Database Users

Trying to become a developer

Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka

cesarcerros31 said:
Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
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You're stuck getting Hello Android to work or whate to do after hello android? Do you know any development languages such as Java or C#? (you'll be writing android apps in java, but C# is really MS version of java with a few syntax differences) If not, are you familiar with object orientation? If not, it's gonna be tough dude but if you're smart and pick stuff up quickly you can learn by reading.

Pick up some books and look at youtube videos.
Sent while sitting on the toilet.

Alright thanks its just that helloandroid project wouldn't start right but I will look up massively on how to start a different way or just try to find the solution and youtube always helps and anyone knows how to make roms looking to make aosp
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There's a few free Eclipse and Java books out there that a beginner will understand especially if you already understand the concepts of object-oriented programming. Eclipse IDE itself will need a book as it's full of plugins and tools you need to understand to compile your project effectively.

It's going to be a very very long and slow road.
This may help, a series of YouTube videos for beginners.
http://eclipsetutorial.sourceforge.net/totalbeginner.html
I've been thinking the same thing, learning to develop for Android. Since I have near zero experience programming (save for a VB class in college) I decided I would be better off hiring someone to write what I want.
Just keep in mind though, Hello World is just where people start.
You may want to check out the android Appinventor. It's made by Google, and is in beta testing now, but it's a graphical way of programming for android. Though there isn't any code involved and won't be good/used outside of Android, it does a good job imparting the logic of programming.

I'll give you some tips that I've learned over the years as a developer.
First if you haven't done any development before I highly advise obtaining a book. True there are tons of web tutorials out there but personally I find a good author can do wonders in learning how to develop software. Anytime I want to learn a new platform I pick up a book on that platform. Of course you can find a ton of books used but another great source is a library. If you're in college with a computer science program chances are your library will have a couple of books on Android development. Your public library probably has some books on the subject as well. If all else fails see if you have a friend who will loan you a book.
Reading about development is only part one, part two is hands on. You can read an entire book on developing software and walk away with no knowledge. You can mindlessly follow the examples in the book but I find it best to use the examples in books as a guideline. In other words take the idea in the book and morph it so you're working on something original. Trust me here, you'll learn a lot more doing this instead of just mindlessly following the examples.
Next thing you'll need is a problem. Why? Because you need something to write. I find myself most motivated to write software when I either have a problem or something else has one and a checkbook. What do you want your phone to do? Are there applications out there that solve your problem but you think you can do better? Think small and easy since you're still new. Realistically you're not going to be able to make a web browser from scratch as your first project but you can certainly make a database of movies you own.
One thing that is debatable is whether you should learn to write something quickly or well. Frankly I'm in the school or writing something quickly and ignoring "correctness" when you're new. People new to programming spend too much time worrying about doing things "correctly" (very important when you're developing actual software) instead of learning how to do things in the first place.
Your code may not be readable, may not be optimized, and may crash every time an invalid input is entered into a field but you'll learn from those things. I think most people who end up hating programming do so because they spent too much time on worry about the little things and thus seeing no results for their work. Once you have the basics down you can concentrate of the details of optimizing code, validating inputs, and making your code readable.
Honestly not matter what you write you'll look back at it in embarrassment ten years from now anyways.

Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka

cesarcerros31 said:
Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
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Buy a Java book that also covers Object Orientation basics and principals. (you'll also need to understand some XML to do android programming) If you want to make kernels/ROMS, definitely look into Linux and shell scripting. (you can find most of this info online though)

By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.

Sirchuk said:
By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.
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it might be good, but it wont teach him how to actually code. Most of those books are made for people that know other languages like javascript/php/c/etc.. and are wanting to move to java and learn the new syntax.

I have no idea as to what you know. So ftw.
Write what ever you decide in a pseudo code, first.
Two things will fall out of that, a design, and java methods of implementing the pseudo language ( as you decide what java syntax does your psuedo code) which invariably returns you to (1) the design. I think it's called iterational refinement, or some such other bs.
So don't get bogged down, now that you know hello, make it start "right"...
You all do realize that eclipse was a machine.. a sunny>dg joke.

[Q] Thinking of making some applicatoins

so guys i am fairly new to this have a few ideas popping in my head and i would like to do some app development but i need a push into the right direction such as a great starter book that would help me understand the coding and app building for "dummies" or something that would get me on the right track anyone who has some great ideas please let me know asap before i buy something i regret, the input of new android developers would probably be the most helpful cause i would like to know what they used to get them going in the right direction.

Study Java first, I suggest head first Java. it's really a good book for beginners, I just bought it at Amazon and it's on sale.
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I've researched alot about what u want n let me tell u one thing if u really want to become a developer then u may start from C++ with that skills in ur hand, java wud be much much easier and then go for android SDK this is the right track u may follow otherwise its not a hard and fast rule.. but I must warn u that its not a simple process and time taking. So be sure that whether u want to really learn it b4 u stopped working in between. Okay.???? All the best for your future... ^_^
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i do realize there is a lot of work involved but this has always been a dream of mine at least since i have started android, doing rooting flashing roms etc... i figured i would jump on the band wagon and do some developing myself i realize that is some time consuming steps involved but i think it will be worth it in the end, if i find a great idea that someone likes and build on that hell i could make myself rich so to speak anyway thanks guys more ideas would be very helpful i am guessing that c++ is the language itself i need a bit more input before i jump the gun and buy something that i don't need yet more or less like buying a chager for i phone that i don't have yet thanks for the input.

maxcool12345 said:
I've researched alot about what u want n let me tell u one thing if u really want to become a developer then u may start from C++ with that skills in ur hand, java wud be much much easier and then go for android SDK this is the right track u may follow otherwise its not a hard and fast rule.. but I must warn u that its not a simple process and time taking. So be sure that whether u want to really learn it b4 u stopped working in between. Okay.???? All the best for your future... ^_^
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Why recommend c++ when android apps are written in Java? If he is going to be learning from scratch anyways there is less than no reason to learn c++
Learning c++ would not help you with learning java unless you already knew c++ and since you don't just learn java.
There are some great intros to object oriented programming that use java as a base. Don't have any links at the moment. Just dont learn c++ if you want to do Android dev
From something awesome

thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.

As I've already said earlier that there's not such a hard and fast rule that you have to learn c++ before Java but the better way is to go step by step, have a strong base, it'll help you in firm footing in your job. Then you'll be able to work on different platforms unless you will limit yourself and waste the talent and aptitude you have. I've also told you to go to an experienced person for better advice, if you really wanna do something.....
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bfitzpatrickd2d said:
thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to buy head first Java buy the latest one.
Don't worry this book is not boring.
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you can start from here as a tutorial and then buy a book maybe.
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/index.html

bfitzpatrickd2d said:
thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since nobody else directly answered this question...
When a book comes out in a second, third, fourth ... hundred and ninety-six thousand and forty-third... edition, they're all pretty much the same book -- usually. The differences in editions are usually just updated information.
Especially when dealing with programming, new user interfaces will come out, or updates to the underlying core will be made, or whatever. Point is, the subject matter of the book changes, and the book is then revised to match. Since rewriting the whole book would be very time consuming (not to mention unnecessary) they just update pertinent parts. Usually, the book is 90% to 95% unchanged. However, don't expect an older book (say, e.g., from 2005) to have information related to the latest version of the software it covers.
If you're intelligent enough, you can probably read the older book to get the understanding, and then figure out the updates on your own if the later edition is too expensive or not available in your area or whatever (after all, you won't buy the revised edition of the book every time the software is updated), but it's best to start with the latest edition if you can.
Good luck on programming, especially if you've never done it. I wanted to get into it, and was even taking classes in college, but my junior year saw price and scheduling changes I couldn't handle with my then-new job. Very time-consuming. I understood the concepts -- we started with C and then C++ in junior college and at university we got into COBOL (why?) and Java, but between work and a fiancée that needed attention, when I was home I just didn't have time enough to devote to it to meet deadlines. However, were I single and only part-time employed, I probably could have handled it.

Completely agree with cj.... ;-) he is 100% right...
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maxcool12345 said:
As I've already said earlier that there's not such a hard and fast rule that you have to learn c++ before Java but the better way is to go step by step, have a strong base, it'll help you in firm footing in your job. Then you'll be able to work on different platforms unless you will limit yourself and waste the talent and aptitude you have. I've also told you to go to an experienced person for better advice, if you really wanna do something.....
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im sorry but this is crazy... while c++ may be a step, its on the wrong set of stairs! the base is just programming paradigms that are language agnostic. and if you want to teach those why not start at C? why skip that part of the 'base'? of course if you want to learn Java and dont know those basic programming paradigms you CAN learn them in Java (as you can in C++). a single Class program with a main() acts nearly identical to a single file C program. so the only reason to study other languages would be to learn their intricacies and the way they handle inheritance, abstraction, threads, etc... and if thats the goal then why start on a language other than the one you want to learn? if i wanted to learn how to make and use a MySQL database would you recommend me starting on another completely different data base structure?
[/rant]
thank you
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also i dont think this is the OPs 'job' he is just trying to learn some Android programming....

C++ teaches coding principles that apply to most languages, and the detail needed.. Skipping may take time out of the process, but to be an effective and effecient coder, you need the skills taught by learning C/C++..
Skipping the basis for most modern programming is just half-assing it, and will most surely lead to this guy not becoming "rich".
And really, what sense does it make to argue, if he is searching for information, it is all different means to the same end. What's it going to hurt to learn a language that will definitely benefit him.
You just want to be right and seem to be the "expert".
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azyouthinkeyeiz said:
C++ teaches coding principles that apply to most languages, and the detail needed.. Skipping may take time out of the process, but to be an effective and effecient coder, you need the skills taught by learning C/C++..
Skipping the basis for most modern programming is just half-assing it, and will most surely lead to this guy not becoming "rich".
And really, what sense does it make to argue, if he is searching for information, it is all different means to the same end. What's it going to hurt to learn a language that will definitely benefit him.
You just want to be right and seem to be the "expert".
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thats wrong. they arent skills taught by c or c++ and c/c++ arent needed to learn them. they are universal paradigms that can be applied to any language.
logic is language agnostic.
and what would hurt him learning C++ when he wants Java is being trapped into the ways C++ does things that Java does another way.
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i dont want to be an 'expert' im just trying to prevent this person from going down the path of learning C++ which can be used in sooo many different ways when he wants to learn Java which does things its own ways. its like if i asked what i should do to learn Android programming and someone said that i should learn to code for iOS first. durh
and yes this really bothers me. i have nothing against C++, its a powerful language for the things that use it. but to suggest it to a person interested in Android dev is shilling for a programming language that has nothing to do with what wants to be done.

Bro, don't waste your time on some stupid,silly, idiotic person with worthless attitude.... he seems to be very despirate to guide any guy according to him as if he influence the learner's life.. .. in simple words, leave it...!!!!
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If I want to learn how to drive a car, should I start with an eighteen wheeler or a motorcycle to learn the paradigms of knowing whether to drive on the right or the left side of the road?
I'll butt out now
Edit: HEY! My two-hundredth post! Yea!
Now... I'm off to add a zero to that...
Oh, and PS:
killersnowman said:
if i wanted to learn how to make and use a MySQL database would you recommend me starting on another completely different data base structure?
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I think COBOL would be an excellent base for that!
Cheers!

[Q] New Young App Developer Needing Help

Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
I want to start developing in different parts of Android, Applications being the top priority.
I have found and got many guides such as Sam's Teach Yourself for helping me build applications.
I know I can't start off building advanced apps. But the place I need help is where should I start, and what things I should learn such as Java, Adobe Air being a few.
If you guys can please maybe make a list I should follow or something...This would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks A lot

If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪

Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements

Thank you so much
Thanks a lot. I would have no idea where to start, despite many guides available out there.
Both you have made it a lot simpler.
Thanks once again.
pigeonaras said:
If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪
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Click to collapse
pyko said:
Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

No problems
Oh, forgot to mention in my original post... the only reason I'm using IntelliJ is because I use it at work (so used to the shortcuts etc).
imo, both IDEs are comparable - just what you are used to.
If you haven't used either, probably go with Eclipse since there are a lot more tutorials/guides out there related to dev with Eclipse/Android.

I started developing about 8 months ago. I am going to be a Junior in High School, so we are in the same boat here.lol
Anyways, I spent a lot of time looking at many books and resources. Alos another thing that helps is to teach your self how stuff works by studying source codes. But dont only do this. Look at tut's and other resources as well. Remember, start small then work your way up! Dont go out and try to make a super amazing awesome app. You will just frustrate your self. So start simple. I was making small apps that only had text when i first started. Now where am i you may ask? I am the developer of the Android Markets only Honeycomb Launcher and a couple other larger apps!
Just remember it takes time, alittle money, patiences and PRACTICE! Make an app or at least work on an app EVERYDAY if possible.
If you get stuck use the resources on the Android site that Android gave to us.
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals/activities.html
Check out the DEV guides, resources and sample code.
Also, do you have eclipse and Android SDK already set up?

ZAIGHAM ALI said:
Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
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Click to collapse
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!

matistight said:
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...

IntelSoftApps said:
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...
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i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)

depending on how complicated you want to go, you can try using phonegap or html5 to create apps, if not, you would need to learn java
PS: you want to make a rom from scratch? what?

Thanks to everybody above i really really appreciate it, i learnt a lot of nice advice.

killersnowman said:
i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)
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That is A LOT of code!!! You guys should probably start with the "Hello, Android" tutorial. That can be a challenge if you dont know how to work eclipse. But luckily, Android provides a nice little "Hello, Android" tutorial.
P.S. You or anyone will never past Cyanogenmod for awhile. I think they know what they are doing.lol
But it is always good to dream big! Like i want to be a Trillionare.lol (I dont even know how to spell it) "But dreams do come try"

Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
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I am in the exact same position as you. I have just got the "Head First Java" book, but I dont think it looks like it will help that much.
monkeychef said:
Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse

See i was in that boat like you guys were, and it SUCKS! All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
Heres what i suggest. Play with the source of apps. Download some source codes and create new android projects in eclipse from THAT source. (LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THAT)
And with in those projects, view all of the sources and xml files. Learn how stuff works. such as imports and buttons and permissions. I first started messing with layouts, xml files, strings, and buttons. This is good, BUT you will get to a point were you will see force closes. Thats because the java must match... That got me into looking at the java files more and more. Now that is almost the first thing i dive into.
Like i said along time ago, i am not anywhere close to being an expert at all! But i am getting a good handle on Android in the following ways...
- Visit XDA daily and other sites. Stay up to date and learn what is going on now. not what was being developed a month ago. Stuff is aways changing!
- Surround yourself with a group of developers! They can and will be your BEST friends! As many of you had said before, many of you want a hobby not a profit. Trust me, thats what everyone says.lol. There is some good money to be made out there!!! Some of your best developers can make every developer on a team some money. They also have your back if you get lost or stuck on something.
- Try finding people in your same boat or position. Kind of like the other kid on the site... You two can work something out. Exchange emails. share names and interest. This doesn't mean y'all need to hold hands but just create some chit chat once in awhile. If you learned something, tell him about it!
- USE YOUR F'IN RESOURCES!!! Android/Google made this AMZING site called Android.com. On that site they have developer guides, resources, tut's, and even sample code! Another amazing resource is Stackoverflow.com. Here you can find a lot of answers to any problem. I must have visited that site 1000 times.lol
and dont forget about GOOGLE.COM. ask questions in your search, but be SPECIFIC. Be sure to include "Android" in your search so you can get android support not some iPhone or Windows support...
Anyways, just get out there! try to be the best you can! Absorb as much as you can. LIVE ANDROID! but also have a life.lol

IntelSoftApps said:
All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
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Click to collapse
very true. i had been a java programmer for 4 years prior to learning android dev and what really got me going was coming up with an idea for an app and moving to make that a reality. if you just go through and do tutorials you wont get as much out of it as actually trying to make something you can use, be it a small and simple something.
also, i had always done command line java programs and had ignored the java swing ui like the plague, but android has a great layout and ui system. if you are learning java for use in android dont be disheartened by javax.swing package

You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.

Thanks a lot, I will get that book asap.
apreichner said:
You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
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Sorry, but what "web-based" ?
Kevincod said:
If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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[Q] Suggestions for tablet app dev tools?

I'm looking for a simplified approach to tablet development for the a500. I'm currently looking into flash builder ( seems like I need the full Adobe suite to really leverage it, so too much $ ). I'm dabbling in Eclipse, but am not too psyched about learning a new IDE. I grabbed the Mono for Android trial but it's not really ready for tablets as of yet. I've been building in the Buzztouch interface, exporting and recompiling in Eclipse with some success, but it's really not tablet focused. It seems like the app Inventor isn't ready for tablets either.
Has anyone encountered a tablet-centric toolset out there? I'm looking for only very simple functionality, nothing elaborate needed. Honestly, if it even supported simple HTML iFrames I could get by with it. I'm fine with web based tools if needed, maybe something with templates for the Acer, Xoom, and so on... I can work in VS 20xx, Eclipse if I have to. any suggestions would be really appreciated. thanks!

My suggestion is to use eclipse and official SDK. Because when you use third-party tools or workarounds like flash/htlm, your apps look non-native, break when the user updates his device with a newer os and. It causes a lot of frustrations - people hate such apps and recommend all their friends not to use them. At least I always do.
So I advise you to learn java and eclipse. You may even have to use these tools from time to time not only for android because java no matter how it sucks is everywhere. Besides, you get a lot of advantages when using sdk and java api like saving settings, gettinge events like app close/hibernate and so on. The learning curve may differ from flash but java is certainly much more useful. Although given that you know C# (as you're suggesting mono) and javascript/actionscript (as you're using flash) learning Java will be easier, although Java is corporate crap built on spike solutions and rejecting progressive stuff.
Actually you should ask mods to move this thread to android development or off-topic. I am sure you more people will share their opinions on the matter there

thank you for your reply... you are right, the smart thing to do is stop whining and learn the tools C# C++, flash ... I guess the idea of having to learn something else isn't the end of the world, but I was hoping a toolset would lighten the load a bit. thanks again

angus454 said:
thank you for your reply... you are right, the smart thing to do is stop whining and learn the tools C# C++, flash ... I guess the idea of having to learn something else isn't the end of the world, but I was hoping a toolset would lighten the load a bit. thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pssst.. hit that thanks button for sp3dev.

angus454 said:
thank you for your reply... you are right, the smart thing to do is stop whining and learn the tools C# C++, flash ... I guess the idea of having to learn something else isn't the end of the world, but I was hoping a toolset would lighten the load a bit. thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think his suggestion was for you to learn C / C++ or flash. Based on your OP, he figured you might know them well and that knowing them might help ease the learning curve learning Java. You will still have to learn it though.
As he rightly said, for an uninterrupted user experience, always stick to the native development tools. No easy way out unfortunately.

you know, I should just write the program myself and release it up here for others to benefit from... thanks for the thank reminder; done!

Learn or do it the easy way??

Ok guys, im currently learning Java and I'm still learning the basics. I'll say I know about 80% of the basics things in Java. I am really desperate to create my own app and then I stumbled upon the 'MIT App Inventor' (MIT AI). Its basically a simiplified way on creating a android app. Just drag and drop things etc. I reckon I can build my app using the MIT AI since a guy controlled his robot using the MIT AI so I see no reason why I wont be able to build my app using the MIT AI.
But if I use the MIT AI, I feel as if I'm going to to the cowards way. Like I'm not going to build my app using Java but just by dragging and dropping things into place. So what do you guys think?
I'll still be learning Java but as of right now, I leaning towards using MIT AI for now but i'll probably have a guilty feeling about it

Yeah, I recommend learning Java. You cannot do everything with the App Inventor. Basic things can be done with the App Inventor, but very complex things cannot.

nikwen said:
Yeah, I recommend learning Java. You cannot do everything with the App Inventor. Basic things can be done with the App Inventor, but very complex things cannot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess for the time being I'll use MIT AI since the app I want to create is not that advanced. But there is a feature that I would like to put in my app later on when I learn Java since that feature is WAY TO COMPLICATED for me to put into my app for now...
How long did it take you to learn Java?
EDIT = Damn, just realized that I won't be able to implement the feature to my app later on since I wont be getting the source code for my app...

TwilightLoz said:
I guess for the time being I'll use MIT AI since the app I want to create is not that advanced. But there is a feature that I would like to put in my app later on when I learn Java since that feature is WAY TO COMPLICATED for me to put into my app for now...
How long did it take you to learn Java?
EDIT = Damn, just realized that I won't be able to implement the feature to my app later on since I wont be getting the source code for my app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've pretty much answered your own question Through my few years in programming, I've come to realize this: the easiest solution is not always the best.
The drag-and-drop programming environments look good on the surface, however as soon as you start implementing and experimenting with complex ideas, they becoming limiting. These type of environments are ideal for those just beginning and with little desire to advance their skills. You, on the other hand, already seem to know a bit about Java and have expressed a desire to learn more - a simple environment will just limit you.
My recommendation? Stick with Java. Start out with a small project like a calculator, and follow some tutorials. After you've grasped the basics, try jumping into a complex project, where you're forced to learn. I can vouch for this, because it's exactly what I did. I started with a few simple Android app and then worked on a bigger project. I googled, used StackOverflow and followed tutorials and learned a lot along the way.
Hope this helped, please feel free to ask anything else!

Yeah, im just self teaching myself Java. I know a basic C++. I dont really want to study computer science in college/university since the fee of the course is so overpriced for the course and to be honest, I see no point in studying it since you can learn off from the internet. Thats just my opinion. I dont really have a problem with people going to university to learn CS but I personally wouldn't.
I'm really just self teaching myself computer science. I know decent knowledge about hardwares in computers. I built my own computer back in '09 and still is running like a pro
The thing that is putting me off from learning any type of computer language is the time it takes to learn... I guess I just gotta be patient and keep learning.
So have you published any apps on the play store?

TwilightLoz said:
Yeah, im just self teaching myself Java. I know a basic C++. I dont really want to study computer science in college/university since the fee of the course is so overpriced for the course and to be honest, I see no point in studying it since you can learn off from the internet. Thats just my opinion. I dont really have a problem with people going to university to learn CS but I personally wouldn't.
I'm really just self teaching myself computer science. I know decent knowledge about hardwares in computers. I built my own computer back in '09 and still is running like a pro
The thing that is putting me off from learning any type of computer language is the time it takes to learn... I guess I just gotta be patient and keep learning.
So have you published any apps on the play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I have got no apps out there, but I want to release one soon.
I learned Java by reading (without testing) the book Head First Java. However, I had some Delphi and Python programming knowledge.
This book is really great. And it is fun to read it.

Learn, that's what it is all about , and it's going to be great fun too
Sent from my HTC Explorer A310e using Tapatalk 2

yep, im just currently following the bucky tutorials (thenewboston.org) right now. Ive actually got that book and read a few chapters. Its a good book but I didn't understand some parts of it. Thats why im going through all the bucky Java tutorials and then going to read the book so I have a full understanding of Java.

TwilightLoz said:
yep, im just currently following the bucky tutorials (thenewboston.org) right now. Ive actually got that book and read a few chapters. Its a good book but I didn't understand some parts of it. Thats why im going through all the bucky Java tutorials and then going to read the book so I have a full understanding of Java.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a good plan.
Happy coding!

hey there. Im currently having difficulty learning about event handlers. I know what they do but im just confused on how to use them.
This is the framework of a typical '.addItemListener(){}' method:
.addItemListener(
new ItemListener(){
public void itemStateChanged(ItemEvent event){
}
}
);
I dont know what those keywords mean or when to use them. Could someone shine some light on this?

TwilightLoz said:
hey there. Im currently having difficulty learning about event handlers. I know what they do but im just confused on how to use them.
This is the framework of a typical '.addItemListener(){}' method:
.addItemListener(
new ItemListener(){
public void itemStateChanged(ItemEvent event){
}
}
);
I dont know what those keywords mean or when to use them. Could someone shine some light on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you programm for computers, you need ItemListeners to get informed when the selected item of a JComboBox changed.
That means that the itemStateChanged method is invoked when the user selects an item.
However, you do not need them when you learn Java for Android. You do not need Swing and AWT at all!
Skip everything related to the UI as it is different for Android.

Ive been spending most of my time recently learning about GUI in Java... I feel wasted.
Thanks for the help though. Much appreciated.
I'll probably still finish the bucky vids and then move onto the head first Java book. Does that book contain everything I need to know in order to build a successful app?
I also came across this website. Seems much better and more easier to understand than the book I have:
http://mobile.tutsplus.com/series/learn-java-android-development/
Your thoughts?

TwilightLoz said:
Ive been spending most of my time recently learning about GUI in Java... I feel wasted.
Thanks for the help though. Much appreciated.
I'll probably still finish the bucky vids and then move onto the head first Java book. Does that book contain everything I need to know in order to build a successful app?
I also came across this website. Seems much better and more easier to understand than the book I have:
http://mobile.tutsplus.com/series/learn-java-android-development/
Your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The head first book explains Java. It explains object-oriented programming very well and tells you everything you will need to get started with Android programming.
As soon as you have got Java knowledge, you can start with Android programming. You need Java for Android programming, that is what the book (and your link) explains, but it does not explain Android programming. I recommend this site for Android Tutorials: http://www.vogella.com/android.html It is great.
In a short form: Java knowledge are the basics, Android related things require Java knowledge and are related to the special conditions on the device. Therefore they have another API for the UI, background services and other things.
Btw, I needed to learn the Java UI things later when I wrote a desktop application. You did not waste your time. Your knowledge will be helpful later.

nikwen said:
The head first book explains Java. It explains object-oriented programming very well and tells you everything you will need to get started with Android programming.
As soon as you have got Java knowledge, you can start with Android programming. You need Java for Android programming, that is what the book (and your link) explains, but it does not explain Android programming. I recommend this site for Android Tutorials: http://www.vogella.com/android.html It is great.
In a short form: Java knowledge are the basics, Android related things require Java knowledge and are related to the special conditions on the device. Therefore they have another API for the UI, background services and other things.
Btw, I needed to learn the Java UI things later when I wrote a desktop application. You did not waste your time. Your knowledge will be helpful later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh okay. Thanks. So yeah, i'll probably finish with the bucky vids, then go the link I posted to reinforce my Java skills then go to the head first book. Then I'll probably go to the link you sent me although the link you sent me seems a bit too 'intimidating'... so I'm thinking of referring to this:
http://developer.android.com/training/index.html
for Android programming.

TwilightLoz said:
Ahh okay. Thanks. So yeah, i'll probably finish with the bucky vids, then go the link I posted to reinforce my Java skills then go to the head first book. Then I'll probably go to the link you sent me although the link you sent me seems a bit too 'intimidating'... so I'm thinking of referring to this:
http://developer.android.com/training/index.html
for Android programming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, the vogella tutorials might not be the right tutorials for you.
However, I do not like the official training sites. They are too difficult for beginners in my opinion. I would not start with these.
Some like the new boston videos: http://thenewboston.org/list.php?cat=6
(They are many. I do not want to intimidate you, but I thought that I should mention them as you like video tutorials. Don't worry, you will not need to watch even the half of them. I would recommend to watch the first ones and then watch the other ones if you need their content. SQL or WebView operations are unimportant for a beginner. )

nikwen said:
Ok, the vogella tutorials might not be the right tutorials for you.
However, I do not like the official training sites. They are too difficult for beginners in my opinion. I would not start with these.
Some like the new boston videos: http://thenewboston.org/list.php?cat=6
(They are many. I do not want to intimidate you, but I thought that I should mention them as you like video tutorials. Don't worry, you will not need to watch even the half of them. I would recommend to watch the first ones and then watch the other ones if you need their content. SQL or WebView operations are unimportant for a beginner. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I gotta admit, when I looked at the android sections I felt as if I wont even have the chance to build an android app since theres over 200 vids and theres too much to learn but then you said I wouldnt even have to watch nearly more than half of them so that lifted up my spirit
But im just wondering, how long does it actually take for a person to learn 'enough' Java to start making a android app?

TwilightLoz said:
Yeah, I gotta admit, when I looked at the android sections I felt as if I wont even have the chance to build an android app since theres over 200 vids and theres too much to learn but then you said I wouldnt even have to watch nearly more than half of them so that lifted up my spirit
But im just wondering, how long does it actually take for a person to learn 'enough' Java to start making a android app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really depends on his experience. I had some experience and I read the head first book and started. Of course, I learned afterwards, too. And of course, I am still learning. You do not need the UI things and stuff like this. You should understand Collections, inner classes and interfaces, though.
In case of doubt, start with the Android part and if you do not know something related to Java, search what it is. Learning by doing.
However, I cannot understand the order of some of the videos. I think that ToggleButtons (23) are not as important as RelativeLayouts (44).

Just finished watching the beginner section of Java from his vids. Probably going to watch the 'intermediate' vids tomorrow or probably forget about watching the vids and just read the book...

TwilightLoz said:
Just finished watching the beginner section of Java from his vids. Probably going to watch the 'intermediate' vids tomorrow or probably forget about watching the vids and just read the book...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must say, stick it out the hard way. Automated-app builders will not teach you anything.
I say this because I myself have been developing Android apps for ~2 years. I had NO prior experience or knowledge in how any programming language was used or written. Now, through determination, I have 3 (still learning, so still basic) apps on the market.
I have self-taught myself Android(java) with the help of a few YouTube videos. I also learned some SQLite which will be used for all android databases, XML, and HTML. All which I have implemented into my apps.
So what I guess I'm trying to say is, if I can learn all of this in ~2 years by myself (albeit you'll run into many educational mistakes) then nothing is impossible. I didn't even make it through high school shamefully.
Regardless, knowledge is power. An auto-app will not do any justice IMO. Android is not the best starting point, but if you already understand programming logic, you should be alright.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Learn my friend! That's what XDA is about.
I'd say definetly get familiar with the general activity lifecycle, learn some basic things like intents and such, then think about something simple you want to try, and find out how other people are doing it. (Look for guides, or study open source apps etc.)
i've been teaching myself over most of the last year and am super impressed by what I;ve managed to figure out how to do. I still got years to go before I'd call myself a "good" developer, but just keep pluggin away.
It all depends on how you like to learn too. I read tons, and tried watchign videos, but I do much better by just jumping in and fixing errors as I go. then before you know it, you'll be able to do a lot of things. For me I found it became a lot easier when I started breaking stuff up into single parts. like If I want some app with a listview that goes to a webview, I'd make a simple Main Activiy with a list view, then make a new project with just the webview, then worry about linking a couple things together.
Every body learns different though.
Good luck!
(plus I think MIT, even though it's a neat idea, just helps to clog the playstore with junky apps.)