hi Gurus of XDA
my son will be graduating from high-school & he was wondering what is the best course or action plan to becoming a full blown Android Software Developer?
Are there any online course that he can take & how many years do i have to spend for his tuition
many thanks.
Android is the Future
hmmmm i guess no one went to 'formal' Andy school here lol
I'm sure some people have. But for the most part I believe a lot of people on here have gone to the school of hard knocks. They've learned by doing things hands on. Lots of reading, and asking a ton of questions.
yeah I guess so, so much info on the Net.
I guess I'll ask him to take up Java First
Learning to code in Java/C would be your best bet
Sent from my ice cream powered Nexus S
mengfei said:
hi Gurus of XDA
my son will be graduating from high-school & he was wondering what is the best course or action plan to becoming a full blown Android Software Developer?
Are there any online course that he can take & how many years do i have to spend for his tuition
many thanks.
Android is the Future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering the Same, Thanks for asking the question...
I too am interested to make that one "Lucky App" that would change the world hahahahaha
Got time will code if I really knew how
Well I did a bit of looking around. Actually found some interesting options to learning Android. The links are below. Hope these help .
http://training.oreilly.com/androidapps/
http://marakana.com/training/android/android_bootcamp.html
http://developer.android.com/training/index.html
http://www.ledet.com/courses/1451-G...pment course&gclid=CInb7aen468CFbMEQAodvTQxAA
http://www.netcomlearning.com/produ...tml?advid=65&gclid=COrL3pun468CFSQCQAodd3ZjDg
@prboy1969
thanks. i'll try too look into those
soooooo much to read so little time
Check out the video lessons at thenewboston.org he has java, android dev, c++ etc etc.
Hands down the absolute best tutorials on the internet. He explains things in a way that even a child could understand. Highly recommended, he taught me
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA
daml said:
Check out the video lessons at thenewboston.org he has java, android dev, c++ etc etc.
Hands down the absolute best tutorials on the internet. He explains things in a way that even a child could understand. Highly recommended, he taught me
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys for the Suggestions...
No problem, always here to help. Actually thinking about attending one of these myself . Checking into it has me interesred in maybe getting some formal schooling.
TEAM MiK
MikROMs Since 3/13/11
Yeah, not a problem
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA
Also found the links below in the Portal
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/want-to-learn-how-to-program-for-android-start-here/
Rathi
developers.android.com is the best website to learn, there is no course for Android that can cover this variety of topics.
Still after doing hours of research, (only to learn quickly) I recommend wingnity.com/android. This is a paid online course with the following benefits over others.
1. Live classes via GotoWebinar tool
2. 24x7 support to answer technical queries
3. Certificate and a project for CV
4. Cheap - $79
Enjoy.
To become an android developer
Becoming an android developer is purely depends on your son. I know lot of developers who have been working as android developers without completing any course. The mindset of a programmer is completely different from all other professionals. But building a foundation in programming will help him to get stay stronger as a developer. There are a lot of online and on campus courses on android development. I would recommend some introductory courses on java programming rather than directly joining to an android development course. This will help him to get an idea about programming concepts. Then you can choose a course on android development. It will be helpful if you can buy a laptop or PC for him. According to me, I have completed three courses on mobile app development from Cestar college of business, health and technology in Ontario.
Related
http://online.fullsail.edu/
http://online.fullsail.edu/degrees/mobile-development-bachelors - direct link
Online Full Sail Mobile Development Bachelors
WOW!
I might be happy doing this for myself, what are the pays, anyone know yet? I don't mean greediness, but I'm also loving it.
Interesting. I teach at fullsail and was unware of such a program. If anyone is interested in it let me know and If there are any questions about the program that you can't have answered let me know, and I will see if I can find anything.
--Shadd
Edit: Yea that came off as a sales pitch and thats not the case. If I can be of any help I would be more then happy to, but I will also give you my personal opinion
shadd01 said:
Interesting. I teach at fullsail and was unware of such a program. If anyone is interested in it let me know and If there are any questions about the program that you can't have answered let me know, and I will see if I can find anything.
--Shadd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I will probably take the online courses for Mobile Development next year.
As an alumni of EBBS I'm quite happy to see Full Sail to offer more courses focused for this market!
My buddy went to Full Sail for Show Production and Touring. i went down several times to visit him. the Full Sail staff is awesome. everybody was just cool and easy to get along with. good to see they're branching out into mobile development!
For any of those who end up deciding to enroll, here is something that might end up being useful...
[APP] Full Sail Online Mobile
@alekosy
did you enroll & grad? how is it?
i was thinking about going here for Audio Production/engineering..but thats too far from my home state
i think i'm going to enroll for the online mobile development...i spoke to an admins rep and shes helping me get going with fafsa and all that stuff...i've heard mixed reviews about the course..saying it's out of date and its too specific, but i've done research..i have an associates in graphic design and i think this bachelors will make a world of a difference
I am currently a student of the online Mobile Development program living in California trying to complete it. I can tell you it is pretty hard if you are working full time.
I am currently in my second year and I am struggling. I really enjoy being a Full Sail student, but you have to be prepared to have a TON of information thrown at you super fast. That is probably the biggest challenge. Imagine never once having worked with a language such as Javascript, and have it thrown at you in a single month while working full time and having a family. Its difficult.
Each course is only a month long, and the amount of stuff you have to absorb is overwhelming. But again, this is what we sign up for. I struggle a lot and I am under constant pressure, but there is a sense of accomplishment when you actually see your projects come to fruition.
I was wondering if anyone is doing this. I have no experience when it comes to programming (at all) but I'm a quick learner and willing to learn when it comes to extra money
I know there are some tricks like pay $50-100 to some developer to create an app exclusively for you and then you sell it on the market and earn cash from it, but I don't really feel like using someone else work for that. I wanna create my own stuff.
I've noticed that some live wallpapers sell over 100k copies over a year, for about $1, that is about $100.000. Which is A LOT more than what I earn per year. And I believe it doesn't take a long time to create a nice live wallpaper. On top of that you can create a bunch of other stuff and earn even more.
So, I wanna know, how hard is it to learn how to create live wallpapers or smaller games/apps for Android platform? Does it work? Is there anything I should know?
I'm currently in the process of learning Android development (apps, compiling ROMs, etc) and I had absolutely no experience in programming before. I've always been a big computer nerd though, so learning programming came pretty easy to me since I had a good understanding of computers and have been using them since a very young age. (I'm now 18)
If you want to learn how to make apps, there are a lot of resources out there to help you learn to write android apps. Here are some of my bookmarks for android apps -
Android App Development Tutorial
Google - Android Training
Some great youtube tutorials
Also if you get serious about it I highly recommend buying a book called Android How to Program. It's a great book and is really helping me gain a much better understanding of the underlying code that makes an app.
Thanks for the input
I'm still looking for the business point of view, as if this is worth doing as side job/part time job..
well, i am also learning how the things work in the android world, and ive made a few soundboards just for testing. But yea its possible i think everyone can think of an app the other thing is to make it. But it looks like everyone is now in the android business and by the time i actually get good with the software and things there might not be a spot for me
TH90 said:
well, i am also learning how the things work in the android world, and ive made a few soundboards just for testing. But yea its possible i think everyone can think of an app the other thing is to make it. But it looks like everyone is now in the android business and by the time i actually get good with the software and things there might not be a spot for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always place for creativity.
Hi Guys,
I am not new here but had to create a new account as i forgot my login details as i gave up a little signing on looking for a rom that was native BT5 for the xoom which was the reason i got it. But i have a question i hope you can answer. Here goes.....
I have a client of mine who has bought a huge supply of Samsung Galaxy SIII and wants me to source a secure software to encrypt everything. I have no idea on who i need to speak to or how to go about it. But basically I need the most current ROM for the SIII, but with some extra features that not only encrypt and secure all connection but also open a few options.
Just so you know there is nothing dodgy about this but my British community live in spain where we are blocked on many english sites for things such as gambling watching online tv e.t.c
Money isn't a problem if i find the right person but i know this isn't the marketplace and so i am not looking from here. I just want your advice on where to look and who is the best person or people to speak to.
I am not a novice but i'm not an expert. I am completely genuine and have no issue giving out my number to chat or anything else that may be required. I just want to find someone who's good and i promise this will benefit most XDA users by the finished product.
All the best Lyndon
Download the sdk and follow a guide on the net, developers here are already overworked....
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Thank you but...
speedyjay said:
Download the sdk and follow a guide on the net, developers here are already overworked....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the fact you replied but it isn't the answer i'm looking for. I'm not necessarily asking for a developer from here just direction on finding one somewhere. The reason I placed it here is I know the developers here work hard and i appreciate that but I have funding that might help the development for the end user and the developers aren't going to be working there butts of for nothing and might enjoy the challenge and the potential earnings.
I know this isn't the place for selling or buying but I could make the right people the money they need to support the next year of development for one or more devices and so i would appreciate productive answers. My strongest still is networking and I get all kinds of requests i don't deal with time wasters or people who deal false hope. So i'm looking for someone with the skills and dedication that could get this done and not a bull answer that is fed to people to keep them quiet.
I agree that developers work hard, I think everyone who downloads something that they want/need that has been developed free should donate and i believe that the developers are skilled individuals that haven't just sat there clicking the start button and have got off the arses and learnt multiple O/S's and mastered terminal/console/CMD while understanding the science of computing. I myself have spent hours watching computer science leasons on itunesU spent time learning PHP,HTML,MYSQL, CompTIA A+,Networking+ & Security+ videos along with ethical hacking courses. I have windows xp,7 & 8, Mint, Backtrack, Snow Leopard & Mountain Lion, Android, Windows Phone & IOS. So i am more than aware of there capabilities and hard work they provide to the majority of people who don't even say thank you and the even fewer people that donate.
But i am not here to ask what do i do to learn it myself, I'm not even asking for someone here to do it, Just where to look to find someone who wants to earn money doing what they do in a time where no-one has work. So please answer constructively.
All the best Lyndon
Im trying to be as helpful as possible but I could sit here and recommend all the developers involved in S3 development because they all do an outstanding job, your best bet is to contact them directly and ask for advice
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ih4x3r said:
I appreciate the fact you replied but it isn't the answer i'm looking for. I'm not necessarily asking for a developer from here just direction on finding one somewhere. The reason I placed it here is I know the developers here work hard and i appreciate that but I have funding that might help the development for the end user and the developers aren't going to be working there butts of for nothing and might enjoy the challenge and the potential earnings.
XDA forum Android Development and hacking worth a try .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it just me, or has there been a decline in the quality of android users since the original G1?
It seems that people are interested in having a custom rom, yet are not interested in doing any of the leg work involved, nor are they interested in understand what rooting, s-off, bootloaders are, etc..
Is this just a side effect of android being more mainstream? Is this what happens when Android starts stealing away Iphone users?
Maedhros said:
Is it just me, or has there been a decline in the quality of android users since the original G1?
It seems that people are interested in having a custom rom, yet are not interested in doing any of the leg work involved, nor are they interested in understand what rooting, s-off, bootloaders are, etc..
Is this just a side effect of android being more mainstream? Is this what happens when Android starts stealing away Iphone users?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's because it's becoming more mainstream. You saw the same thing with Ubuntu taking more space for PC. Linux used to be relatively niche, people who had a certain amount of knowledge would use it, but most casual users would stay away.
It's a bit of a shame for the repetitive questions and having to lead people by the hand, but that also means programmers (apps, roms, kernels, etc etc) will get more interested in Android as it becomes more popular and thus lucrative.
They're just people. Just like you.
The term "quality android user" is a joke and would only come from a place of arrogance. I'm sure whenever any of you "quality android users" try to get service from someone in an area you're not knowledgeable in you're just as annoyingly dense.
"I used android before it was cool"
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda app-developers app
That's what happens when things go mainstream & become popular. But you shouldn't say that people are of less quality. In the real world, people work jobs which take all of their time away from them, have to travel long distances & many hours just to get to & from work, have families to feed & take care of, etc... Many people just plain & simply don't have time in their lives to sit at a computer & spend hours of time trying to learn certain things, which is why they ask for help with things that they don't know. Please keep these things in mind. If you are more knowledgeable than someone, you really should try to politely help them, as opposed to just calling them stupid & of lower quality. We were all there once, & we all walk different paths in life. Life is rough. Be kind & help others, as you'd want them to do for you.
If people don't have time to learn what they are doing then they shouldn't be flashing roms.
Wayne Tech S-III
In my opinion people (Adverage Consumer) are getting these cheap android based Samsung/HTC/Motorola instead of higher quality phones that are actually close to the same price and being influenced by us (Devolper/Modder) and have basically made them able to do it easy.
Sent from my SCH-R950 using xda premium
zelendel said:
If people don't have time to learn what they are doing then they shouldn't be flashing roms.
Wayne Tech S-III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. And when they brick their phone due to incorrectly doing it. They ask a question here. When I or others answer, Some of them reply "We don't have time for all this!, give us a quick-fix!!"
1. It's your problem not ours. We are not forced to help you.
2. If you want a quick fix, remove some money and send it to a repair shop if you can't follow simple instructions.
3. If you don't have the time and knowledge for all this why are you flashing custom kernels and roms?!?
4. We don't mind helping you out, But be humble
zeratos said:
"I used android before it was cool"
Sent from my LG-P500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hipsters... Bah
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
It is true that due to the android os being popular or based in everything it has caused the lazy noobs to increase(quick fixers,complainers,etc) and i guess that is the effect of ppl who just want to show off what they can do with their device other than to assist to build the community up.
I currently obtain and use an Inspire 4G for 2yrs now, but the desire is to contribute as much as i can when i purchase a new device(more mobile apps and even rom development / collabs).
In theory, the more people that join in, the more roms should be developed,tested,and released
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G Unleashed
Recently I've been looking into checking out this online school for Android development. My question is to any and all developers is a school like this worth the time and effort do learn how to develop because it something I'm interested in learning how to do I just don't know if something like this is actually going to benefit me in any way.
sent from my DNA
Well if this is your first time programming then yes. It opens your mind in a new way.... Pay to learn? No. Go and learn java. Then android development will be easy to just pick up. For roms it's much easier to learn just picking apart mods and looking up xda tutorials
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I also had a similar question like this. Right now I'm looking to go into coding and developing as a profession. In my high school I picked my classes for next year and two classes I picked were computer sciences a and b. The course description said learning how to code in Java. So this would help with android? Obviously it will probably be vary basic but I figured it would look good on a college application and what not.
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I believe you need to learn at least Java and C programming language.
This thread has some usefull links http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2056596
This is kind of a big discussion and not as simple as you think.
There are some really important and big concepts you need to know for development of any kind - not just Android:
1. Theories - nearly all programming languages apply the same theories, they just have different syntax.
2. Data structures and algorithms will make you extremely efficient and powerful in coding.
That being said, I started off as a Software Engineer major, only to find out that I really don't care much for core coding - I learned that I loved scripting (Python, LUA, Shell, etc).
Scripting is different because instead of manipulating the core system, you work with what other software engineers have done and code as if you are writing a script for a play. There are SDKs that take advantage of scripting such as Corona SDK.
Either way, the best way to go (IMHO):
1. C programming
2. Python
3. C++
4. Data Structures and Algorithms
5. Java and or what ever other language you want to learn.
most online/regular universities will teach along this schedule I believe. Best of luck to you! I hope this helped a little.
Python won't help them at all with android
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Dri94 said:
Python won't help them at all with android
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe not directly, but if he's learning how to program from scratch, python is a gentle way to get introduced to OOP and other programming concepts useful for java.
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Eriknors, so is the info helpful? I can't wait for your new pron app with one-legged women.
wakkadojo said:
Maybe not directly, but if he's learning how to program from scratch, python is a gentle way to get introduced to OOP and other programming concepts useful for java.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW which is wearing a chastity belt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly it'd be easier to just start with java. The basics are pretty simple to understand and there are great tutorials for it.
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orangechoochoo said:
Eriknors, so is the info helpful? I can't wait for your new pron app with one-legged women.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I'm still not clear as where to start. C programming, C++ isn't that the same thing? I've d/l an introduction to C++ but I feel like a guy who can't read walking into a library with this stuff. As much as I wanna learn android developing it seems like all I can find on all these topics throws u into the pool with no floaties and expects you to just know how to swim.
I've always thought I've been pretty knowledgeable on android aside from the whole developing aspect. I'm always the go to guy when it comes to an issue with my friends phones eg: rooting or trouble shooting. But after trying to see what all goes into developing I feel like they must feel when they ask me questions.
sent from my DNA
eriknors said:
Honestly I'm still not clear as where to start. C programming, C++ isn't that the same thing? I've d/l an introduction to C++ but I feel like a guy who can't read walking into a library with this stuff. As much as I wanna learn android developing it seems like all I can find on all these topics throws u into the pool with no floaties and expects you to just know how to swim.
I've always thought I've been pretty knowledgeable on android aside from the whole developing aspect. I'm always the go to guy when it comes to an issue with my friends phones eg: rooting or trouble shooting. But after trying to see what all goes into developing I feel like they must feel when they ask me questions.
sent from my DNA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start with java. Simple as that. Java is an easy language. It's what android is based off of. Don't worry about c for now. There are many java lessons online for free also. Download eclipse as the ide. It's great for beginners and explains things for you when a problem arises which helps alot
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Hey, i'm a cs student so in my opinon the order of language is best if you learn.
1. Intro to programing aka Intro to Computer Science (with C++ or python)
2. Data Structures (with C++ or python)
3. Object Oriented Programing (withJava)
3.5 learn some java api for Android
If you are really willing to learn by yourself, MIT puts up it's lectures so you can follow along and maybe post questions on a forum for learners?
open course ware(free mit lectures): http://goo.gl/BXpY
good luck!
atishpatel2012 said:
Hey, i'm a cs student so in my opinon the order of language is best if you learn.
1/2. C++/python (i just did C++ but i understood it really easily so i stuck with it. (just now learning python))
3. Java
If you are really willing to learn by yourself, MIT puts up it's lectures so you can follow along and maybe post questions on a forum for learners?
open course ware(free mit lectures): http://goo.gl/BXpY
good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both one and two don't pertain to android however
*source, im cs student also
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Dri94 said:
Both one and two don't pertain to android however
*source, im cs student also
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Click to collapse
Yes they don't pertain to android but learning java from point 0 does not really help understand programing really well. 1/2 help people understand basics of programing then taking something like data structures helps learn more strategies to make program efficient. After you have those steps covered, learning about objects makes sense. You shouldn't start learning about objects off the start because then you'd be like wtf i'm lost or not know exactly what you are doing. correct? Java also doesn't let the user know anything about memory. if i'm not correct then i guess a lot of colleges need to rethink the way they teach cs eh?
but thank you. I will edit my post to include data structures.
atishpatel2012 said:
Yes they don't pertain to android but learning java from point 0 does not really help understand programing really well. 1/2 help people understand basics of programing then taking something like data structures helps learn more strategies to make program efficient. After you have those steps covered, learning about objects makes sense. You shouldn't start learning about objects off the start because then you'd be like wtf i'm lost or not know exactly what you are doing. correct? Java also doesn't let the user know anything about memory. if i'm not correct then i guess a lot of colleges need to rethink the way they teach cs eh?
but thank you. I will edit my post to include data structures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1, teaching someone programming for cs is completely different than teaching someone who just wants to program android apps.
2, in the past couple of years a lot of colleges have started teaching java first, because it is actually a good starting point.
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Bigandrewgold said:
1, teaching someone programming for cs is completely different than teaching someone who just wants to program android apps.
2, in the past couple of years a lot of colleges have started teaching java first, because it is actually a good starting point.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine included. Data structures is actually sophomore year for us. We learn java for a year first, making our own data typesn such
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Bigandrewgold said:
1, teaching someone programming for cs is completely different than teaching someone who just wants to program android apps.
2, in the past couple of years a lot of colleges have started teaching java first, because it is actually a good starting point.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my teachers debated on why that was and wasn't a good option..and the first thing that pops up is java takes care of way too many things. if you do that, the people who learn from java get super confused when they go to other language. Its the same reason beginners don't use IDEs like eclipse because it does half the work for you... also teaching someone cs makes them a much better programer...and the first two courses are basically for most engineers...and for people learning coding...
think about it. you start with basic coding like loops..then you are like what now? what if i want a big program that is fast and memory efficient when dealing with bigger data...well you need data structures...okay cool now what? i can make a program that will run once or so and process information...well what if i want to write a giant program that has multiple things happening independent of the other.
well objects would be cool cause they can hold their own information...object oriented programing bam...now i can basically make any program/app with those skills if you try (i guess AI would be hard but thats a higher level CS topic)
if you just know java and Android's api, its not going to help you build your own program...syntax isn't everything
btw i'm not being sassy or mad. i really enjoy this debate
atishpatel2012 said:
Yes, my teachers debated on why that was and wasn't a good option..and the first thing that pops up is java takes care of way too many things. if you do that, the people who learn from java get super confused when they go to other language. Its the same reason beginners don't use IDEs like eclipse because it does half the work for you... also teaching someone cs makes them a much better programer...and the first two courses are basically for most engineers...and for people learning coding...
think about it. you start with basic coding like loops..then you are like what now? what if i want a big program that is fast and memory efficient when dealing with bigger data...well you need data structures...okay cool now what? i can make a program that will run once or so and process information...well what if i want to write a giant program that has multiple things happening independent of the other.
well objects would be cool cause they can hold their own information...object oriented programing bam...now i can basically make any program/app with those skills if you try (i guess AI would be hard but thats a higher level CS topic)
if you just know java and Android's api, its not going to help you build your own program...syntax isn't everything
btw i'm not being sassy or mad. i really enjoy this debate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cs would definitely be better if he was trying to code graphic intense or heavy programs. But most likely he will start basic. I liked starting with eclipse because the program kept me from making those really simple mistakes that take hours to find (forgetting a closing parentheses and such... <-- see what i did there lol .. But no really. Learning methods and how to build data types isn't that hard either. May be confusing at first glance but princeton has there book online and so is the complete FIT java 1002 course. Which teaches all the concepts like recursion, bubble sort, selection sort n more... While i do recommend he learn data structures. I think that those who can't handle jumping into java aren't going to be great jumping in cs later in the courses.... Lol no worries i like debates too
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Dri94 said:
Cs would definitely be better if he was trying to code graphic intense or heavy programs. But most likely he will start basic. I liked starting with eclipse because the program kept me from making those really simple mistakes that take hours to find (forgetting a closing parentheses and such... <-- see what i did there lol .. But no really. Learning methods and how to build data types isn't that hard either. May be confusing at first glance but princeton has there book online and so is the complete FIT java 1002 course. Which teaches all the concepts like recursion, bubble sort, selection sort n more... While i do recommend he learn data structures. I think that those who can't handle jumping into java aren't going to be great jumping in cs later in the courses.... Lol no worries i like debates too
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see what you did there
Not using IDEs is part of the experience of learning! using text based editor that highlights stuff would be much better...think about it like teaching kids multiplication with calculators when they first learn. its not good. when they to something they need to do mental math in, they suck at it. Your intro class should probably not use an IDE in my opinion. You are correct if the op just wants to make a simple app once or twice, but i assumed the op actually wanted to learn programing and making good apps. I guess we'd need the op to clarify. I don't agree with you on the java statement. If you want to get a deeper understanding of what java does behind the scenes, you need to know about pointers and classes and objects beforehand. Yes you can just try to learn java and do stuff other people do and try to modify things, but if you don't want to waste a bunch of time getting frustrated and settling for lesser things because you don't understand how things work in the language, you can just go for java as first language...I guess our debate is moot unless we know what the op is looking for. proper programing or some dirty programing to use for a smaller task. i'm curious. did you find it hard to get into c++ if you learned java first? i'd think most people would get annoyed cause java takes care of so much even though it is bytecode thus slower.
btw i'm ironically in my java class right now xD
Your best bet is to go beyond that. Anyone can make a rom, build a kernel, or even a AOSP build. Tons and tons of people build new kernels for their home boxes every day. It just takes time to learn how to deal with the compiling errors, and fix the bugs in your new kernel. Anyone that can use winzip can build a rom.
What we need are people with the skills to tear down locked devices and make them unlockable.