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Android application developer Guides (for Dummies!)

Hi all,
I created this thread to collect informations, suggestions and links for who want to start learning developing android applications, whitout being an expert developer.
I like programming (vb6, vb.net ) but I don't know anything about android and linux, and just a little about java... Now I bought an Hero and I met android world... I downladed Eclipse IDE, Android SDK and I starded with dev guide on SDK... I just take a look to helloandorid application... it works! and now? In the xml layout seems easy to add View like buttons or text... but how can I handle to the user actions like the button click? in vb is simple to manage the buttonpressed event...!
If someone knows some simple guides about java, eclipse and android, please let links on this thread!
Thank you!

This one's awesome for learning how to create widgets:
http://nm-blog.sanid.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/android_howto-hellowidget.pdf
here are some other resources you could easily find by using google search:
http://www.helloandroid.com/tutorials
http://nexsoftware.net/wp/2009/07/29/tutorial-creating-a-custom-analogclock-widget/
http://www.anddev.org/index.php
Other than that, just start from the simplest Hello World -examples on Google's own Android site.

I'm going to start leurning Android programming
If ill find nice links i will post them here. Is there btw a way to program inside visual studio? Cuz all tutorials on the net are using eclipse.

You'll need to use Eclipse to my knowledge as its all Java based. The other alternatives are the IntelliJ plugin and doing it all from Command line/Text Editor.
Back to the Topic, I'm just trying my hand at a little Android development this week too, the tutorials and manuals at developer.android.com have been great!

Another thing, while I remember, if you've done any sort of .NET/ASP.NET development before you should find it a breeze, apart from the lack of Visual Studio (best IDE that ever was), they're VERY similar compared to some other languages/technologies I've used.

HeY Furios, Im new to android dev also, so if you don't mind, I would like to follow you and share any info I find with you and to whom ever else would like any info...Thanx

SDK 2.1
Hi Guys,
I went onto the SE developer site and got he x10 SDK, but it only gives me the choice for a 1.6 virtual Machine. Is there another place that I have to go to get the SDK for 2.1?
Thanks.

It would be cool to learn how to develop roms as well...or is that much deeper?

Well guy's start here on this thread first >>>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667298

Made me think

need minor help!
im actually developing a few games, but im running into some seemingly basic issues, that i seem i cannot get to work. basically a button mash game, single/multi player, well on multi player i cannot for my life get the multi player functions to work, as in in the end the game already knows who the winner is based on an integer score, then it is supposed to use an sqlite database to take the highest scored player such as P1 or P2 and allow them to input there name to be permanently displayed. it cannot seem to differentiate using IF statements, but the feature does work with single player flawlessly, i may link source code if asked, TY

[Q] Windows Desktop Programs/Games to Windows Mobile?

Took a look back for a few pages, and did a couple quick searches. Didn't quite find enough info.
I am wondering the best approach to take when converting a program to be compatible with and run on windows mobile.
I don't currently know any languages so, I would have to start learning from the beginning.
Thanks for any info

from the little I know about programming, the way an application (or games) works on windows is nothing similar to the way a program runs on windows mobile, so you would actually need to start from scratch... There are however some tools to make the job easier with older programs, like Dosbox... but I don't know if it's what you want.
The most amazing think for me is that, out os 61 views on this topic, the only person that bother to answer is NOT a developer (me)

Convert app? Impossible. With source code it is possible, if you adjust UI to fit the screen and get over some limitations and many other things.
Good is .NET on this, because if you install .NET CF on your PC, you can run apps built for winmo directly on your PC. Only issue is when it tries using other than normal libraries from GAC and tries using InterOp. That library would have to be recompiled for win32, rather wince-arm (back to 1st part). The same, the app has to be made that it is compatible with both file paths - remember that WinMo doesn't use C:\Windows but \Windows etc. And .NET CF is highly limited compared to desktop version.

Thanks for the replies.
I'm not looking for a simple way to convert programs as I'm sure it is impossible. I'm expecting to have to pretty much start from ground up.
I've seen some games such as Pocket Diablo(some others here http://www.jamesbeckingham.com.au/Default.aspx) as well as Starcraft that someone here was working on.
But I'm just wondering the best approach to do work like these guys. As there are some games I would like to bring to mobile.

These games work pretty much that people make the engine from scratch, with many hours in disassemblers, hexeditors etc they find out how does the engine load graphics from those huge files etc and they add it to their engine. Usually.

Its possible... but often more work than it is worth
OndraSter said:
These games work pretty much that people make the engine from scratch, with many hours in disassemblers, hexeditors etc they find out how does the engine load graphics from those huge files etc and they add it to their engine. Usually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. The hours put in to "porting" these apps to windows mobile is often close to the work it would take to make the game from scratch. So if you are not familiar with coding, disassembling code is far outside your scope. However, when finished, these games have more of an original feel, but often work less effective. This is due to the translation of using mouse clicks to touch input. Games such as diablo rely heavily on having two mice buttons to click. A total remake would be less like the original but might compensate for the new control scheme.
Both ways are possible, but they are both also complicated and involve a great deal of work. Not to mention how unhappy blizzard is with people using their artwork, even if the game is absolutely free.

Sorry but, none of you are really being helpful..
I do not expect this to be easy. I am expecting it to be a long process, and telling me something that I already know over and over doesn't help me get started. I've already said that I expect to probably have to rebuild these from ground up..
I know what is ahead of me and want to do this stuff, other wise I wouldn't be asking.
So if anyone knows the process or at least where I could get started. Please let me know. Otherwise I'll just start with Java then C# until I find my own way into doing this.

From personal experience of porting a game ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717274 ), it will take awhile. Here is the process I used when making the game:
1) Collect image resources if any are possible to be used.
2) Research what kind of engines to use. I made the mistake of trying to use the basic image function in C#.net, which was a waste of time. Then I switched to GDI+ and haven't had any problems since.
3) Make a list of things you want to do on the program. From the required things to the extra fancy features. Sounds are extra features.
4) Prototype A LOT. Find what you want to accomplish, break its parts down into basic actions, then prototype of how to do that action.
As a language to start with, I personally recommend C#.net because its easy to use. It doesn't have the speed of C++, but it does have the #region/ #endregion functions which have helped me ENORMOUSLY with writing code. The region code can be minimized. With 2000+ lines of code per class and about 20 classes, minimizing code makes moving around easier.
Check the XDA boards or search online if your lost. If you need more help on porting code or making functions to do specific actions, message me and I'll gladly help.

<Dev help plz> looking to get into developing stuff...tips?

Hi, I have experience programming in Java and c/c++ and was looking at getting into programming some apps or even helping on on some roms and finally start helping out around the EVO community. I just need a little help getting started. I have eclipse and such set up, but does anyone have any tips or tutorials that might help. (Yes, I have searched Google). Maybe alittle insight in to somethings that I may run into. I want to create apps and games that will be helpful to the community. Thanks

I don't know if it would help but there is an android 'chef' section here on xda:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=613
and this thread seems to have a few resources for getting started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=697938

Have you run through the tutorials and read all the documentation on developer.android.com? The "Dev Guide" and the "Resources" tabs are a good place to start, as is just reading through the javadocs for the API. If you're already a Java programmer, you know the code semantics already. It's just a question of understanding the Android concepts. Not to say that's trivial, but the foundation of the language is Java, which means knowing it gives you a head start.

Do a search On xda site for "everything android" its a huge file I put together that includes lots of needed tools and setup files for cooking roms and building apps. It also has a guide with links to the sites where I got the tools from. That should help. Just remember it's for windows and I recommend downloading to ur computer not ur phone cause its over a gig in size

Papa Smurf151 said:
Do a search On xda site for "everything android" its a huge file I put together that includes lots of needed tools and setup files for cooking roms and building apps. It also has a guide with links to the sites where I got the tools from. That should help. Just remember it's for windows and I recommend downloading to ur computer not ur phone cause its over a gig in size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, for that. I looked around the forum but prob would of had a real hard time finding that.

If you are more comfortable with the .net framework, get MonoDroid. C# programming for android. You just need a copy of visual studio 2010, thank god for the free ultimate version I got from school. I haven't messed around with it a lot yet but there is no visual representation of the screen or adding strings like in Eclipse but I like C# more than Java so I'll use this more often than not
Sent from my Evo powered by MIUI

Comrade P said:
If you are more comfortable with the .net framework, get MonoDroid. C# programming for android. You just need a copy of visual studio 2010, thank god for the free ultimate version I got from school. I haven't messed around with it a lot yet but there is no visual representation of the screen or adding strings like in Eclipse but I like C# more than Java so I'll use this more often than not
Sent from my Evo powered by MIUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have visual studio 2010 ultimate as well from my school. I haven't ever worked with c# but i cant imagine that its much more different from C/C++. Just some different ways of calling/naming things

Exactly. I like it a lot more than Java. Can't really explain it. Just test both of them out and see which you prefer.

[Q] What exactly do I need to develop for the Android platform?

I'm sure things will sail smoothly once I can just get to the programming environment... thing is, that's a trial in itself.
From what I gather, all I'll need is the SDK+ADT plugin for Eclipse... and Eclipse Helios.
...yet they don't exactly make it clear cut as to which of all this stuff I actually need to have a compatible Helios.

Depends on what you want to develop
ROMs? Kernels? Apps/Games?
I'm trying my hand at Unity 3D (program used on Shadowgun). Looks simple enough but is hard as hell to get anything working. Most I could do is a couple of platforms and a stationary character :S
I'll upload the APK and you can have a look. Its nothing special though. I'm gonna try and do some more work on it though and get a working build done
Im hopeless at using Winrar so its 2 seperate Rar files. Unpack first one then unpack second one when prompted.

CTU_Loscombe said:
Depends on what you want to develop
ROMs? Kernels? Apps/Games?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps/Games.

Eclipse is a modular IDE, with lots of plugins to develop in many different languages. You can download any of those packages, since you'll have to download the Android ADT Plugin as an external repository later anyways. Thing is, those prepackaged Eclipse installers set you up with the latest kit for your platform of choice so you can start coding. It would be little wonder if they added an "Eclipse for Android Developers" in the future.
Btw the latest Eclipse, which is the one you're downloading from the Eclipse website, is Eclipse Indigo. Beware that Eclipse is a huge beast, it needs lots of resources and the interface is quite a bit convoluted.
Swypesation

TLRtheory said:
Apps/Games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For games I'd say Unity but its quite expensive. I torrented it for testing purposes as i know Im never gonna make anything that works.
Eclipse is good for app development providing you are good at Java
http://www.appinventor.mit.edu/
This is a good little tool to mess about with as well. Allows you to make apps within your browser

Logseman said:
Eclipse is a modular IDE, with lots of plugins to develop in many different languages. You can download any of those packages, since you'll have to download the Android ADT Plugin as an external repository later anyways. Thing is, those prepackaged Eclipse installers set you up with the latest kit for your platform of choice so you can start coding. It would be little wonder if they added an "Eclipse for Android Developers" in the future.
Btw the latest Eclipse, which is the one you're downloading from the Eclipse website, is Eclipse Indigo. Beware that Eclipse is a huge beast, it needs lots of resources and the interface is quite a bit convoluted.
Swypesation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Convoluted" seems to be a good overall word to describe this whole experience.
When I can't just easily get to a programming environment, they should have a more direct option.

hopes of being a dev.

Ok so here goes I'm sure some will laugh at this and others will tell me to search, but I am fully aware of how things work here and I have done alot of reading and searching. Now I'm looking for a devs perspective and maybe some advice. I am building an ubuntu pc system for development. I have always used windows and have been playing with jdk and smali me. If there are any devs out there willing to teach a new dog old tricks I would be very open to suggestions. What programs do you guys use? Is ubuntu the best route to go? I have done a few searches and tried android developement tools but so far had best luck with apk tools and windows cmd shell. Anyways if willing I would appreciate any help. Btw nothing I make will be posted here until thoroughly tested my phone first.

Not a Dev, but the few Andriod Devs I know on Linux use Eclipse. I'm sure others will give you different suggestions. It's one of things you ask 4 people and get 5 answers. I prefer Linux Mint to Ubuntu since:
1) I like the interface better (Cinnamon FTW)
2) It seems to be a bit more end-user ready out of the box.
3) It seems like it tends to have fewer major bugs than Ubuntu. YMMV
4) The community is quite helpful and usually pretty patient. Also, most of the Ubuntu fixes and tricks work in Mint.
Try both and see which one you like. You can test them as much as you want before you ever commit to one.