answered your question spot on. Maybe I misunderstood what you were asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no I'm sorry. I meant you did provide a useful answer. Haha I meant that I figured someone in the forum could guide me in the right direction which you did. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

Related

I hope this is right section I am interested in learning to dev roms

If anyone could help me with where i can get started in deving for epic i would appreciate it I have some background knowledge in going to school for IT major with JAVA programming some in web design html css xhtml dont know if any of this helps or not but I am very quick and an easy learner if anyone can point me in the right direction i would appreciate it.
This is the wrong section for this type of question.
But, read this. Good reading material and it will point you in the right direction.
thanks and sorry
thank you for the link my bad about the wrong sections wasnt sure were it would go if it was a general this is the android development section so i just figured this would be the right place lol.
Post here only if you've developed something
Gotcha
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Not trying to bump this... but oh well, lol
although the question should be in general, I vote that the link in the second post be stickied. there are a lot of people (myself included) who would like to start learning how to dev, and to be honest, I didn't even know there was a chef section on XDA (I'm fairly new here, don't kill me, lol).
so I think a perminant link to the list of dev-teaching tools in that post would be a great addition to any dev forum
just my thoughts
Psest328 said:
Not trying to bump this... but oh well, lol
although the question should be in general, I vote that the link in the second post be stickied. there are a lot of people (myself included) who would like to start learning how to dev, and to be honest, I didn't even know there was a chef section on XDA (I'm fairly new here, don't kill me, lol).
so I think a perminant link to the list of dev-teaching tools in that post would be a great addition to any dev forum
just my thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed...+ alot of 1s
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Google has pulled the pdk information as it was "misleading" Since that information seemed vital, some more one-on-one help would still be nice. I'm at the beginning of a week off and wanted to dabble as well. I don't have actual programming background, but I figure ways to make things work (hulu on GB ftw!)
rufflez2010 said:
Google has pulled the pdk information as it was "misleading" Since that information seemed vital, some more one-on-one help would still be nice. I'm at the beginning of a week off and wanted to dabble as well. I don't have actual programming background, but I figure ways to make things work (hulu on GB ftw!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about the PDK, but there's a lot of good stuff in that link that are relevant. I say spit on it, and slap it to the top of the forum with the other stickies
Moved to a more appropriate section

Why people post new threads without searching - one theory

So this is slightly off-topic, but I think it ties in a little bit to a question/reaction that often comes up on the board.
I regularly see people posting a new thread with questions that have been asked before, and others become upset with them for posting something that has already been answered. This then leads to annoyance/anger on both sides, as the question-asker feels bad for not finding the answer (often after searching), and the question-answerer feels frustration because the forum has another new thread for something that they feel shouldn't have to be asked again.
I found this, which is the US Coast Guard's manual dealing with making decisions in stressful situations (it's a pdf). On page 11 of the document, it describes people trying to make decisions in stressful situations. It explains that an individual in a stressful situation where real danger is present (think back to the first time something went wrong on your phone....) will tend to say that there's not enough time to solve the problem, and that the person is not able to process information efficiently. It then says that the person will deny that the problem can be solved (by them).
Translation: The phone breaks (messes up, etc). The person sees that the very expensive device they own is not working right, and they begin to panic that it might not be able to be fixed. They know that XDA is an source for answers and help, and in the panicked state, post a question without thoroughly thinking through the action.
Ok, so why am I on a soapbox about this? Two reasons:
1. I don't know about anyone else here, but I can clearly remember times where I did something to my phone that I thought I had killed it. It was a real uphill struggle to stay calm and search diligently until I found what I was looking for. I would just like everyone to think back to their own experiences like this when replying to people who seem panicked.
2. To people who are panicking because something has gone wrong: try to relax. 99% of the time, whatever is wrong with the phone can be fixed, and you've come to the largest wealth of information available about your phone. Just take a little bit longer to do a little more searching before you hit the post button. And don't be afraid to use Google outside of XDA, or to search within the thread results.
And if I'm wrong, I'm sorry.
(For more reading about stress' effect on decision-making, see this. It's the US Army Survival Manual, Chapter 2).
I vote because they are stupid.
And/or just haven't been in forums enough to understand how they work.
some people here are jerks
I vote nubs. Or just ignorance
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
I think most of the time people just don't read up enough before flashing, they come to the site and see a ROM that they just have to get and they get in a hurry and bad things happen.
I read and read for about a month before I dared to flash and I haven't had any problems.
Now my friend comes to me every time she needs help with her phone like I know what I'm doing lol. But really I just know that the answer to any problem is here already you just have to find it.
Sent from my captivate running Speed and Looks Ginger Style
i am a noob so i know why (at least in my case)
1. should have read TRusselo's new user guide on first visit to xda
2. sometimes i search and do not find then a member shows me a thread i didnt know about thus confirming my inability to search successfully
3. some people post things in the wrong section (there is an off topic section, this is the captivate section and posting without searching is not exclusive to captivate users) this is a joke, not serious or meant to offend the |OP|
4. no knowledge of correct keywords to search (all the acronyms is like chinese to a noob) is there a xda dictionary for noobs?
5. the first thing we (noobs) do is panic. then we panic more. finally we relax...then panic again.
on behalf of all the noobs that post without searching we are sorry and as we learn more about the site we will improve upon our mistakes. please be patient with us, we appreciate your help and feel honored to be a part of this site.
We already had a thread like this. Use the search function.
Sorry about that. I'm still hunting for that link, but if you provide it, I'll update the OP.
I have discovered that I can't post up findings, observations or give thanks to the developers in the development form, because I do not have 10 posts
everything I search for I find, so no need to post.... so I am thinking some just post generic questions to get the post that they need.
But I do have to agree with the OP, when you think you killed your phone, you panic
jmtheiss said:
Sorry about that. I'm still hunting for that link, but if you provide it, I'll update the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a feeling that was just a joke playing on what you are posting about
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Yep, agree with op
Explains it on a deeper level than noob, lazy, or stupid. Some posses the ability to work in stressful situations and some don't. Those need to learn how before becoming a member of xda.
You're over complicating it. Half of the problem is that the native vBulletin search feature is wimpy and doesn't often return helpful results. And of course it consumes lot of server resources, it's down about as often as it isn't, and even when it is working you can only do it once every 30 seconds if you want to revise research terms or if you make a mistake. A Google cse custom search engine might go a long way toward helping out.
Chiding users for not using search is at least a little misplaced in my opinion. Comparisons to decision-making in critical life or death stressful situations are at least a little off-base.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Rrryan2 said:
You're over complicating it. Half of the problem is that the native vBulletin search feature is wimpy and doesn't often return helpful results. And of course it consumes lot of server resources, it's down about as often as it isn't, and even when it is working you can only do it once every 30 seconds if you want to revise research terms or if you make a mistake. A Google cse custom search engine might go a long way toward helping out.
Chiding users for not using search is at least a little misplaced in my opinion. Comparisons to decision-making in critical life or death stressful situations are at least a little off-base.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with both views. I have yet to meet a v-bulletin site whose search function was worth a tinker's damn... and a number of the folks who voted "stupid" or "lazy" when it comes to someone posting a repeat question seem to forget that this is a very large forum, with tens of thousands of posts. Sometimes, finding the one post or series of posts that can be of use when you think you've just killed your $199 to $500 phone can be a bit tough.
Also, even when it's not a subject I have a vested interest in finding the answer to, I sometimes appreciate the repeat of a question that has already been asked because often someone (whose ego isn't so invested somehow proving their worth by being "right") will ever-so-kindly skip the lectures and point out threads I had no idea existed--and which I can then bookmark for later reference.
I've learned some very cool things about the care and feeding of my Captivate as a result (to say nothing of gaining more general information on a number of devices), so I'm not overly inclined to squawk when someone asks a question that's been asked before.
kevalin said:
I agree with both views. I have yet to meet a v-bulletin site whose search function was worth a tinker's damn... and a number of the folks who voted "stupid" or "lazy" when it comes to someone posting a repeat question seem to forget that this is a very large forum, with tens of thousands of posts. Sometimes, finding the one post or series of posts that can be of use when you think you've just killed your $199 to $500 phone can be a bit tough.
Also, even when it's not a subject I have a vested interest in finding the answer to, I sometimes appreciate the repeat of a question that has already been asked because often someone (whose ego isn't so invested somehow proving their worth by being "right") will ever-so-kindly skip the lectures and point out threads I had no idea existed--and which I can then bookmark for later reference.
I've learned some very cool things about the care and feeding of my Captivate as a result (to say nothing of gaining more general information on a number of devices), so I'm not overly inclined to squawk when someone asks a question that's been asked before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen to that!
z28james said:
I have a feeling that was just a joke playing on what you are posting about
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the immortal words of a small Sicilian man,
"INCONCEIVABLE!"
Next let's hear your theory on pointless, off topic threads!
AJerman said:
Next let's hear your theory on pointless, off topic threads!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how to search for them?

Stating To Develop For Android?

Hello Everybody
First Off... Yes im new, But im not here to just take information and leave, i really want to get into the whole "Developer" scene
YES, I've searched the forums already, but not gotten a pin point answer.
Anyway, I'm COMPLETELY new to programming, I've read around a bit, and i know i need some java knowledge to begin with? So I'm guessing that's my
So i really don't want to lean Too Much Java than needed to android development, or too less in fact.
So im looking for some links to begin with that.
Maybe i could get a step by step list of links that i should go through to begin developing applications for the android platform.
I came across this
[Sorry im not allowed to post links, but its the "Learn Java for Android Development" Series of tutorials on "Mobile tuts+"]
But it seems like its not for the beginner, but im willing to overlook that if you think its a good starting point
Thanks For taking the time to help me
Ridwan Sameer said:
Hello Everybody
First Off... Yes im new, But im not here to just take information and leave, i really want to get into the whole "Developer" scene
YES, I've searched the forums already, but not gotten a pin point answer.
Anyway, I'm COMPLETELY new to programming, I've read around a bit, and i know i need some java knowledge to begin with? So I'm guessing that's my
So i really don't want to lean Too Much Java than needed to android development, or too less in fact.
So im looking for some links to begin with that.
Maybe i could get a step by step list of links that i should go through to begin developing applications for the android platform.
I came across this
[Sorry im not allowed to post links, but its the "Learn Java for Android Development" Series of tutorials on "Mobile tuts+"]
But it seems like its not for the beginner, but im willing to overlook that if you think its a good starting point
Thanks For taking the time to help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I would start as simple as possible to get a feel for the whole thing. Maybe something like this: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/android-application-development-for-dummies-cheat-.html This way you get familiar with the whole process, not just how to code.
Just my opinion. Good luck!
I did come here for the same as to be developer and here are some links to begin with the development in Android. These links will provide you insight and good basic examples and also some in-depth knowledge needed for you to develop apps for android.
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=854462
http://android-java.blogspot.com/
http://www.javacodegeeks.com/2010/10/android-full-application-tutorial.html
VIDEO COURSE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCDoBWyJ_C4
Hope it will help you and if you feel helped then please press thanks button to me.

My first smartphone, the HTC ONE X (at&t)

In an attempt to not step on the lawn, I am going to try and make my first post useful to other noobs, regardless of my own ability level.
I see that others have made a "my first phone" thread in other sections using search, and I did not notice one in this forum yet. I don't know if this post will make it past muster or not, or if it will be the same as other kinds of posts, but the way I see it, it would be rad if I came to xda/htc/attonex and found a post identical to this one, that had started a couple months ago. Alas, time travel isn't available.
My problem is that I am literally experiencing this phone as my first smartphone ever, and I am too ignorant to even know what a good question is. So I find myself with a quandary. On the one hand, I am tech savvy enough to know that my phone is capable of more than at&t/htc wants to let on, and I know that there is this sea of people that know a lot about this stuff. On the other hand, I don't even know what phones can really do, why I would want it to do those things, or how to go about learning the smart and safe way to do those things without fear of "bricking" my new toy.
It's really daunting to look at this forum for a noob. I need some good info on android as well as good info on my phone, and just browsing the forum for the last few days has led me to more questions and more complex questions before I have the basics, and I feel like that's going to get me in trouble here.
If people could do the following in response to this post: point me in the right direction for informative posts/websites/forums/etc on android, specifically basic OS functionality & rooting basics for people who do not understand/use linux; point me to informative beginner oriented (not just reviews or w/e, but basics) posts/websites/forums/etc on the at&t1x, specifically anything that is not on the htc site or the at&t site, which is basically my understanding level right now; if i ask stupid questions about your thought-out posts in here and i totally miss your point, please be patient with me; point me to apps and app stores, I have only used the play store - I know there is more out there, but freaked out about viruses and stuff.
I know I'm asking for a lot of hand-holding, but I promise that after the movie we can make out if you want. I'm not stupid, but I am certainly ignorant about androids. HALP.
YouTube is you friend, there are some great walkthroughs on there. Along with read,read,read. Welcome to XDA, ENJOY your time here, you are off to a very advanced start, great phone choice along with grea first post...the force is strong with this one:thumbup:
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
@MichaelHaley
You wouldn't happen to be from Buffalo New York would you?
Sent from my Rooted Hox
What I did when I started was just look at posts and any word or anything at all that I didn't understand i just Googled it. I learned alot like that.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
http://droidlessons.com/
E.Cadro said:
@MichaelHaley
You wouldn't happen to be from Buffalo New York would you?
Sent from my Rooted Hox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. California.
bradleyG said:
What I did when I started was just look at posts and any word or anything at all that I didn't understand i just Googled it. I learned alot like that.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a problem with understanding words, but thanks.
filthyfnj24 said:
droidlessons - link which i can not post yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the kind of stuff I'm looking for, I figure people here would know which ones like this are quality vs. time wasters. This level and slightly above is about where I'm at. Thanks a lot.
MichaelHaley said:
Nope. California.
I don't have a problem with understanding words, but thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think he meant basic words. But stuff like adb shell. Asop. Root. S off. S on. Just to name a few. If you don't know this basic words, your time here will be a pain.
Sent from my HTC One XL using XDA
tae_254 said:
I don't think he meant basic words. But stuff like adb shell. Asop. Root. S off. S on. Just to name a few. If you don't know this basic words, your time here will be a pain.
Sent from my HTC One XL using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lists of useful words and terms are awesome! Thanks! Please add!
MichaelHaley said:
Lists of useful words and terms are awesome! Thanks! Please add!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're still missing bradleyG's original point. If there are esoteric terms you don't understand, just Google them. This will help you out:
http://bit.ly/KSfCM7
Boom. That was easy.
Seriously, Google is your friend, as is the XDA search. You're not going to think of a question that hasn't already been answered at length on XDA. Maybe not for the One X, specifically, since the device is so new. But for general Android stuff, just doing a general search using the XDA function, of Googling will probably get you an answer within a few minutes. For that matter, just spend some time browsing through the General, and Q&A forums, and reading the threads that look of interest to you. In no time at all, you'll have some decent working knowledge. The learning curve may look intimidating from where you are. But don't worry, its really not that bad. Seriously, just a few hours of reading on XDA will probably put above the knowledge level of the majority of smartphone owners.
If you are truly stumped after searching and reading on your own, post a question in Q&A. But do your due diligence first. Simple reason for this is that the forum would become useless if it was clogged up by every single question that beginners think up.
And welcome to the club. The One X is a helluva first smartphone.
redpoint73 said:
You're still missing bradleyG's original point. If there are esoteric terms you don't understand, just Google them. This will help you out:
http://bit.ly/KSfCM7
Boom. That was easy.
Seriously, Google is your friend, as is the XDA search. You're not going to think of a question that hasn't already been answered at length on XDA. Maybe not for the One X, specifically, since the device is so new. But for general Android stuff, just doing a general search using the XDA function, of Googling will probably get you an answer within a few minutes. For that matter, just spend some time browsing through the General, and Q&A forums, and reading the threads that look of interest to you. In no time at all, you'll have some decent working knowledge. The learning curve may look intimidating from where you are. But don't worry, its really not that bad. Seriously, just a few hours of reading on XDA will probably put above the knowledge level of the majority of smartphone owners.
If you are truly stumped after searching and reading on your own, post a question in Q&A. But do your due diligence first. Simple reason for this is that the forum would become useless if it was clogged up by every single question that beginners think up.
And welcome to the club. The One X is a helluva first smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ai ai ai. Thanks for the help dude, but my whole point is that I don't even know enough to know what kinds of questions I should be having. Once I get started, I can use forum searches and google well, so for specific questions I will need very little help. I'm just not coming up with any questions.
Picture me sitting there, staring at the phone, hoping it will do something, looking puzzled when it doesn't, and then start posting links.
I see what you're saying. What you are asking for is really too broad a topic to write a guide or anything like that. As a start, just try looking through the threads in the various forums. Development subforum has mods (modifications) and stuff along those lines. The Themes and Apps subforum will give you some ideas on some cool apps and widgets. You'll quickly get a good idea of what possibilities are out there. And trust me, plenty of specific questions will pop up in your mind soon enough.
Since you are brand new to the smartphone world, apps is a good place to start. Just Google around for best Android apps and see what interests you. Even the Play Store has some issues with malware and other malicious software. But these are usually less popular apps, made by shady software developers. If you read up on best apps at reputable websites like PCMag, Gizmodi, CNET, you shouldn't go wrong. The more popular, tried and true apps tend to be very safe. Lots of the best functionality of smartphones is through apps, so this is a good place to start.
My advice would be to use the device for a while, and see what it can do running stock before you think about rooting and other mods. Unless you are looking at specific mods (removing bloatware or adding back some of the things that AT&T removed like FM radio and flashlight) you probably shouldn't be considering root just yet.
Android Central is a good website with lots of information that you should find interesting if this is your first android device. They have put together a really good android dictionary which is found here: http://www.androidcentral.com/dictionary
They also run an android a to z series on their blog which has a ton of info and goes a little more in depth than just giving definitions.
Enjoy your phone, for a first smart phone you picked a serious winner! There are a few quarks (which are all outlined pretty well in this forum) but for the most part this phone is great.
bradleyG said:
What I did when I started was just look at posts and any word or anything at all that I didn't understand i just Googled it. I learned alot like that.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant beat this advice. Read everything, assume your questions has already been asked. The more you read, the more questions you'll have and then the more reading you'll want to do to find the answers. This website is really a PHENOMENAL resource, but I find myself constantly googling terms/comments/procedures that I dont understand. I'm quite technologically inclined but relatively new to the android world and have only been using XDA for a couple months. However, I find myself mostly only posting on very topical threads. For the hardcore technical research and development, I prefer to sit back and just read about the amazing work that the developers are doing. Welcome!
I'll second what everyone else said. I was where you were a few months ago. Though I came from four years on iOS, I was an Android noob. I've been reading and browsing xda and other sites just trying to get my bearings. It's very intimidating at first, but you've just got to start somewhere. Start reading, trying to get the general gist of things before worrying about the exact terminology. Bit by bit things will start sounding familiar, and you'll have some context to start framing your searches. Really, they're not kidding about 99.99% of noob questions being already answered somewhere; you've just got to know the right way to ask.
Just be patient and don't give up. Three weeks into my One X ownership, I'm rooted and gradually getting some confidence in modding my phone. (I was an experienced iOS jailbreaker, but life is different over here in a lot of ways.)
redpoint73 said:
You're still missing bradleyG's original point. If there are esoteric terms you don't understand, just Google them. This will help you out:
http://bit.ly/KSfCM7
Boom. That was easy.
Seriously, Google is your friend, as is the XDA search. You're not going to think of a question that hasn't already been answered at length on XDA. Maybe not for the One X, specifically, since the device is so new. But for general Android stuff, just doing a general search using the XDA function, of Googling will probably get you an answer within a few minutes. For that matter, just spend some time browsing through the General, and Q&A forums, and reading the threads that look of interest to you. In no time at all, you'll have some decent working knowledge. The learning curve may look intimidating from where you are. But don't worry, its really not that bad. Seriously, just a few hours of reading on XDA will probably put above the knowledge level of the majority of smartphone owners.
If you are truly stumped after searching and reading on your own, post a question in Q&A. But do your due diligence first. Simple reason for this is that the forum would become useless if it was clogged up by every single question that beginners think up.
And welcome to the club. The One X is a helluva first smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I meant. There is no all powerful guide that will teach you everything you need to know. It takes time to learn all these things and only diligence will prove to give you what you need. I remember when I first got my g1 I didn't know anything. I started looking for mods/hacks I could do to it and stumbled upon xda. Then I found out about rooting so I looked up stuff about rooting like what are the benefits of it, the risks, and tutorials. Then one thing leads to another rooting leads to ROMs and kernels, kernels lead to overclocking, etc. You'll soon be an expert and have advice to give other people. The more you read, the better. But you will never get to a point where there is nothing new to be learned, you will eventually make a habit of looking up different things after you do it for so long. Just stick with it and you will get the hang of it.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
redpoint73 said:
I see what you're saying. What you are asking for is really too broad a topic to write a guide or anything like that. As a start, just try looking through the threads in the various forums. Development subforum has mods (modifications) and stuff along those lines. The Themes and Apps subforum will give you some ideas on some cool apps and widgets. You'll quickly get a good idea of what possibilities are out there. And trust me, plenty of specific questions will pop up in your mind soon enough.
Since you are brand new to the smartphone world, apps is a good place to start. Just Google around for best Android apps and see what interests you. Even the Play Store has some issues with malware and other malicious software. But these are usually less popular apps, made by shady software developers. If you read up on best apps at reputable websites like PCMag, Gizmodi, CNET, you shouldn't go wrong. The more popular, tried and true apps tend to be very safe. Lots of the best functionality of smartphones is through apps, so this is a good place to start.
My advice would be to use the device for a while, and see what it can do running stock before you think about rooting and other mods. Unless you are looking at specific mods (removing bloatware or adding back some of the things that AT&T removed like FM radio and flashlight) you probably shouldn't be considering root just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thank you for that, I know that apps are about my speed right now but my sights are set UP!! Hehe. I really was trying to figure out about the flashlight and FM radio already, but couldn't find a setting in the phone. Is that a root thing? I also hate bloat ware, even if i can disable it, i know MOG Radio & AT&T IdiotWare is there, just taking up space, and it bugs the hell out of me! I also want to do things like check out vanilla android so I can know what sense is, but i understand that requires a bootloader? Which I am reading about.. but that seems like some pretty advanced stuff.. I'll get there hopefully.
bmolloy said:
Android Central is a good website with lots of information that you should find interesting if this is your first android device. They have put together a really good android dictionary which is found here: http://www.androidcentral.com/dictionary
They also run an android a to z series on their blog which has a ton of info and goes a little more in depth than just giving definitions.
Enjoy your phone, for a first smart phone you picked a serious winner! There are a few quarks (which are all outlined pretty well in this forum) but for the most part this phone is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thank you very much, this is exactly the kind of specific stuff I'm looking for, not that general advice isn't great too!
bradleyG said:
This is exactly what I meant. There is no all powerful guide that will teach you everything you need to know. It takes time to learn all these things and only diligence will prove to give you what you need. I remember when I first got my g1 I didn't know anything. I started looking for mods/hacks I could do to it and stumbled upon xda. Then I found out about rooting so I looked up stuff about rooting like what are the benefits of it, the risks, and tutorials. Then one thing leads to another rooting leads to ROMs and kernels, kernels lead to overclocking, etc. You'll soon be an expert and have advice to give other people. The more you read, the better. But you will never get to a point where there is nothing new to be learned, you will eventually make a habit of looking up different things after you do it for so long. Just stick with it and you will get the hang of it.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I may have come off more adversarial to you than I meant to.. I wasn't trying to minimize what you said.. Of course research is essential, and I plan to not bug you guys with stupid questions as much as possible.. I'm just trying to build a repository of reference for complete noobtards like me here in this thread so it's all in one place. When I have specific questions about terms and things I will of course employ due diligence before I bring that stuff to the community, but like I said, I'm not even there yet..
OK so I have a question that I tried to search for and came up with nil. Every so often, when I run this or that program, or sometimes on start up, some of my icons do one of two things: 1.) they lose the text under the icon, 2.) they lose the text under the icon and the icon turns into the generic android icon.
Wutdo?
MichaelHaley said:
OK so I have a question that I tried to search for and came up with nil. Every so often, when I run this or that program, or sometimes on start up, some of my icons do one of two things: 1.) they lose the text under the icon, 2.) they lose the text under the icon and the icon turns into the generic android icon.
Wutdo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restart/ force close the launcher. Or get a new launcher like go or nova.
Cryosx said:
Restart/ force close the launcher. Or get a new launcher like go or nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like a complete tard, but after searching and finding nothing, I can't figure out how to do what you're saying.
Cryosx said:
Restart/ force close the launcher. Or get a new launcher like go or nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that just like the proper way to say restart the phone?

New Tutorial Requests // Volunteer Experts // Suggested Coverage // Course Outlines

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS, COURSE/TUTORIAL REQUESTS, & EXPERT REVIEWERS​
DEVELOPERS AND EXPERTS: with superior knowledge and or experience in procedures used to customize ROMs, and/or to write code that might be used in Apk's or ROMs for the Atrix 2 community, are hereby invited to post a message in this thread, advising me of their willingness to serve as a "SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT" for a new course or tutorial.
New courses will each begin with a working thread in the 'General' area of these forums, and when the SME decides that the material is potentially near a draft version worth publishing (eg., usable), then the moderator will be sent a request for a 'sticky' so that the original post (OP) can be fixed near the top of it's final content area (it may also be moved from the general area to another area, if the moderator deems it necessary).
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS AND eLEARNING PROFESSIONALS: If by some fortunate circumstances, you are a skilled instructional designer, then you may also volunteer to participate in the development of the content, and should likewise post your intentions in this thread, to either help with a course under current development or else suggest a new one.
ANDROID ENTHUSIASTS AND JUNIOR DEVELOPERS: who are eager to move up to the next level of participation in the Android community, and begin assisting the senior developers here, are welcome to make requests in this thread, for new courses and tutorials. However, if you are not able to contribute back to the community anything other than your request, you should at least be ready to support your request with a well-composed argument and hopefully some starting material which could be used to seed the initial course development and customization to the Atrix 2 platform.
----------------------------------------------------------------
TUTORIAL REQUESTS:
(coming soon)
TUTORIAL COMPLETED:
(coming soon)
TUTORIAL'S UNDER DEVELOPMENT:
(coming soon)
EXPERT DEVELOPERS (SME's):
(coming soon)
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS:
(coming soon)
CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS:
(coming soon)
I for one really like the sound of this!
I like the idea of having more learning material, however I think it is going to be very hard for you to write up something you don't know about. I would say you should do some learning yourself to become better with the subject before trying.
I too like the sound of more tutorials and people digging in to their phones and learning new things.. but, I, for one (if I had a vast knowledge about dev'ing/modding and something specific to write about), would probably rather try to gather the scattered thoughts in my head and keep drafting and rewriting it as I go along. But that might just be me..
Again, great thought and topic - and I always respect your decorum and writing skills - but seems like it'd be a lot if trouble to have a ghostwriter, for someone like me at least.. (again, I'm sure I'm not the guy you had in mind, but... those are my thoughts)
EDIT: There is a lot of material out there, on xda and other sites - some specific to device or andriod version, some just general good info - and deodexing and zip-aligning are basically done for you by the kitchen..
Sent from my mind using XDA
I also LOVE this idea. Count me in for some of the Android low level and AOSP SME stuff, like kernel dev how to and AOSP how-to.
jimbridgman said:
I also LOVE this idea. Count me in for some of the Android low level and AOSP SME stuff, like kernel dev how to and AOSP how-to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
speaking of AOSP, is it possible to build up from AOSP source for the A2, or can you only do that with a custom kernel
EDIT: count me in too. If Jim says it is a good idea, then it is.
EDIT AGAIN: I am not an expert, but I could certainly do the basics that people need to know for getting into rom development
"Lost in Translation"
lkrasner said:
I like the idea of having more learning material, however I think it is going to be very hard for you to write up something you don't know about. I would say you should do some learning yourself to become better with the subject before trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the model that is currently considered 'best' (in comparison to other methods) for providing content that others can quickly grasp in most cases. Think of my function as being a 'translator', in that you will be able to digest the content much more easily if it is presented in a language that fits your vernacular with perfect symmetry, vice a series of crude ideograms.
Haven't you ever been frustrated by poor grammar, or conceptual transition that flows with such a fragmented series of black holes, it's like someone is flipping a light switch on and off while you try to make your way through an obstacle course? My field of training focuses on filling the gaps that cause those frustrating stumbling blocks to effective instruction. That kind of instruction means focusing on the audience, and how they think, not just thinking about the subject matter itself (the domain of the SME).
lkrasner said:
EDIT: count me in too. If Jim says it is a good idea, then it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True..
And, I would definitely love to see some good AOSP and kernel building materials..
@PR - Feel free to ask me about any "low-level" modding/themeing/building things or let me know how I could contribute...
PRichardson said:
This is the model that is currently considered 'best' (in comparison to other methods) for providing content that others can quickly grasp in most cases. Think of my function as being a 'translator', in that you will be able to digest the content much more easily if it is presented in a language that fits your vernacular with perfect symmetry, vice a series of crude ideograms.
Haven't you ever been frustrated by poor grammar, or conceptual transition that flows with such a fragmented series of black holes, it's like someone is flipping a light switch on and off while you try to make your way through an obstacle course? My field of training focuses on filling the gaps that cause those frustrating stumbling blocks to effective instruction. That kind of instruction means focusing on the audience, and how they think, not just thinking about the subject matter itself (the domain of the SME).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess this makes perfect sense when you think about it. Sorry I doubted you. I would love to help out here, and I think having some people that are not complete experts is helpful too, because they understand things differently then the true dev gods like Jim. I think I can provide you with a lot of the basics and FAQs and stuff about what rom development is and how to get started with and set up for it. Jim can do the crazy advanced stuff that no one else in the world understands, and others can fill in the gap.
PRichardson said:
This is the model that is currently considered 'best' (in comparison to other methods) for providing content that others can quickly grasp in most cases. Think of my function as being a 'translator', in that you will be able to digest the content much more easily if it is presented in a language that fits your vernacular with perfect symmetry, vice a series of crude ideograms.
Haven't you ever been frustrated by poor grammar, or conceptual transition that flows with such a fragmented series of black holes, it's like someone is flipping a light switch on and off while you try to make your way through an obstacle course? My field of training focuses on filling the gaps that cause those frustrating stumbling blocks to effective instruction. That kind of instruction means focusing on the audience, and how they think, not just thinking about the subject matter itself (the domain of the SME).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to serve as guinea pig for this, the whole idea sounds excellent to me!!! the only problem is that at this moment i don't have much time to spare on learning android dev. I work with Java and xml every day and basically what it's stopping me from getting into the dev scene it's the time, but maybe i can help searching stuff like topics or any other subject require to do this. My point is that i want to contribute with something even if is small stuff.
Although I'm all for good reference materials, I'll even sticky it if I see good organized information, please post in the correct forum. This goes for any resources you make. Moved to General.
Cheers
Possible Volunteer Assignments
jimbridgman said:
I also LOVE this idea. Count me in for some of the Android low level and AOSP SME stuff, like kernel dev how to and AOSP how-to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool.
Ok, I think this represents a sufficiently positive response to warrant suggesting some initial planning decisions.
"deodexing and zip-aligning are basically done for you by the kitchen.." --> this is true. However, I have been through some of that material, and it's a bit thin in detail. There is nothing like a set of sceencaps and/or video to reassure people that 'all is right with the world' the first time they step into the kitchen and fire up the grill, and again, reworking some of the content that's already 'in the wild' to focus on the A2 will require less work than starting from scratch, while still benefiting our specific community interests.
So, I think the first order of business is deciding what should be done, and who will be involved. Thus far it seems we have two volunteer 'subject matter experts' (SME's):
SME: Jim Bridgman
.
COURSE LIST:
Kernel Dev HowTo
AOSP HowTo
SME: alteredlikeness
.
COURSE LIST:
Modding HowTo
Theming HowTo
Building ? HowTo
UNASSIGNED COURSES:
Deodexing via Kitchen
Zipaligning via Scripts
Safestrap Hacking
SUGGESTED ROLES
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SME):
.
Qualifications:
Have previously successfully completed full procedure at least once (hopefully numerous times) for any course they are serving as SME for.
Understand consequences, and potential recovery procedures (if any) for failure or user error at each level or step of procedure for which they are SME.
Are able to answer questions related to "why" each action is needed, as well as "how" it acheives the intended result, for each procedure they serve as SME for.
Have a conceptual understanding of java programming methods, classes, and the android framework, if they are serving as SME for advanced code and dev courses.
Responsibilities:
Proofread content for technical or factual errors
Answer questions related to content or procedures
Make recommendations for conceptual material for reuse, editing, or starting material.
Make recommendations for content coverage (new courses)
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS:
.
Qualifications:
A graduate degree in instructional design or instructional technology or at least 5 years of professional experience as an instructional designer or instructional technologist or distance education coordinator or distance education instructor.
Responsibilities:
Use recommended content as starting materials to create re-targeted curriculum focused on the Atrix 2
Revise, edit, and 'fill in' current content with visual aids (screen captures, diagrams, flow charts, graphics) as well as well-formatted outlines for easy navigation and review
Update and correct content as directed by SME's
Any course suggestions? Should we proceed to possible course outlines? How does this sound thus far?
This. Is. AWESOME. Totally looking forward to reading...
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
Creating Sticky Posts: One per Course
prbassplayer said:
Although I'm all for good reference materials, I'll even sticky it if I see good organized information, please post in the correct forum. This goes for any resources you make
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks prbassplayer! (will do ;-)
Unless you have any alternative recommendations (?), I will probably begin by setting up a working thread (one per course/tutorial), in the 'General' area.
Then, when it seems that a usable draft is near, which might actually benefit someone, I will PM you for a decision on whether to sticky it, and also possibly to decide on whether to leave it in general or move it somewhere else appropriate to the content.
Thanks!,
Paul
you want me to do a write up on the getting started stuff. I know what I am doing, Im just not on the same level as Jim.
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
Never mind. Mis read the meaning of this thread.
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
PRichardson said:
Any course suggestions? Should we proceed to possible course outlines? How does this sound thus far?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol'ing - sounds like a lot of work, and like things are getting serious...
Right on, though.. it could be a nice community effort.
PRichardson said:
SME: alteredlikeness
.
COURSE LIST:
Modding HowTo
Theming HowTo
Building ? HowTo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's flattering and all, but there are much more knowledgeable and/or diversely skilled themers and builders here than I... ahem, JRW, rdavisct...
I got some subtle skills - but let's hope a few others contribute as well, if this idea takes off..
As I jokingly said above, it will be a lot of work - and I assume a lot of us don't have the time we would like to dedicate to our own creations, let alone a full blown 5 page [TUTORIAL] with questions and answers.
But, I like your ambition, and I'll do what I can to help..
Getting Started with Android Dev for Atrix 2
lkrasner said:
you want me to do a write up on the getting started stuff. I know what I am doing, Im just not on the same level as Jim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi lkrasner,
That is a great idea. However, in order to prevent spending time that does not focus where it will benefit our community goals the most, I think it might be a good idea to first solidify the plans before we get to the 'doing'.
At this point, I would prefer to have a little bit of feedback on what we are going to do, before we start doing it.
So, if you could write up and post a very brief outline of the course or tutorial you have in mind, then let the community provide some feedback (or rather, see if there is even a response at all), that will give us a good idea on how much time/effort you personally want to invest, and keep our expectations more realistic on how useful it is to anyone else.
This is just my perspective, of course ;-)
~p
Quid Quo Pro
alteredlikeness said:
...That's flattering and all, but there are much more knowledgeable and/or diversely skilled themers and builders here than I... ahem, JRW, rdavisct...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will always be true. But you are reading this now, and the onus of the call is yours at this moment, and you have answered -- that is all I can ask, and all I hope for.
it will be a lot of work - and I assume a lot of us don't have the time we would like to dedicate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think this is true at all. The model I am using here, relies heavily upon content that already exists, and focuses more on simply updating it, targeting it to the A2 phone, and of course, improving it's effectiveness with better organization, more detail, and the addition of visual aids.
The most demanding (if that word is even fitting) part this work on the part of the SME, would be the careful READING of a 1 to 5 page document made up mostly of bulleted phrases or sentences and images (I'm assuming most procedures will be short, and that the bulk of space usage will be due to large graphics). Of course, it's always much easier to quickly read through something and spot any technical errors when you are ALREADY AN EXPERT on that content or procedure.
In summary then, I think this is the equivalent of a tiny spec of dust that is to be flicked off one's shoulder, compared to the enormous effort that every single day is voluntarily accomplished by the thousands of developers involved in large-scale open source projects such as Linux itself.
~p
PRichardson said:
Thanks prbassplayer! (will do ;-)
Unless you have any alternative recommendations (?), I will probably begin by setting up a working thread (one per course/tutorial), in the 'General' area.
Then, when it seems that a usable draft is near, which might actually benefit someone, I will PM you for a decision on whether to sticky it, and also possibly to decide on whether to leave it in general or move it somewhere else appropriate to the content.
Thanks!,
Paul
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly know very little about this device. I mess with more with Samsung and a little with HTC. I'm computer less at the moment and making a useful search with a phone has proven to be less useful more pain in the but so I can't look up any old threads to see what's there and what's needed. But basically theming, how to take a stock rom and making it your own (themes, deodexing, etc). Building from source (if applicable) roms and kernels. I'm just a moderator and although I'm decently knowledgeable on a hand full of devices I'm no expert .
Cheers
Sent from my ICS powered I897 using Tapatalk 2

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