Question for the developers/ modders - Motorola Droid X2

Its a question so that's why I put it here but it has to do with development so take it as you will....I understand to be a devlipe or kidder you obviously need a good base of Java and Linux knowledge. My question is since I'm trying to break into developing for android what are tips if any that any of you have for someone trying to start out?
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trafalger888 said:
Its a question so that's why I put it here but it has to do with development so take it as you will....I understand to be a devlipe or kidder you obviously need a good base of Java and Linux knowledge. My question is since I'm trying to break into developing for android what are tips if any that any of you have for someone trying to start out?
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Wouldn't hurt to tweet/message Ace or Dragon on twitter. Ace - @aceoyame Dragon - @dragonzkiller
Both of them are on regularly. Hope you get some answers.
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trafalger888 said:
Its a question so that's why I put it here but it has to do with development so take it as you will....I understand to be a devlipe or kidder you obviously need a good base of Java and Linux knowledge. My question is since I'm trying to break into developing for android what are tips if any that any of you have for someone trying to start out?
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Well, to start, get a book on Android Application developing, then download and install Eclipse. (It's best to do this in Linux, rather than Winderz, but there are several devs that work strictly through Winderz.) I use Linux personally as compiling ROMs you can only do in Linux as the Winderz tools don't work so well. If you are looking at developing applications, there are a TON of resources out there. Just Google it. If you are looking to do more with the Android OS, then learn Linux, it helps, a lot!
Hope this little blurb helps.
Ciao!

If you don't know Java, I would get a Java book first before even attempting to learn how to program Android. Most Android books assume you have Java and Object Oriented Programming experience.
And just reading the books won't do it. There is much to be said about experience. You could read a book, do all the code samples and then you think you know programming, but until you apply it, it's completely different.
All of my coding experience was self-taught at the beginning. It started with typing in programs from magazines on my Apple ][+ (and then eventually a //e). I would go in, type in the programs, debug them and get the to run. I would then see what would happen if I started changing things to see how it react. You really learn from your mistakes, because once you make one and correct it, it stays with you.
I also purchased books on programming and learned that way as well. Together, with typing in programs from other programmers, experimenting/changing/modifying their code, writing my own applications, etc, that's how I learned to program.
By the time I got to college to get my Computer Science degree, I had the basics of programming down pat, but I learned a lot more, but the stuff I learned was new and I didn't have to worry about the other basic aspects that some other people had to learn since they never really programmed before.

I'm also trying to get into developing. I've themed my X2, but that's about all the stuff I've done myself. I've edited the build.prop and stuff, but only with stuff other people wrote. I'm trying to learn Java, I've kind of got the structure down, but the code is the hard part for me, trying to remember what terms do what. And arrays too haha
My suggestion would be to learn Java and get familiar with Linux, I'm still trying to do both. Java is going to be the first language I fully learn. I've played around and attempted to learn C++ and Python. But I was easily distracted
Good luck on learning, its overwhelming!!! But once you start to dive in, things start stacking into place and make sense
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I also use Linux and have taught myself Java even though km no wizard and am using g eclipse and working with some books on android development as well sounds like I'm at least pointed in the right direction at least
And on a side note I've used some flavor of Linux exclusivly for maybe 10 years now hate windows....last laptop I bought has a rwaltek wireless card in it or I would be using debian right now put could never get it yo work even using g wrappers...but that's a bit off topic sorry
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Related

[Q] What IDE and software are you guys using for dev work?

Hey guys, I have been doing some app development for a few months now, and I use Eclipse. I was curious what Development software other people use. I have heard of some people using Lua to make games, which cuts down on some of the programming too. So if you use something like that to make your life easier, I am interested to hear about it. Thanks.
i use IntelliJ IDEA for android software dev. i know many people use Eclipse but i think you will see and feel a difference when using IntelliJ. it was built specifically for Java dev and it shows. its not a one size fits all ide like Eclipse.
it has actually made me a better and faster programmer over the years.
I use IntelliJ mainly because of the frequent crashes I had with the emulator using Eclipse.
I use Eclipse. Google seems to have invested most of its efforts into integrating Eclipse with the android SDK so i figure its probably the best choice for Android. However I generally just use gedit when I can. Best test editor out there.
I started using Eclipse and I'm happy of my choice. The best is that you can find any answer to your troubles developed for this IDE. The best point to start if you would learn programming Android.
Has anyone ever used lua?
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coder_t2 said:
Has anyone ever used lua?
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Since Lua is a scripting language, most Android developers probably dont pay much attention to it. Java/C++ are much more powerful in comparison.
I've just started poking around the android SDK and Java recently (coming from a C# background), and since Google chose it, I'm using Eclipse.
I'm using Eclipse, but mainly because I didn't know what else there was to use. The basic tutorials all showed setting up a project in Eclipse. I would like something with a better layout editor. Or maybe I just don't know how to use Eclipse properly.. lol.. I've only been an Android Developer for 2 weeks..
Jotokun said:
and since Google chose it, I'm using Eclipse.
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they mostly chose it cause its a very large and supported open source IDE (for almost every possible language), doesnt mean its the best. in some cases a non open source commercial product is better than open source. ive used both Eclipse for Java and IntelliJ and IntelliJ is by far way better. They even now have a community open source Android Edition but its still based on there commercial full edition.
its by far the best Java IDE, dont be afraid to try it.
Netbeans also good.
For those that use eclipse. What do you use for source control?
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what is the actual standing
Hi anbody at this time is there a new favorit ?
is it possible to vote for one ?
i want to start - i am a edv professional (25 Years IT)
Questions or Problems Should Not Be Posted in the Development Forum
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Moving to Q&A

What do I need to become a serious developer?

Hi there, just wondering what should I learn to become a developer. Starting out as a total noob.
Which language should I learn?
Wanna develop mostly apps but some roms as well.
Should i go for Linux operating system and how do I get it thanks?
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Android is based on Java. To develop apps you should learn Java. Ofc most of the Computer Science industry abhors Java but it's still used.
Google for and Download "Ubuntu"
ColdH33t said:
Android is based on Java. To develop apps you should learn Java. Ofc most of the Computer Science industry abhors Java but it's still used.
Google for and Download "Ubuntu"
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Click to collapse
Ok thank you...
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For App development, I would strongly advise:
The New Boston - Android Tutorials
It would also help if you learnt some of the Java basics:
The New Boston - Java Tutorials
The tutorials are done by Bucky and Travis and these guys are very good. They take you through the learning step by step.
Also. When you came across problems, the main Android Developers site is very good, but I've also found Stack Overflow very helpful.
I started using the tutorials with no Android or Java knowledge at all and I've used what I have learned to make a couple of basic soundboards so far, but what they teach you gives you the potential for a lot more.
You can see the apps I've made Here (Android Market) and Here (My Rant Of The Day).
Good Luck.
Just Me said:
For App development, I would strongly advise:
The New Boston - Android Tutorials
It would also help if you learnt some of the Java basics:
The New Boston - Java Tutorials
The tutorials are done by Bucky and Travis and these guys are very good. They take you through the learning step by step.
Also. When you came across problems, the main Android Developers site is very good, but I've also found Stack Overflow very helpful.
I started using the tutorials with no Android or Java knowledge at all and I've used what I have learned to make a couple of basic soundboards so far, but what they teach you gives you the potential for a lot more.
You can see the apps I've made Here (Android Market) and Here (My Rant Of The Day).
Good Luck.
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Thanks very cool apps man)
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Java = C#, so if you learn Java, you can pick up the small differences in C# very easily. In fact, I'm pretty sure MS ripped off Java in creating C#.
But yeah, to develop on android phones, you need to program in Java, and to cook up stuff on your phone other than apps (ROMs, etc. you should know Unix, scripting, etc.)
And actually understand Object-Oriented Developing if you want to do things other than write apps for android.
kpsingh said:
Thanks very cool apps man)
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No probs.
Also, you might have been better off asking this question in a forum that wasn't tailored to EVO 3D users.
If you would have posted it in the General Android Q&A or in the Q&A section of a more popular phone, you may have got even better solutions. (You could ask a mod to move it).

Help on getting started with App Development?

I would like to develop my own application, I've gotten my feet wet in programming in java and a little c++ but I want to learn everything I can.
Also maybe are there compiling tools available directly on Android?
Can anyone get me started?
Much thanks for people who help.
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Download the Android SDK and the ADT Plugin for Eclipse from here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html. After I got it all running, I found a nice little Android Development Tutorial online and went to work (it was probably on this same site). Eclipse is a little slow on Windows, so I switched to an Ubuntu machine, but that is not a must.
tedr108 said:
Download the Android SDK and the ADT Plugin for Eclipse from here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html. After I got it all running, I found a nice little Android Development Tutorial online and went to work (it was probably on this same site). Eclipse is a little slow on Windows, so I switched to an Ubuntu machine, but that is not a must.
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sorry if this is noob, but did you dual boot or run it in a VM? would either be sufficient? or would an actual dual boot be better?
stretchwookie said:
sorry if this is noob, but did you dual boot or run it in a VM? would either be sufficient? or would an actual dual boot be better?
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I made a dual boot machine. VM works well for many -- definitely a good option to be able to play around with Linux to see if you like it. For development purposes, I thought it better to get the best performance, thus the dual boot system.
I have the need to move my development machine often, so I did my research and got a laptop that is very compatible with Ubuntu -- many are not. It has all worked out very well to this point.
tedr108 said:
I made a dual boot machine. VM works well for many -- definitely a good option to be able to play around with Linux to see if you like it. For development purposes, I thought it better to get the best performance, thus the dual boot system.
I have the need to move my development machine often, so I did my research and got a laptop that is very compatible with Ubuntu -- many are not. It has all worked out very well to this point.
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thank you very much! i just recently decided i want to become a developer and possibly a get a degree in computer science. (im stilll young, luckily i got time to do this) and so im very new to all this. ive been rooting and flashing for 2 years, but never have created anything. so thank you for taking your time to answer me, regardless of my noobness
I recently got started with developing for Android, and using the Android SDK with eclipse is definitely a great way to get started. I would recommend making a simple application that does some type of math function.
If you have developed in Java before, it will be pretty easy to get started with Android. I common first app is a tip calculator. If you get stuck or have any questions, google is your best friend. Also, you can always PM me, I have been looking for people to develop with.
juntistik said:
I recently got started with developing for Android, and using the Android SDK with eclipse is definitely a great way to get started. I would recommend making a simple application that does some type of math function.
If you have developed in Java before, it will be pretty easy to get started with Android. I common first app is a tip calculator. If you get stuck or have any questions, google is your best friend. Also, you can always PM me, I have been looking for people to develop with.
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I may PM you tonight, I'll see if I can get that tip calculator to work. Thanks!
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Thinking about going into developing

Hi guys,
I think I have been an xda user long enough..so I though, why dont I try my hand in developing and be more of a giver than a taker in this great community.
Problem is, I dont know where to start. So if you dev guys could give me an effective learning path(study this first, then this, then this)..I would be most greatful!
Im not a developer by training(an accountant, of all things!!), however, I did get into IT audit so I know a little bit about the different flavors of unix..and I love coding(we use some scripting software in the trade, i know i know, its different) and i am never happier than trying to figure out how to make things work using code..
I know some of you may laugh at me, but I really am interested in this.
Thanks!
There's a great site here with lots of useful info
If your endgame is to develop for Android it might be best for you to jump in the deep end and start learning Java immediately. Don't worry about learning it by developing Android applications, just focus on developing on PC and you will have a much easier time. Once you've picked up the basics of Object Orientated programming then it's time to take a look at the Android APIs and go through some tutorials so you can see how the apps come together.
At the end of the day it's going to be a big job for you because you have very little experience. Unfortunately theres no real easy way out so you just have to put in the hours.
Yep!! Sleepless nights! Just like a real dev..hehehe... I do know some languages like vb..python..javascript..but that was just me muckin around..nothin serious also..already had the netbeans ide setup...and got my java hello world cherry popped..hahaha..so lame
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DreadPirateDan said:
There's a great site here with lots of useful info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man!!! Looks good!
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saunderez said:
If your endgame is to develop for Android it might be best for you to jump in the deep end and start learning Java immediately. Don't worry about learning it by developing Android applications, just focus on developing on PC and you will have a much easier time. Once you've picked up the basics of Object Orientated programming then it's time to take a look at the Android APIs and go through some tutorials so you can see how the apps come together.
At the end of the day it's going to be a big job for you because you have very little experience. Unfortunately theres no real easy way out so you just have to put in the hours.
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Yes..that is my endgame..but i was hoping you guys could point me to some android specific stuff..like how kernerls work..etc..basically i want to know the environment first...using google doesnt really yield in depth stuff
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Android is basically Linux with a custom UI.
If you want to know how kernels work (and you really shouldn't(!) if your goal is to make apps, as that's REALLY in-depth lowlevel stuff) just check out how Linux works - there's a million million articles on the net about the internals of Linux.
Android specific app development stuff, incl. tutorials and samples are here:
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
Maybe you just wanna setup the SDK and try to get the "Hello World" working, continue from there.
SDK: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

Best way to get started in app development

So I came into this with previous programing knowledge, but not knowing java. I've read a book on java, then the programing android book.
So from those of you that actually write apps for the android platform, what do you think is the next step? Just get to it already? Start using eclipse and its built in tools to get started and learn by doing and googling as I go along?
Is that the way most of you have got your start? Any other books I should pick up?
Thanks
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Moving to Q&A
I am getting started too, am beginner / intermediate java programmer with little experience. The android site has some nice resources.
Developer.android.com ... Resources tab: look at the tutorials. The Hello World is a nice intro. You will install the Android SDK, eclipse, write a simple app, and seeit in action using the emulator. I have done Hello World and Hello Views.
I'd also appreciate any advice / guidance from more experienced droid devs!
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I've done that stuff so far. I've also played with the layout manager to.o. I th.ink I might start out making a sound board app. That seems pretty simple to do.
I'm just looking for some advice as the best way to precede
You're on the right way. The next step as a developer is just to develop software. Thats it.
You can look at some books and resources on the Internet to learn basics.
But I think the best thing to do is to imagine a mini-app (very simple, for example a calculator), and try to make it from scratch.
You'll learn how to search information and this will be less boring.
You can also create new projects from samples of the SDK, they are quite interesting.
Write code! Seriously. Screw the books (or you can waste money like me). I am sure that if you start building something like I have coming from a similar background, you will know what books to pick up when its time.
If you are a coder, just make up a project and learn Android in the trenches by figuring it all out as you go. That said, it would be invaluable to read up on the platform itself (the Android dev site is great) as programming for it is a bit different than what a lot of us are use to.
It's fun after you figure out the build environment on your platform. Also, if you are like me you live and die by text editors. That said, I have learned to finally embrace both Eclipse and Java thanks to Android.
EDIT:
I am now getting a lot of mileage out of Creating Android Applications by Chris Haseman. This is only after wasting money on books I wont read or that teach me to do things the wrong way. I was only able to make an informed decision after hacking together my first serious app. This book is packed with nuggets of insight from a and immediately answers questions I have from my experience with the ocassionally sparse documentation. I would highly recommend this book and because of it my future code is going to be very solid without the "did I do the right" feeling. <-- typed on g2x in Browser
Your right, I think I have enough background to dive in. I was playing around and created an app that plays mp3's when you click on buttons, didn't take long at all. Next thing I want to do is create a splash screen, and I took a quick look to see how to create buttons that are a picture and text, similar to the buttons in the google api sample.
Having fun with it so far.
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