[Q] How powerful is App Inventor? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Does being simple mean it may loose some abilities?​why do some people still use Eclipse if both programs can do the same thing?
is eclipse more advanced?
Thanks in advance :cyclops:​

MR.zero said:
Does being simple mean it may loose some abilities?​why do some people still use Eclipse if both programs can do the same thing?
is eclipse more advanced?
Thanks in advance :cyclops:​
Click to expand...
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App inventor is good for easy programming of simple apps but cannot do much of what can be done in java (using eclipse which is a development environment, or ide, for it) or by using alternate languages like Basic4android.
You won't, for example, be able to create a game like dead space or nova 3 in appinventor, nor an app such as songify or flipboard its not advanced enough. But it is good and was my first avenue of android programming.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

As said above, it is a lot more basic and simplistic that other methods of creating apps. It's a lot easier to learn and within a few hours most people who are somewhat adept with computers should be able to make an app or two. But you won't be able to create an app of the same calibre as the "big name" apps, you won't be able to create games with decent graphics or whatever.
If you're just learning, it's a great tool to start with. Then maybe move on to basic4android, it seems to be quite powerful while still remaining simple (I haven't used it personally, but it looks good). If you want to create really great apps, you're probably going to eventually need to move to apps made with the NDK, written in C++ (I think you still need to use a little Java as well).

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[Q] learning how to develop apps

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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!

Some good apps to have?

What are some good apps to have for dev purposes or networking purposes? Is there something out there like aircrack-ng? (I know its probably not practical but just wondering.) Some java but I'm certainly still a newb.
Android apps are written in java code throw in with a few other things right ? So if your smart enough to understand aircrack-ng than it should be easy to learn android application programming...my best suggestion,get on google and look it up or market,there are tools on market for wifi type hacks but I'm not sure if there actual hacks probably just informational statistics you might need if your trying to break a key
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shouldnt this be in the themes and app section?
Sorry! Still getting used to the forum and where thing's go :/

How to develop an application for Android?

I want to develop a new sms application for Android that suits my needs without all the extra stuff I don't need..
But where do I start, and is it difficult to get it done?
Questions should be asked in Q&A forums, not Development forums.
Thread moved.
svortevik said:
I want to develop a new sms application for Android that suits my needs without all the extra stuff I don't need..
But where do I start, and is it difficult to get it done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a concept it shouldn't be ultra hard to develop, but it all depends how complex you want this sms application to be. As far as how hard it would be to develop such a application depends on your programming expertise. If you have never programmed anything before it's still manageable but it would take a lot of time and effort. Still take a look at some of these links that can hopefully get you started.
Basic Java Programming Tutorials
Android Development Tutorials
Building Your First App
Good luck
Tasker (when run on GB or later) now comes with App factory, which allows you to conver tasker projects to Apps (no copyright problems... tasker allows you to do whatever you want with those created Apps, just mention tasker in your credits).
Seems like one of the easier options to me for developing simple applications for someone starting completely from scratch.
(I'm not a developer, take it fwiw).

[Q] As a complete noob to coding and Android development (could use some advice)

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.
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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

[Q] Where/How to start devoleping?

For awhile now I've wanted to start getting into coding/development.. I want to make apps for Android, but I don't know where to start, or how I would go about learning. I currently use Code Academy to get the basics down, but I was wondering if anyone could actually help me get going?
(Also sorry if I posted in the wrong area. I'm kinda new to the whole forum thing)
WickedWireZ said:
For awhile now I've wanted to start getting into coding/development.. I want to make apps for Android, but I don't know where to start, or how I would go about learning. I currently use Code Academy to get the basics down, but I was wondering if anyone could actually help me get going?
(Also sorry if I posted in the wrong area. I'm kinda new to the whole forum thing)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to develop apps for Android you will need a good understanding of Java. Since it sounds like you have some previous programming experience from Code Academy (I used there Python track as a basis for learning Python and it was great), I would recommend checking out this great free course from Udemy, (Free and material is self paced) on the basics of Java development. To move on to Android then I would recommend checking out the official Android developer training and documentation. Also XDA's app development forum section has a wealth of information for Android app development. Let me know if you still have questions.
shimp208 said:
In order to develop apps for Android you will need a good understanding of Java. Since it sounds like you have some previous programming experience from Code Academy (I used there Python track as a basis for learning Python and it was great), I would recommend checking out this great free course from Udemy, (Free and material is self paced) on the basics of Java development. To move on to Android then I would recommend checking out the official Android developer training and documentation. Also XDA's app development forum section has a wealth of information for Android app development. Let me know if you still have questions.
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Thanks your advice is much appreciated I'll go check this stuff out right now!

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