Developing for Android - Java for Android App Development

I have no programming experience but I'm extremely interested in teaching myself how to program. My main goal is to one day develop my own apps for Android. Now I've read a lot online and most people recommend starting with Python as your first language as its easier to grasp than others. This sounds like a great idea but I dont believe you can code for Android in Python, correct?
So my question is, should I start with Python, get familiar with the language building my programming knowledge and later learn Java for Android? Or should I just jump head first into Java as my first language even though it may be more difficult to start with?
Thanks!!

michaelearth said:
I have no programming experience but I'm extremely interested in teaching myself how to program. My main goal is to one day develop my own apps for Android. Now I've read a lot online and most people recommend starting with Python as your first language as its easier to grasp than others. This sounds like a great idea but I dont believe you can code for Android in Python, correct?
So my question is, should I start with Python, get familiar with the language building my programming knowledge and later learn Java for Android? Or should I just jump head first into Java as my first language even though it may be more difficult to start with?
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Python is a great start.
However, with a good book like the "Head's first Java" you will also be able to start with (the desktop) Java. Get some programming knowledge before starting with programming for Android.

nikwen said:
Python is a great start.
However, with a good book like the "Head's first Java" you will also be able to start with (the desktop) Java. Get some programming knowledge before starting with programming for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at the book as an option for me but it says directly on the "Head First" website that these books assume you have expirence in other languages so I dont think that book is for me quite yet.
If I decide to go the Python route, I was looking at this book: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Progra...ie=UTF8&qid=1368992505&sr=8-6&keywords=python. Any thoughts on this book?

michaelearth said:
I looked at the book as an option for me but it says directly on the "Head First" website that these books assume you have expirence in other languages so I dont think that book is for me quite yet.
If I decide to go the Python route, I was looking at this book: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Progra...ie=UTF8&qid=1368992505&sr=8-6&keywords=python. Any thoughts on this book?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. You are right. Found this on the web now, too: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110111230807AA8fVgP
(Check the link.)

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Getting started - tutorials

I would like to start learning how to program for WM6, does anyone have links or something to some good tutorials? I downloaded the sdk and am looking through the tutorials, but they are a bit confusing for someone with not a lot of windows programming experience
thanks
well could anyone recommend a good book then or something? would it be more beneficial for me to buy a windows programming book instead, and learn that first?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3A-A651-4745-88EF-3D48091A390B&displaylang=en
The most programs are developed in C# or C++. I think it's wise to understand the basisc of this language by online tutorials. http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
Getting started with .NETCF is pretty easy, just google it. But going the native route (which I'm an avid supporter of), although a bit harder, can be accomplished by closely following this tutorial:
http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/
It's a regular windows desktop tutorial, but all the code and examples found in this tutorial can be compiled in the exact same fashion for Windows Mobile devices!
Good Luck!
EDIT:
I agree with jurma. It's always better to learn C/C++ as a good base, ESPECIALLY if you intend to do win32 programming. You'll be lost without it .
awesome guys, thank you so much. i already have experience with writing apps with ISO/ANSI C++, but its the windows side that confuses me, as i have no experience with win32 programming or with c++/CLI. i will look over those links, and google for info about the compact framework, although i do like the idea of going native
thanks again!

[Q] Need to learn java

Hiya,
I have noooooo knowledge about any computer language and want to learn Java as i heard that its the language required to develop android apps. I know it takes alot of time to develop apps but im ready to spend my time so kindly let me know how can u start learning java at home? and should i learn anything before learning that as i dont know a word about programming
Thanks
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=65FYTS7W
That's a download for Java tutorials. To actually do them you'll need a compiler. I use jGrasp but there are many others you can use. Eclipse is pretty popular and they all do the same thing basically. A compiler can be downloaded on the internet, and you'll need to download Java from Sun Microsystems as well. Just to let you know you gotta be pretty dedicated, it takes a lot of time to make good apps. Google's App inventor is an alternative to learning code.
thanks for da help but da prob is dat i need to start from basics, like the full basics of programming even simple definitions, can u also guide me a book or ebook for that too so that i can learn the super basics like definitions first b4 learnin java
thanks
n btw the link doesnt work
This may get you started:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
But if you're never programmed in any language, you need to take an intro to programming course.
________________________________
Unrevoked forever
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can u learn this intro to programming online? or thru any book?
I don't have anything I can recommend. But there's tons of info online. Just do a google search for 'Intro to programming'. That's how I found this:
http://math.hws.edu/javanotes/
________________________________
http://ron-droid.blogspot.com
thanksss ill take a look at it
I started with the book, hello android 3rd edition. Its a great book.
Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 (zoom2)/Tapatalk Pro
Did u start from zero from this book? I mean u had to learn the basic terms and definitions even??
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You cant try this Stanford University lectures on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StanfordUniversity#g/c/84A56BC7F4A1F852 ..or just search for "Mehran Sahami Programming Methodology" in itunes U if you use itunes.. Same lectures. I think its a really good starting point.
Bro you should check out "Starting out with Java: From control structures to objects" by tony gadis. Just google it. Its the one I used in my intro to programming course. It starts out as basic as can be. Its really good
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I was in his shoes...about 15 years ago LOL Wow, where does the time go? 2 degrees and a couple careers later I guess.
What I would stress are a few things:
1. Learn how to do some flow charts before you write code
2. Learn the basics of program flow (if/else, do/while, switch/case statements)
3. Learn the "types" of your language (int, String, float, char, modulus etc.)
4. Learn some data structures (arrays, Lists, Vectors etc.)
5. Learn about functions and/or classes. Remember that a function should be fairly short and very specific to a task, like: getUserName, calculateCheckingBalance etc.
6. START SMALL AND WORK TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY!
I can't stress how important #6 is. Do a "Hello World" program just to get used to writing some code.
Think of some simple programs like: write numbers 1 to 10 to an array and print them out backwards, ask user to input what year they were born in and print them back their age. Advance up to something like a ATM simulator where you can make deposits, withdrawals, check your balance. I did all similar type things in Programming 101.
I still love the Dietel and Dietel books...get one for JAVA and it's money well spent in my opinion.
I've uploaded some of my university lectures which start from the absolute basics.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=854462
They may help you
Thanksss guyssssssssss ill look over all these! thanksss alottt
mohsin125 said:
Hiya,
I have noooooo knowledge about any computer language and want to learn Java as i heard that its the language required to develop android apps. I know it takes alot of time to develop apps but im ready to spend my time so kindly let me know how can u start learning java at home? and should i learn anything before learning that as i dont know a word about programming
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the top tips for anyone who wants to start learning Java:
Learn the Basics. As with anything, knowing the basics about Java is the best place to start. ...
Practice Coding. To use the old cliché, practice makes perfect. ...
Set Your Algorithm Carefully. ...
Trace Your Codes on Paper. ...
Read Sources on Java Programming Regularly.

Where to start in Android application development?

Hello everybody, long time lurker, first time poster. I'm posting to ask about where to get started in developing Android applications? I have half a degree in computer science, am familiar with coding, and work in Android software QA, but I'm trying to get my skillset up to the next level and actually start developing applications on Android. Is there any specific books or literature I should read to get me started on my journey? I'm also a long time IT guy on both Windows and Unix-based systems, so I'm by no means computer illiterate. I'm also a long time phone modder as I've been tweaking Android phones since the original G1 running 1.0. Thanks in advance!
Take a look at the Android Developer guide. It has samples and tutorials. If you google, there are also several free PDFs on the subject.
A good Java book will also help a lot. Just start to write a few trial apps and you will get there quickly!
The best place to learn for me, is android web page:
Here you have everything to start:
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
And to set up the environment for developing:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
If you want to learn from the scratch, the links I posted are your point. You can also take a look to the tutorials:
http://developer.android.com/intl/es...llo-world.html
You can also start with java, if you want.. I reccomend you take a look to this:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tu...ava/index.html
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
and start from Java SE 6 (http://download.oracle.com/javase/6/docs/)
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/ja...sp-135888.html
I don't know what your college classes are like for CS, but you should have the basics of programming, why not start writing some Android apps?
Start with the basic "Hello World". Get used to working with main.xml and TextViews, EditViews, ListViews, Buttons and Listeners. Android is mostly JAVA, some Android-specific operations and your xml files.
Take some of your CS 101 type programs and try to write them on Android. The more programs you write, the more you learn.
Try to learn something new everyday and in no time at all you'll be impressed with how far you have come.
Rootstonian said:
I don't know what your college classes are like for CS, but you should have the basics of programming, why not start writing some Android apps?
Start with the basic "Hello World". Get used to working with main.xml and TextViews, EditViews, ListViews, Buttons and Listeners. Android is mostly JAVA, some Android-specific operations and your xml files.
Take some of your CS 101 type programs and try to write them on Android. The more programs you write, the more you learn.
Try to learn something new everyday and in no time at all you'll be impressed with how far you have come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is really a good advice
Just start writting little programs and you will go up soon
You could use the sample code that comes with the sdk, and start with different things: First, layout, xml and the like. You could then start with some othe things, like services, broadcast receivers, content providers, to get the feel of them. And finally, work with the hardware: Internet (wifi or 3g), bluetooth..
Hey guys, Sorry to get off Track but I've been trying to Complete my ROM for Everyone that's Currently using it. Anyways... Reading All the Posts in this Thread it seems to me that there Definitely are some Well-Seasoned Veteran Developers here, so Forgive Me but I have to ask, Is there Anyone that can maybe Help assist me with getting FlashLite Working on my Rom.... Please?
The link to my Rom Thread is in my Signature... and my phone is a (CDMA) Sprint Hero!
Thanx in Advance!!
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Fast as its Ever Been....
"Sprint" Hero.... Running My, *ExEnHeroC* Rom, w/Kifno's Twist, Also The XDA-BLUE.apk!! "Page 10" of My Thread!!
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At Barnes and Noble there is a book called Android App Development in 24 Hours. It is a freaking great book. Helped me a lot when I started. It breaks down the chapters in to hours with exercises and explanations. Being familiar with Java fundamentals would be good, but not necessary. The first couple hours(chapters) explains the a general overview of the history of the OS and helps you build your first app. My favorite part of the book is how it teaches you to build and app piece by piece over the rest of the chapters adding new features each hour. So, by the end you have and app with quite a bit of features that work and you actually understand how and why. At the end, you have an app that has a lot of Android features as well as knowledge of how they work and can be used. It doesn't go into the more advanced features, but it is well worth the money for beginners. I still use it as a reference because of the easy to understand instructions. Sometimes, the Internet guides assume you have been using Java for 10 years and skip how and why they are doing something. And even then I doubt every veteran Java programmer remembers everything. I am half asleep so forgive any grammar errors.
Ken
Sent from my iPhone with the bigger Gee Bees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZ1P35xgNQ
Really good tutorial for the first basic steps. In terms of installing eclipse/java and hello world. He continues with his tutorial in part 2, part 3 and so on.
Android/fruItphone app. idea needs help...
If there is anyone who has knowledge on building apps for Android, I would be extremely interested to share with them an idea for an app. I'd hope this app would be able to work on that other fruIt based dumbphone, too.
Well, there is planty of developers out here I'm one of them (thought not the smartest ) so, if you want to share the knowledge, feel free to PM me

What language and software uses android for programming?

Hey guys im considering porting/recoding an app from VB.net to work on android, but i havent got a clue what language is used in android, could someone tell me its name or some sort of website with this information?
Finally if someone is experienced in programming apps for android, i would like to chat about a few capabilities of the language.
Thanks in advance!
Android is Java-ish based.
i would recommend you checking out the program Eclipse.
The main applayer is java based with some xml thrown in. But there is a native development kit that you can compile c c++ and many other languages to run on an android phone. But since java is virtual machine based an app written in java will run on all phones*(some caveats like os version) while the app in ndk will work on only hardware that it was designed for
Also, is Google not working? A simple search for "Android programming language" would answer this question
From something awesome
killersnowman said:
The main applayer is java based with some xml thrown in. But there is a native development kit that you can compile c c++ and many other languages to run on an android phone. But since java is virtual machine based an app written in java will run on all phones*(some caveats like os version) while the app in ndk will work on only hardware that it was designed for
From something awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm, yes there is google but not what im exactly asking, and that makes me ask this:
You talk about c & c++ and other languages compilations to run on android phone, is vb.net a part of that list?
Could you show me a website or something that says more about that dev kit? im basically trying to port my apps from vb 2010 express (windows forms based) to android and if that thing is not possible should i use java to code it all over again?
Thanks in advance!
http://developer.android.com/sdk/ndk/ this is for the ndk but it is not as simple as just compiling your code with the ndk. You will need to rewrite some of it to actuallytie into the android apis
You should really just use the java sdk. You will reach more people and be able to find more help and info
And I stand corrected, while there are projects trying to bring other languages to the ndk it is at this point just C and C++
From something awesome
killersnowman said:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/ndk/ this is for the ndk but it is not as simple as just compiling your code with the ndk. You will need to rewrite some of it to actuallytie into the android apis
You should really just use the java sdk. You will reach more people and be able to find more help and info
And I stand corrected, while there are projects trying to bring other languages to the ndk it is at this point just C and C++
From something awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh well in that case i will need to learn java.... thanks mate, i think its easier to just rewrite the whole thing really i like proper optimizations and ports most of the times lack them.
Thanks for the information thats all i needed.
PS: rep added
if you know vb.net well you'll have no real problem with java.. it just adds brackets and semicolons essentially lol. I learned java in college and then was thrown into the .net framework using c# and i love the .net framework.. its so hard for me to go from using Visual Studios to Eclipse to make an android application because Visual Studios (which im assuming you use, is so powerful).. But yes android is java code behind and html (preferred) GUI. You can make your GUI using java but trust me its terrible!
jr10000 said:
But yes android is java code behind and html (preferred) GUI. You can make your GUI using java but trust me its terrible!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Html? You mean xml?
Also try Intellij instead of Eclipse. Eclipse is way too bloated and IntellJ has some amazing autocomplete features. Its better in my opinion
From something awesome
jr10000 said:
if you know vb.net well you'll have no real problem with java.. it just adds brackets and semicolons essentially lol. I learned java in college and then was thrown into the .net framework using c# and i love the .net framework.. its so hard for me to go from using Visual Studios to Eclipse to make an android application because Visual Studios (which im assuming you use, is so powerful).. But yes android is java code behind and html (preferred) GUI. You can make your GUI using java but trust me its terrible!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what?? i really need a proper GUI ugh... yes im using visual studio, and indeed is amazing, the app i have and i want to port to android is windows form based, the most essential thing i would need about it is the calendar control :\
You can use Javascript+HTML5 (it's complicated to express here but the whole things is pretty much native).
Python aswell, use SL4x or Kivy (Kivy is pretty good but it's still too new).
Sorry, being hate Java too much.
Funnnny said:
You can use Javascript+HTML5 (it's complicated to express here but the whole things is pretty much native).
Python aswell, use SL4x or Kivy (Kivy is pretty good but it's still too new).
Sorry, being hate Java too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok np, so to doublecheck this: to have an application with graphical interface i will need javascript and html5?
TheWarKeeper said:
ok np, so to doublecheck this: to have an application with graphical interface i will need javascript and html5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know why people spread extremely non standard practices to people getting started...
No you dont need javascript or html5.
Android has a ui layout system based in xml. Its just there to arrange objects that you can access from the java code. So a little xml and java is all you need
From something awesome
TheWarKeeper said:
ok np, so to doublecheck this: to have an application with graphical interface i will need javascript and html5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The right way to do GUI is with Java, with the official SDK from Google.
Some non-standard way to do this is with Javascript (just a GUI wrapper from Javascript to Java) and Python (again wrapper to Python).
You can choose which way you want, many people I know didn't like Java, and they choose to use a web application, and then they want to embed this to a native Android application, so they go with Titanium Mobile or some others framework like that. It's not as good as Java, but it's some other way to start with your application (Web app first and then Native app)
Funnnny said:
The right way to do GUI is with Java, with the official SDK from Google.
Some non-standard way to do this is with Javascript (just a GUI wrapper from Javascript to Java) and Python (again wrapper to Python).
You can choose which way you want, many people I know didn't like Java, and they choose to use a web application, and then they want to embed this to a native Android application, so they go with Titanium Mobile or some others framework like that. It's not as good as Java, but it's some other way to start with your application (Web app first and then Native app)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i feel like i should probably stick with java, i want it to be quick and fast and have alot of stuff to code, the program should run in background so it must not affect performance at all, will use timers with a basic code ticking every second while on background and thats it really
TheWarKeeper said:
i feel like i should probably stick with java, i want it to be quick and fast and have alot of stuff to code, the program should run in background so it must not affect performance at all, will use timers with a basic code ticking every second while on background and thats it really
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then use java bro, it's an awesome programming language, I don't know why some people don't like it, each programmer should learn to get used to each language.
Anyway, for likes.. colors
Cheers, D4.
D4rKn3sSyS said:
Then use java bro, it's an awesome programming language, I don't know why some people don't like it, each programmer should learn to get used to each language.
Anyway, for likes.. colors
Cheers, D4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well ive been learning vb and i will admit that im still on intermediate level, even though i know all the basic stuff such as messing with its own functions, etc i still havent used any of the apis for it, the main problem with programming is that if u learn a language you would waste your time learning that one or else if u go learn to many languages you will end up not knowing none of them at all.
Ill see if i can mess with java, some people say syntax is a bit similar to c & c++
EDIT: btw, im not saying i dont find java good, a programming language that will basically run on any machine independently of the OS makes the language itself possibly the best and most versatile around.
I'm learning Android and I use Java and XML. I'm still a beginner though.
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I am just curious, software like Titanium Backup, or Angry Birds, which programming language do they use? Could this stuff be programmed with Eclipse in Java?
killersnowman said:
Html? You mean xml?
Also try Intellij instead of Eclipse. Eclipse is way too bloated and IntellJ has some amazing autocomplete features. Its better in my opinion
From something awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, do you know how to use intellij idea fire Android development?
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[Q] tips about develop an application ?

Hello, i`m newbie to android programming ( java ) i want to make an aplication for an auction website.
With what i can start to learn to can build this application ?
I was thinking to build application for auction website over RSS feed its a good choice or bad ?
Any other suggestion from where to start or what type of application to go are welcome ( if rss feed type its bad )
Thanks.
gkilah said:
Hello, i`m newbie to android programming ( java ) i want to make an aplication for an auction website.
With what i can start to learn to can build this application ?
I was thinking to build application for auction website over RSS feed its a good choice or bad ?
Any other suggestion from where to start or what type of application to go are welcome ( if rss feed type its bad )
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you will need to learn Java. This is a great book for that purpose: http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfjava/
I learned Java with it myself. It is good for beginners and in no way reading it is boring!
nikwen said:
First you will need to learn Java. This is a great book for that purpose: http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfjava/
I learned Java with it myself. It is good for beginners and in no way reading it is boring!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i need some tips or reference from where to start building the application or in what way, a start point to application i will learn java and develop my skill when i have a target what to do.
i know basics of java allready used on other things but until now i never made an android application.
gkilah said:
i need some tips or reference from where to start building the application or in what way, a start point to application i will learn java and develop my skill when i have a target what to do.
i know basics of java allready used on other things but until now i never made an android application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. This is a tutorial for that: http://developer.android.com/training/index.html
Check the first lesson.
gkilah said:
i need some tips or reference from where to start building the application or in what way, a start point to application i will learn java and develop my skill when i have a target what to do.
i know basics of java allready used on other things but until now i never made an android application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a good series of 200 video tutorials for beginners made by thenewboston, it's quite good and it will show you how to build a dozen different applications with different purposes (i.e a stopwatch, an internet browser etc...). It will give you the basics of the Android APIs & the xml part of the job along the way.
Plus they're short videos so you can watch one when you have a few minutes anytime.
Here's the playlist with the 200 videos : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j4prh3NAZE&playnext=1&list=PL33384E9848C4F55E&feature=results_main
I've looked through several books for beginners, and I think "Hello, Android" by Ed Burnette is the easiest to start with.

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