Develop Bugs

[REQ] Timetable program that's finger friendly

Hi guys,
Unfortunately it's that time of the year again where students go back to their universities and begin the process of temporarily absorbing material so that they can pass exams in order to get a piece of paper (Certificate) =P.
I have been looking for a program that will list all of my lectures/tutorials in a way that will integrate with TF3D, but unfortunately, most of the programs do more than I need and don't really look nice. I don't want to use the Home Screen for this because it would be too cluttered, and I don't want to use the Calendar for this because I want to reserve this for important/once-off events.
I am wondering if anybody would be willing to make me/teach me how to make a program that will simply list all of my lectures/tutorials for the day? Ideally it will be accessed through an additional tab in TF3D (using Singh's 15 tabs? or something else?). I am thinking that the list will give the subject name/title, location and time details. There is no need for things like assignments, due dates, etc, as this can be done through Calendar. Preferably this program will also be finger-friendly!
Is there something I can use to program it myself (I have basically no programming experience)? Or is someone able/willing to help me? I am willing to help out with the interface.
I think that this may be a relatively simple program to write, but I have no idea how to do it. Or is there something out there that does this already? I have searched the forums for "timetable", and also Google for "timetable windows mobile app", but nothing seems to suit.
Thanks guys!

Okay, by the number of views on this thread, I can probably guess that this is something that people are interested in...
...but nobody seems to know how/interested in doing it =S.
I am also thinking that this can be expanded into other uses, say, a To-Do list that's available at a glance, or a shopping list. I think it would be look best if it looked like the other TF3D tabs, both icon-wise as well as the theme wise (ie: see-through/big entries/smooth scrolling).
If anyone is willing to point me in the direction of how to make an app like this, I am more than willing to give it a shot. I only have a basic understanding of Visual Basic (from high school, lol ). But I can give it a shot.
Can someone point me in the direction of how to make this app? Or better yet, do it for me?
My bad about the double-post, but nobody seems to want to post!

Windows Mobile Soundboard apps?

Hey noticed that Android is full of those simple soundboard apps which seem to be very popular at least among the younger generation. I started coding one in visual studio but am having a few problems with the code. To any winmo developers out there I have a few questions.
1) I assume the easiest way is to have all the sound files loaded as linked resources not embedded.
2) how do you access the embedded resources? for the path I just used ../Resourcs/filename.pcm and it was built fine but I recieved an error at runtime.
Basically I just want to have a series of buttons which each play a sound and a button on the bottom which stops all sounds. Seems simple enough or at least I thought. Any code examples other than the MSDN ones would be appreciated. The MSDN ones seemed to be more complicated than what was needed. Thanks in advance!
-Dave
Edit: forgot to mention this is in C#

Yeah I have been looking for something like this too, I have even thought of learning to program one as well

Try hermssoftware and look for isound, i use it and added my own themes, but i haven't figured out how to label the buttons.

Thanks!
I am really looking for more input on how to get my code to work as I'm more interested in creating my own than just having soundboards on my phone.

[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.
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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.

[XDA-TV SOURCE CODE] WP7: JSON & BINDING (Episode 3)

The video is up today if you'd like to follow along, otherwise download the source and learn how to use a JSON API and Bind Controls and use Static Resources, GZip Requests vs WebClient and how to easily make a Panorama App.
Questions? Want to see a certain thing created? Tell me!

Please put a direct link for this in the video, it is not obvious where to search for it, and vice versa.
Also I have some comments for your video:
I really really dislike that you call your variables stuff like TheSource rather than describing the variable with what the actual source is. So if it is a Source with Friends, I would call it FriendSource.
You also have other bad and inconsistent naming conventions throughout your sample.
You also assume a lot of things in your video when explaining things. Such as the viewer knows what the data contract is that you are using and how you generated it, or from where you found out what properties it had to contain. You also didn't really explained what the Data Contract deserialization did, which can be very confusing to people and they would probably think: "What is this black magic?!".
Though I don't necessary think that stuff like this should be a part of the video, otherwise it would be super long, but it would not hurt posting links to where to find more information about these things. These things are not as obvious to new developers as they are to you.
This might seem as a lot of criticism, but you are doing better and better on the videos!

Thanks for this. Im writing a few json apps will no doubt help me with best practice

WP7: JSON & BINDING (Episode 3)
http://www.xda-developers.com/windo...art-3-oauth-tokens-and-json-xda-developer-tv/

Cheesebaron said:
Please put a direct link for this in the video, it is not obvious where to search for it, and vice versa.
Also I have some comments for your video:
I really really dislike that you call your variables stuff like TheSource rather than describing the variable with what the actual source is. So if it is a Source with Friends, I would call it FriendSource.
You also have other bad and inconsistent naming conventions throughout your sample.
You also assume a lot of things in your video when explaining things. Such as the viewer knows what the data contract is that you are using and how you generated it, or from where you found out what properties it had to contain. You also didn't really explained what the Data Contract deserialization did, which can be very confusing to people and they would probably think: "What is this black magic?!".
Though I don't necessary think that stuff like this should be a part of the video, otherwise it would be super long, but it would not hurt posting links to where to find more information about these things. These things are not as obvious to new developers as they are to you.
This might seem as a lot of criticism, but you are doing better and better on the videos!
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Hello
I would first like to thank you for your feedback and appreciate your suggestions and will definitely take note and ensure I am more specific on strings and item controls. Our next video was actually on how to make Classes for your JSON API (except now it's on Maps/Nokia Drive + New WP Apps/News) but I get maybe 8 Mins for actual video, 30s for Intro and max ideally 10Min for the whole video. So, can't put everything in, I wish but I will surely alert everyone if they don't know how to do it to visit a specific site or wait for the next video. I will definitely keep these items in mind.
As for my videos, that's nice of you to say. We're actually going to be throwing in stuff besides programming & review our forums WP Apps and talk about them as well as any news like the others with Android. If you have any suggestions, happy to hear them and give you credit.
Thank you again for all the feedback!
- Lance

meandu229 said:
Thanks for this. Im writing a few json apps will no doubt help me with best practice
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I am so happy to hear that! That's great to hear. One more video coming around JSON actually, might be even more helpful to you.
Keep me informed about your App, I would also like to talk about it when you're done.
- Lance

Help/Guidance on Expanding Knowledge of C#

I've been taking some classes in C# programming at my University. I'm trying to attain a Computer Science degree and I feel like I've not learned much but a mild foundation for what I can do with C# programming and would like to expand my knowledge, little by little. I feel as though I have a pretty firm grasp on the basics and would love an experienced hand guiding me in the right direction towards getting me better ready for the job market after college. I'm currently applying for internships and would like to be well prepared.

Detayl said:
I've been taking some classes in C# programming at my University. I'm trying to attain a Computer Science degree and I feel like I've not learned much but a mild foundation for what I can do with C# programming and would like to expand my knowledge, little by little. I feel as though I have a pretty firm grasp on the basics and would love an experienced hand guiding me in the right direction towards getting me better ready for the job market after college. I'm currently applying for internships and would like to be well prepared.
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Click to collapse
The best way is to simply use it as much as possible and challenge yourself. I've been working as a developer for nearly 20 years and I'm always finding new things that I don't know how to do. Learning to search effectively is probably the best skill any new developer should hone.
If I were you I'd start out with something not too difficult, like a simple text editor application (make your own version of notepad!) That will give you some basic skills like simple UI design (menus, controls anchored to the form etc.), file reading/writing (good exposure to streams unless you use the quick and easy methods). It's just a general basic all-rounder. Then expand on it - make it so the pages open in tabs. That will teach you about collections (the tab pages, in this instance) or MDI child windows.
There are some great resources available online, but I'll always suggest Stack Overflow. If you don't know it then google it. It's part of the "Stack Exchange" collection of Q&A sites and is probably the most reliable place on the web for programming answers.
Basically, don't try and learn it so you can do it. Do it so you can learn it.
I hope this helps - good luck, and most of all, have fun!

Archer said:
The best way is to simply use it as much as possible and challenge yourself. I've been working as a developer for nearly 20 years and I'm always finding new things that I don't know how to do. Learning to search effectively is probably the best skill any new developer should hone.
If I were you I'd start out with something not too difficult, like a simple text editor application (make your own version of notepad!) That will give you some basic skills like simple UI design (menus, controls anchored to the form etc.), file reading/writing (good exposure to streams unless you use the quick and easy methods). It's just a general basic all-rounder. Then expand on it - make it so the pages open in tabs. That will teach you about collections (the tab pages, in this instance) or MDI child windows.
There are some great resources available online, but I'll always suggest Stack Overflow. If you don't know it then google it. It's part of the "Stack Exchange" collection of Q&A sites and is probably the most reliable place on the web for programming answers.
Basically, don't try and learn it so you can do it. Do it so you can learn it.
I hope this helps - good luck, and most of all, have fun!
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Click to collapse
Thanks! I was just thinking of making this my first project as well. I've done some random things such as a Base10 to Hexadecimal generator, in both the console and WPF. I was thinking this might be a good project as well. I just don't like the fact my school hasn't asked too much of us, but from what I've read that's common. I just want to be prepared to enter the job market so that I may hone my skills. I guess I'll get working on researching what the basic requirements of a text editor is, and how to start saving/opening/creating .txt files.