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i want to start making apps for android but dont know where to stat i have the sdk on my desktop but thats about it. If someone could please help me or push me in the next step please do so.
Just go to the dev guide on the Android website to start making your first Hello World app. As for language, Android (I could be wrong) uses Java. Again, I could be wrong.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Indeed, Android uses Java. I'd suggest learning it before attempting to program for Android or else you'll feel like it's gonna be too difficult. There's plenty of books on Java, and some powerful Google searching will lead you to step-by-step guides to learning Java.
Also, go through the Android Dev Center for a lot of information. There's plenty of guides there on things like 'how to design your app to flow with the overall android feel' and 'designing icons to fit general android homescreen look'.
You're gonna want to download Eclipse for Java Programming. It's a free Java development environment much like Dreamweaver and Visual Studio are for web development.
Oh, and PLAN! Like any good development project, your project will not get anywhere if you don't know where to start and when to end it.
Plan first. Then plan the planned elements. Java is object-based programming, and just like building a house each object needs to be solid or else it'll crumble to pieces.
Same here. Thx for the advice.
elindemann said:
Indeed, Android uses Java. I'd suggest learning it before attempting to program for Android or else you'll feel like it's gonna be too difficult. There's plenty of books on Java, and some powerful Google searching will lead you to step-by-step guides to learning Java.
Also, go through the Android Dev Center for a lot of information. There's plenty of guides there on things like 'how to design your app to flow with the overall android feel' and 'designing icons to fit general android homescreen look'.
You're gonna want to download Eclipse for Java Programming. It's a free Java development environment much like Dreamweaver and Visual Studio are for web development.
Oh, and PLAN! Like any good development project, your project will not get anywhere if you don't know where to start and when to end it.
Plan first. Then plan the planned elements. Java is object-based programming, and just like building a house each object needs to be solid or else it'll crumble to pieces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, you're doing things the hard HARD ...HARD way....
if you want to develop apps for android, Titanium Mobile (appcelerator.com) is the best way to go. It takes far less time to learn JavaScript , CSS and HTML then it does to learn pure JAVA, and then learn to implement Android's API.
There are a few things that Titanium Mobile can't do, but they are always working on it to make it better. And of course - it's free
I've made a few apps using it. Including an HTML eBook reader, Chinese Flashcard App, and a Simple Chat Client.
Their JavaScript API takes a bit to get used to, but after that, you can easily spit out a simple app in about a day or so.
I have a web-app Template that lets me dump a Web-app (html/css/js) into a project, and spits out a nice new shiny Android app ready for the market.... I also wrote code that lets you access the Menu Button on android too. So it's not like using PhoneGap where it's just a Browser session with an icon on your phone.
PM me if you're interested, and i'll show you everything i learned about Titanium Mobile so far (i'm still learning actually). Or if you want an app done, i can do it for you... free if it's easy enough
DaoMingJin said:
Actually, you're doing things the hard HARD ...HARD way....
if you want to develop apps for android, Titanium Mobile (appcelerator.com) is the best way to go. It takes far less time to learn JavaScript , CSS and HTML then it does to learn pure JAVA, and then learn to implement Android's API.
There are a few things that Titanium Mobile can't do, but they are always working on it to make it better. And of course - it's free
I've made a few apps using it. Including an HTML eBook reader, Chinese Flashcard App, and a Simple Chat Client.
Their JavaScript API takes a bit to get used to, but after that, you can easily spit out a simple app in about a day or so.
I have a web-app Template that lets me dump a Web-app (html/css/js) into a project, and spits out a nice new shiny Android app ready for the market.... I also wrote code that lets you access the Menu Button on android too. So it's not like using PhoneGap where it's just a Browser session with an icon on your phone.
PM me if you're interested, and i'll show you everything i learned about Titanium Mobile so far (i'm still learning actually). Or if you want an app done, i can do it for you... free if it's easy enough
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I'm very interested. I might check it out.
sent from my pimp hero running Froyo CM6 and the XDA app
If you know the C or C++ language you could try out MoSync, depends what you like, some programmers like the level of control and speed you get from C++. If your content with simpler apps then maybe phonegap or appcellerator for you.
I guess that when mobile apps get more sophisticated javascript programs will be just as complex as C++ programs.
Thats my view, but then I like C++ better.
/Tony
MoSyncTony said:
If you know the C or C++ language you could try out MoSync, depends what you like, some programmers like the level of control and speed you get from C++. If your content with simpler apps then maybe phonegap or appcellerator for you.
I guess that when mobile apps get more sophisticated javascript programs will be just as complex as C++ programs.
Thats my view, but then I like C++ better.
/Tony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on how much control and you really need. If you're going to write games, then you do need speed that C++ and the Native Application Development API on android can give you. If you're writing a social networking app, the speed of C++ would really be an overkill.
As far as i've read, PhoneGap still has a lot of issues. And the build process is a bit more complicated than on Titanium Mobile.
If you're just using the regular Android API to write apps, i don't notice a lot of difference in speed execution between writing it in pure Java, or using Titanium mobile (using native code and UI elements - i don't mean putting everything into a WebView).
The current app that i'm writing now i don't think can be written using Titanium Mobile or PhoneGap (unless i added some native functions and did my own fork of PhoneGap).
More or less, i'm writing an App for Android and JRE/Linux systems that will allow me to enumerate, and access USB status bits, and USB data frames of a given USB device, and then allowing that USB device to be accessed through a TCP or UDP connection.
I might be able to do this with Titanium Mobile, but i don't think i can. As the only files you're allowed to access are on the SD card, application data directory, and temp directory.... i think there's one other place you're allowed to access too, but i never used it. However later today i might just try to see if i can access the /Dev/DSP01 (aka sound card) on an android device. If i can, i think i could write it using titanium mobile. I'm already halfway done with this app in pure java, so i wouldn't actually rewrite it in Titanium Mobile now.
DaoMingJin said:
if you want to develop apps for android, Titanium Mobile (appcelerator.com) is the best way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx mate!
If you looking a book or something to teach you the basics Beginning Java Programming for Dummies and Android Application Development in 24 Hours are good reads.
I'd rather not fill the forum with more threads so I'm just going to ask my question here. What is the best way to read the android dev guide on the device itself? Just going to the site directly? Ideally I'd like a pdf or something designed to be read on a small screen. The site can have formatting issues when read on a small screen.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I've been developing for a long time (nearly 30 years), and whenever I need to learn a new language I start with the Sams range, "Teach yourself whatever language in X days/hours". They're pretty good and this is available for Kindle, which is great if you use the Amazon Kindle app...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Teach-Yours...1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1287485537&sr=8-2-fkmr2
It obviously costs, but I really do rate those books as brilliant starting points. The rest is google and friends on here.
Hope this helps - good luck mate.
Personally, I've been coding in Java for what... four years now? I'm feeling dwarfed here by johncmolyneux but honestly, the best way to learn is to not use an IDE like Eclipse, but to use something that you have to hand-code everything yourself, such as Geany! You learn fairly quickly after writing a few applications.
If you are thinking "titanium", "mosync" or "phone gap" it is worth doing a bit of background research. There are several extremely powerful tools out there that can help you build cross platform apps - these are among the top ones.
bit more discussion about this here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16703287#post16703287
There are a few useful reports comparing them - check out ours by googling "triballabs cross platform"
The Google App Inventor makes it pretty easy to create your own Android apps. Best part is you don't need to learn any programming languages. You won't be creating anything too complicated like a video game for example, but it's a good start nonetheless.
http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/about/
If you want to learn the basics of Java, then please check out a book called as "Head First Java". They really explain the basics with the help of real life examples to make things much simpler so that people understand.
Beginner app projects
I'm also just getting started with app development. Something I've been looking for is a beginner app project. Wish I could find a walkthrough of a simple app like a game of Hangman or something like that. I've been through the android developer training web site and got some good info but some things I'm still a little stuck on. Id Love to see an actual app (rather than just a mock up of some fields and buttons) and then a slightly dumbed down explanation of the code. Might be a lot to ask but man it would be great!
Hey folks!
Yes, this is my first post, and yes, it may be in the wrong section. If so, I would kindly ask some moderator to move it to the correct section.
Anyway, let me just get right to it:
I have NO coding experience whatsoever! I have never coded anything but a bit in html when I was 16 or something. I have a good understanding
of Android from a user-end perspective, and same goes for computers and website management - I've just never coded anything.
Now, I would really love to learn how to code applications for Android, as I feel like it would be a great challenge to take upon myself + I have a lot of ideas for apps, which I believe will be fun.
Now, I know that Android runs on Java, so I suppose I should start learning the basics of Java before moving into learning Android development, right?
In my search for great free / somewhat cheap online resources, I've found that "thenewboston .org" has a Java and an Android development section with video guides. I believe I should start with the Java section and then move on to the Android one.
Would you recommend using that site, or should I start somewhere else?
And also, is it correct for me to start diving straight into Java, or is there something I should know beforehand?
Or should I learn any other coding languages?
Please take into consideration that I know no coding language as of right now.
All help is very much appreciated! :fingers-crossed:
Java is the best option to start with!
All native applications of the android OS are written mainly in Java, which makes it a good option to start with. Also, as you already know some HTML Coding, you might not find it problematic using "XML".
Head over to this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2195
You might find it useful to begin with.
vineethraj49 said:
All native applications of the android OS are written mainly in Java, which makes it a good option to start with. Also, as you already know some HTML Coding, you might not find it problematic using "XML".
Head over to this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2195
You might find it useful to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, thanks a lot for your reply.
What I take from your answer is, that it would be just fine to start diving right into Java, and also take a look at XML whenever I have extra spare time. Is that correct?
And also, what part of an application is built on/in XML?
The layout mainly comprises of xml
ltsune said:
First of all, thanks a lot for your reply.
What I take from your answer is, that it would be just fine to start diving right into Java, and also take a look at XML whenever I have extra spare time. Is that correct?
And also, what part of an application is built on/in XML?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check any android app's source code. The application's interface mainly is made using xml's.
Welcome to this world, you'll have fun here for sure
Anyway, to your questions:
Yep, you need basic Java knowledge. Any website will be great to get started (actually, if you have a doubt and can't find the solution there, simply use Google. There are so much developers out there, is difficult to find an unanswered doubt).
You can get started with Java directly, you don't need to learn any other programming language. Take in mind that only the syntax changes between languages, the logic behind the programs is identical.
Android apps use Java for its core, and XML for its GUI. Don't worry, Eclipse (and after, Android Studio as well) offers a visual environment to build your GUI, without touch XML directly (of course, you can edit the XML code if you wish, for example, to make a quick change).
Good luck, dude :highfive:
RoberGalarga said:
Welcome to this world, you'll have fun here for sure
Anyway, to your questions:
Yep, you need basic Java knowledge. Any website will be great to get started (actually, if you have a doubt and can't find the solution there, simply use Google. There are so much developers out there, is difficult to find an unanswered doubt).
You can get started with Java directly, you don't need to learn any other programming language. Take in mind that only the syntax changes between languages, the logic behind the programs is identical.
Android apps use Java for its core, and XML for its GUI. Don't worry, Eclipse (and after, Android Studio as well) offers a visual environment to build your GUI, without touch XML directly (of course, you can edit the XML code if you wish, for example, to make a quick change).
Good luck, dude :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was a very helpful answer!
You basically answered all my questions, and a few more than I hadn't even written yet.
Thanks for letting me know about the option to edit the GUI directly from Eclipse, which is currently what I use to learn Java.
I've found a lot of great resources here at xda-developers as well, so I'm really looking forward to dive into this now!
Already learned the very basics of creating user inputs etc. (yes, that is a noob talking - I know), and I am thrilled to learn even more
I learnt programming a long time ago (20 years ago) and back then I learnt C++. Fast forward to present, I have interest in creating an Android app and started doing some research. I bought some books and watched some video, downloaded Eclipse, etc.
Although I still remember some Object Oriented Programming concepts (Polymorphism, if-else-then loops, etc.), I never fully grasp some of the syntax presented in those study books / videos. This could be because I am a total noob when it comes to Java.
So my question is: is it worth it to learn Java first, completely independent on Android, and THEN learn Android programming?
PS: I did bought some Java books but I don't think some of the things there are applicable to Android. For one, I setup Eclipse with Android SDK and although I can create some Android app (even have it run on my phone! YAY!), I could not figure out how to write, compile and execute Java app in my MacBook (keep throwing a bunch of exceptions).
lanwarrior said:
So my question is: is it worth it to learn Java first, completely independent on Android, and THEN learn Android programming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. You need basic-medium java knowledge to develop your apps. About this...
lanwarrior said:
I don't think some of the things there are applicable to Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not true. If something can be done in Java for PC, can be done in Android as well (in the same way, or using the Android way, easier and better, mostly times ).
Any recommendation on a good Java Book that:
- gets me up and running faster, since I am not focusing in developing a PC/MAC based Java app but Android app?
- Make use of Eclipse?
I suggest learning java first before you start app development so that you will understand what you are actually doing while writing the source code
Complete reference java is a good book to make your concepts crystal clear
for android app development tutorial you can refer thenewboston video tutorials and developer.android.com for understanding android os and API
Sent from my GT-S5670 using xda premium
How "deep" should I learn Java first?
I read some Jave books that covers really deep stuff that are over 1000+ pages, and there are books like the "Learn Java in 24 hours", etc.
I am just curious because I have read articles whereby people with no programming experiences had developed iPhone apps in months. I think Objective-C is harder to learn than Java because it does not have some of the great features like garbage collections, etc.
lanwarrior said:
How "deep" should I learn Java first?
I read some Jave books that covers really deep stuff that are over 1000+ pages, and there are books like the "Learn Java in 24 hours", etc.
I am just curious because I have read articles whereby people with no programming experiences had developed iPhone apps in months. I think Objective-C is harder to learn than Java because it does not have some of the great features like garbage collections, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwing an Android app together is relatively easy, especially if you've got prior programming experience. Between the plentiful tutorials and stackoverflow to help with specific semantics, it's pretty straight forward to get what you want done. However, there's a big difference between getting something done, and getting it done efficiently - that's where having a fundamental grasp of the underlying language comes in handy.
When I was starting out I grabbed a couple different books, from basic Android programming to Advanced Java. I found Learn Java for Android Development to be a very decent read, and it was great for getting me up to speed on Java quickly, without going through basic coding principles I already understood from using other languages (or burying me in deep Java mechanics that I didn't really want or need).
--
Jason
rossja said:
When I was starting out I grabbed a couple different books, from basic Android programming to Advanced Java. I found Learn Java for Android Development to be a very decent read, and it was great for getting me up to speed on Java quickly, without going through basic coding principles I already understood from using other languages (or burying me in deep Java mechanics that I didn't really want or need).
--
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the recommendation on the book. Seems like a perfect book for me!
lanwarrior said:
I learnt programming a long time ago (20 years ago) and back then I learnt C++. Fast forward to present, I have interest in creating an Android app and started doing some research. I bought some books and watched some video, downloaded Eclipse, etc.
Although I still remember some Object Oriented Programming concepts (Polymorphism, if-else-then loops, etc.), I never fully grasp some of the syntax presented in those study books / videos. This could be because I am a total noob when it comes to Java.
So my question is: is it worth it to learn Java first, completely independent on Android, and THEN learn Android programming?
PS: I did bought some Java books but I don't think some of the things there are applicable to Android. For one, I setup Eclipse with Android SDK and although I can create some Android app (even have it run on my phone! YAY!), I could not figure out how to write, compile and execute Java app in my MacBook (keep throwing a bunch of exceptions).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think u are on the right way.
Please go into android directly.
Do you have a specific idea what you want to create? If no, Get one. I had no idea about Java and Android, only knew visual basic and some c#, but I had an idea what I want to create. And this way i started watching basic tutorials and got some basic information how to do stuff(intents, the thing with the contexts). For me personally, learning the Java stuff was easy, as its really close to what i knew(and you know some c++, which gives you the basics). Simply read a little bit about the control structures and classes and Start making your app. And if you want to know how something works, Google it!
Btw: i am really young, so this shouldnt be a Problem for somebody older.
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Hello, everyone. Can someone please direct me, an absolute beginner with no experience in programming at all, where to begin learning. I would like to ultimately develop for Android.
I'm running Ubuntu 13.04; how can I set up an environment to learn programming, and what are some resources that I can use?
Install jdk on the comp then on your phone download the app learn java in 24 hours it walks you thru making your first program so you get the basics
Hello, I'm pretty much in the same boot as the OP.
I'm working in the medical field and get bored of not having the app I need to ease up paperwork, so I decided to make them myself.
However, exept a hangman game in high school I never coded. So yesterday i took my old laptop, put some Ubuntu on it, the sdk and created the famous "hello word" app.
The problem is, even in the tutorials, some thing were to complicated, so I called upon my cousin (a german develloper) and he gave me some advices.
Especially, he told me that java was maybe not the easiest way to learn to code with 0 background and suggest me to try python and other things.
Do you have advices for me, since I want to build simple app (somes textfields, somes checkboxes to get scores and the ability to export a result sheet in pdf) at first, but i do not want to use app inventor or similar tools since I ultimately want to fiddle with the AOSP agenda (get the contact list to pop up like the invite list when i click "description field" , change default duration of appointements etc...).
Any ideas, suggestions, or tutorial are welcome, just keep in mind that I know nothing (Jon Snow like).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2388486
Jus go here
.........................................
visit www.fb.com/softcrush
If you want to become a professional android developer then it is advisable to learn Java and XML a bit better,,and there are bunch of resources available on How to build android apps !
If you really want to become a Programmer then it is advisable to start from the beginning i.e C and then Java
Thats how everybody starts learning coding !
Go through video tutorials for understanding how the coding works !
Happy to help !
Sanjay said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2388486
Jus go here
.........................................
visit www.fb.com/softcrush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great list. I love to see my boy Derek Banas on there
alfredmuffin said:
Hello, everyone. Can someone please direct me, an absolute beginner with no experience in programming at all, where to begin learning. I would like to ultimately develop for Android.
I'm running Ubuntu 13.04; how can I set up an environment to learn programming, and what are some resources that I can use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
google it man you will thousands of website which will teach u programming for free. I would have put the links but dont wanna be treated as spammer
For now don't worry about making an app with the Android SDK or anything big like that. Just start simple with some little programs that print stuff into the terminal. It's a good thing that you have Ubuntu because Linux OS's are always great to learn programming on!
I'm also a noon and I found it easy to start with Batch on Windows and I have just been getting better and better!
Well I understand it's not easy to get started. One thing you will have to recognize that there's a lot of things involved getting prepared for Android programming. For example, while developing for Android you will need to be able to write a bit of XML as well, you will need to set up your IDE, get the necessary Java dependencies, get a little bit familiar with Maven to be able to use 3rd party libraries and so on. It's most definitely intimidating. So what I would recommend is to...
- Try to allocate time every day for learning this, even if it just means half an hour or less a day.
- Always take notes and don't be afraid to ask; nobody should assume you know the answer.
- Once you've learned something, help others to get ahead - seniors will probably recognize your efforts so you will be able to get help more easily.
- Try to talk about programming in person with people who are more proficient in it. Nothing helps as much as having a pro sitting in the same room, ready to help you.
- Try to join related communities as well, it can really speed things up.
- Baby steps. Many people get started in programming with having crazy big ideas only to meet failure later. It's not a good thing to frustrate yourself, so choose small goals first.
I can't emphasize the last point enough. Whenever you start learning new stuff - no matter whether you're a novice or an expert - you will need to focus on this, because the initial steps are always problematic. For example, when you start learning a new programming language: the syntax is new, the way for getting the app run is new, the IDE might be new, if the tool is web related then probably it uses a different kind of server than the one you're used to etc. etc. etc. so barriers all around. You must get comfortable with this first, then you will be able to speed things up.
How to start coding
How I started:
Basic Stuff:
1. Java, I used Java Complete Reference
2. Data Structures (most commonly used- Stacks, Queues, Linked list, HashMap, List) [Basic Understanding]
3. Algorithms (will help you to write efficient code) [Basic Understanding]
4. XML, just basic understanding is required, use internet to learn
Android Specific Resources:
1. The Busy Coder's Guide to Android Development [Very useful]
2. New Boston Videos
3. Android Cookbook, if you want a solution to a particular problem
Spend more time learning Java and other basic stuff, once your basics are clear, then you can easily adjust yourself on any platform.
Recommendations for Aspiring App Developers
Hi,
I was in your same shoes about 3 years ago so I can tell you what steps I took to start coding. I took the longer route but it was the correct route. Key suggestion is to learn the lower levels of coding first. (lower levels meaning base languages, binary being the lowest). Start with the C language as this is the core programming language which most other higher levels are based on. If you have the money take a structured online course on Udemy or CodeAcademy. If you're short on money and need to learn on your own don't worry there's plenty of resources out there to learn. That's how I did it. Start out with videos on youtube, try to find a complete structured course here's one with over 130 videos. Sorry, can't post links cause I'm new but just go to Youtube and type in "C Programming Complete Tutorial" to get the course with the structured 130+ videos.
The best way to learn any programming language is to find some free source codes in the designated languages and start tinkering, breaking and fixing the code. Once you learn this core language you will be able to programm\ desktop apps, simple software and mobile apps in other higher level programming languages.
Hope this helps.
-Jeff
alfredmuffin said:
Hello, everyone. Can someone please direct me, an absolute beginner with no experience in programming at all, where to begin learning. I would like to ultimately develop for Android.
I'm running Ubuntu 13.04; how can I set up an environment to learn programming, and what are some resources that I can use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Guys,
I love thenewboston website that you've pointed us to. But as a first step, should I learn some C or Java before progressing on to thenewboston Android tutorials?
I have no programming experience, but lots of motivation.
Thanks,
Donald,
New Zealand
Sanjay said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2388486
Jus go here
.........................................
visit www.fb.com/softcrush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
recommend "head first java"
I am toying with the idea of developing for the Android. It's mostly for fun and to see where it goes. I am a programmer, but do not know Java specifically. If i was to learn Java, i would need to learn it from scratch, but for a programmer, not for a newcomer to the programming field.
I downloaded Android Studio and can follow the guides, but i wonder: Is it better to learn Java first and then Android? Or is it better to learn Android first? And regardless of which, is there a level of basic learning that is "enough" to foray into the other. I ask this because it seems that guides for Android expect one to know Java already. Then again, someone told me he learnt how to do Android, and found Java snippets on the web as he went along.
If there is no specific answer, please lend your advice or personal experience. I am very interested in hearing what other have to say about this.
Do both together
Hey there,
I was a bit worse off than you because the only "programming" experience I had was MS Excel formulas but with some effort now feel pretty good about getting even relatively complicated things working in Android. Basically, I would recommend you learn both Java and Android at the same time.
Here's why:
- you need to get the Android Studio tool set up anyway, and it will do a great job showing you syntax issues and recommending changes as you go. In this way you can rely on Android's developer tools to help you learn basic Java.
- the Internet is chock full of sample code for Android. You can use that as a base, deploy it to a device, change it around, deploy it to a device (or emulator) again, and so on. It will give you both hope and eventual confidence when you're able to see the changes you make in Java actually reflected in an app. It makes it more fun too.
- in the end the majority of your time will be learning the Android SDK frameworks, and I was often able to use the Android documentation examples themselves to teach myself both Java and the Android platform's ins and outs.
Dive in and enjoy!