I am a long-term tech enthusiast. I have extensive experience in IT including networking and have a Cisco certification. I was into IT and web development when I was just 13. I'd like to get into development for Droid and do have some basic Linux experience originating several years back in Apache and other systems administration. I've been doing some reading but would like to hear it from the horses mouth. From a developer, what would you recommend I read and learn for Android development, kernels, hacking, etc. ? I'd like to participate in ROM's development, kernels, apps, tweak, tutorials, etc. I'm new to Android so I'm fairly n00b in my own right.
I have learned a metric ****ton just by searching the archives around here
Doward said:
I have learned a metric ****ton just by searching the archives around here
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Click to collapse
classic lol.
I really don't think there is an Android Development manual laying around. I highly doubt many people here took a linux-specific class or anything. Just from searching the forums, different web write-ups, etc.
I would say learn Java...big advantage knowing this for sure.
i agree for apps you will want to start with java. I have nto done much in kernels etc so am not sure what a good starting place is for them but for reading the code and making apps etc start with Java then learn the additional android functions etc.
SysFailure0x5a said:
I am a long-term tech enthusiast. I have extensive experience in IT including networking and have a Cisco certification. I was into IT and web development when I was just 13. I'd like to get into development for Droid and do have some basic Linux experience originating several years back in Apache and other systems administration. I've been doing some reading but would like to hear it from the horses mouth. From a developer, what would you recommend I read and learn for Android development, kernels, hacking, etc. ?
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Click to collapse
I'm just like you sys. Would really like to start getting into development for the android.
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Personally I know nothing of this myself but I would have to trust cyanogen this whole area. Here is what I've been looking at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667298 seems to me to be the place to start.
Can some some one point me to the right way and what do I need to know in term of computer language.?
Sent from my HTC-HD2 using Board Express
Check out http://create.msdn.com - it has everything you'll need to get started.
As for knowledge, it really depends on the app you're wanting to develop. If you can get away with using data already available on the net, with little to no processing needed, you can really build the UI in Blend without any programming experience what so ever. Sure, you'll need to wire up some events for buttons and what not, but even this is almost automatic.
If you do need to process the data before using it you should have at least a minimum knowledge of programming though. It really doesn't matter what language, but C# is what's used for WP7 (you can also use VB, but I don't think many do).
Just to point out that C# is almost identical to Java.
You can download WP7 SDK and free Visual Studio editions from Microsoft to start making WP7 apps. Normal apps are written using .NET (you can pick C#, VB.NET or Managed C++) as SilverLight app. Games are also written in .NET but on XNA framework. There maybe additional charges for XNA framework.
The SDK should come with a WP7 emulator software. That's where you spend your time debug and play with your app. In order to load the app to your phone, you will need to pay Microsoft $99/year to open a dev account so that you can pushlish the app to market or setup your phone as a dev phone so that you can load your own apps directly to the phone.
Or you can go jailbreak route and sideload apps that way.
Thanks, m a rookie when it comes to this. i just started to take c++. anyways everyone start with no knowledge right.
brummiesteven said:
Just to point out that C# is almost identical to Java.
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I maybe should have elaborated on this, at least I intended to
Anyways, Java is generally a learners language, you'll find it quite easy to learn as there are lots of tutorials etc on the internet. If you were to ever study computer science you'd also do java
So yeah, Java might be a good thing to start learning then when you get good enough C# will be a breese.
brummiesteven said:
So yeah, Java might be a good thing to start learning then when you get good enough C# will be a breese.
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Not sure I agree, as a complete novice you're better off going directly for C# (if that's the end goal) rather than using java as a stepping stone. It may end up confusing the hell out of you if you've done things in java a certain way only to find that C# does them completely different.
That said, I still think the choice of language is secondary - first and foremost you have to get into the right mindset, i.e. you have to learn programming, not a programming language. Of course, for WP7 development (at least for now) it very much depends on the type of app you're doing as a lot (too much?) can be done without ever touching code.
programming has a lot of similarities once you've done enough (same as learning languages in general), however, the beginning learn curve is HUGE. Understanding things from variables to classes to object orientation... and that's just the starters. I wouldn't worry about what language is better/easier, both java and C# are some of the easiest and most powerful around, but it's wrapping your head around the basics in general that is a real challenge.
i asked what language because i started my c++ programming this semester and i wanted to know if this the right path on making apps for the phones. as a right now im doing allot of read and watching allot of videos before i try of making a app, since i never have made one.
to be honest, focus on uni first. learn the principles of programming which you'll definitely cover in C++. get them down pat. once your semester is up and you ace the course, then move to another platform. early on it's not good to jump between many languages. it stuffs up your understanding pretty quickly. if you focus on 1, get it solid, it makes it easier to move to the next, and following.
eventually they'll just feel like 1 language... but focus on 1 to begin with, and that should be your studies, not a phone app.
@emigrating great post. That site has started my journey on App Development for WP7. For any other absolute n00b such as me, check out this series of short videos. It explains everything as clear as day and seems to go at a reasonable pace for a beginner like me. THere are 64 vid's in total, i'm currently on the 5th and am loving it
Thanks , I'm going to check them out right now.
Audio said:
@emigrating great post. That site has started my journey on App Development for WP7. For any other absolute n00b such as me, check out this series of short videos. It explains everything as clear as day and seems to go at a reasonable pace for a beginner like me. THere are 64 vid's in total, i'm currently on the 5th and am loving it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For anyone that can help.
I made I calculator app like many have started with, but I have a problem, it only calculate 2 terms. How can i fix this?. Plus I'm trying to to a tip calculator now, I have don't a simple one in c++ can I use the same code?
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Hello, I was wondering if someone can steer me the right direction in terms of starting development.
I have no previous programming/development experience whatsoever. I am a somewhat computer nerd but never found the time to get into the developing arena.
Now that I am out of college and have A LOT of time on my hands I want to focus on this because I would absolutely love developing.
I need to know EVERYTHING there is to know about developing for android; for apps and creating roms. What books I need to buy to get everything down? What programs or tutorials? I am very serious about this, someone please help me and tell me all there is to know about accomplishing this goal and where to begin.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Since you mentioned you have no programming experience.. There's three important coding styles you need to master for android.. XML, Java and C/C++. The best way is to write some beginner programs available on the Internet.
In addition to coding, you need to become comfortable with the linux tool set. If you don't already, running a linux distribution will help you learn the environment. I suggest Ubuntu, debian, or gentoo.
I don't mean to make this sound intimidating.. but developing isn't an overnight thing.. a lot of people on these forums learn as they go but have a decent amount of experience with one of these aspects. Many of us are CS or EE/ECE students or grads..
Sam's Teach Yourself Android Development in 24 hours is the book i've been messing with for a couple weeks, very helpful. I got it as a pdf
In the Chef Central -> Android forum of this site, cyanogen has a stickied thread that you need to read.
I was wondering what resources are out there to become a DEV and make my own ROM's. I have googled it a little bit and not really found anything worth while so far. I did run across a good book but its not going to be published for another 2 months. Does anyone know of any tutorials? Books? How to guides?
There are plenty of kitchens right here on xda. And remember when you search on google add on xda to whatever you are searching. I had a bunch of bookmarks for this but never backed them up. Sorry buddy.
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I didn't think about using the term kitchen when searching. I will give that a shot. Thanks.
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bdpatch said:
I was wondering what resources are out there to become a DEV and make my own ROM's. I have googled it a little bit and not really found anything worth while so far. I did run across a good book but its not going to be published for another 2 months. Does anyone know of any tutorials? Books? How to guides?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would read google's documentation on Android, learn Linux commands, and also learn java. This is a good start. If you use kitchens, you are not dev'ing. After this, reading the cyanogen wiki will teach you some of the less "official" deving methods.
Edit:
Links
First go here and learn all of it. (weeks of hard work and dedication)
http://linuxcommand.org/index.php
Then go to a local library and pick up a recently published book on java programming and learn it. (weeks of hard work)
Then learn all of this (more weeks of hard work)
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
Then learn all of this (more weeks of hardwork)
http://www.freeyourandroid.com/index.php
Finally get involved with Cyanogenmod
Becoming a dev is a huge commitment, it is why professional devs are paid so well.
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kingsway8605 said:
I Becoming a dev is a huge commitment, it is why professional devs are paid so well.
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I'm just curious, how much do devs usually make and who actually pays them?
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Sn1per 117 said:
I'm just curious, how much do devs usually make and who actually pays them?
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I said professional devs. The hobbyist devs on xda usually are doing it because they enjoy doing it and picked up the skills over the years. But it isn't any easier and that is why the behavior on the forums sometimes annoys them. As far as professional devs who work for a company like Samsung, they make between 50,000-100,000 a year.
As far as independent professional devs, Paper camera has sold over 1,000,000 apks at 2 dollars a pop, do the math.
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I say make a couple of apps first and learn how Android works. Then move to themeing, then make kernels, then roms
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kingsway8605 said:
I said professional devs. The hobbyist devs on xda usually are doing it because they enjoy doing it and picked up the skills over the years. But it isn't any easier and that is why the behavior on the forums sometimes annoys them. As far as professional devs who work for a company like Samsung, they make between 50,000-100,000 a year.
As far as independent professional devs, Paper camera has sold over 1,000,000 apks at 2 dollars a pop, do the math.
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Click to collapse
Devs dont get 100% of their sales
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Here's where I learned my skills, this determines on what you're trying to develop. Most roms here, with the exception of source builds don't require much actual programming experience since they are closed source, primarily they have small tweaks like de-odexing, XML mods, etc.
Hands-On | 90% - 90% of my skills have come from hands-on experience and learning as I go along. For example, say I'm writing an app for the very first time. (Don't start with an app unless you've practiced with the platforms language first) As I went along on my first app I learned an incredible amount about android developing by reading developer.android.com and SO as I went along and came across something I wasn't sure about. Ditto kernel development, years ago I started with no knowledge and then bam I'm half a pro . Also, I knew nothing about ASP.NET/MVC/C# about a month ago, now it's kinda fluid to me.
School(Computer Science) | 8% - Yeah, it costs all that money for 8% or less. There can be some unique challenges in a software program, but almost everything you do in school is either so off the wall simple or has no real world application. I also think they spend too much time teaching by the syntax of the language, when really you should group them. Syntax is *mostly* trivial, it's better to group languages. Example: learn the Object Oriented Style (Perl, PHP, C++, Java, C#) which should give you a decent foundation in all those languages. Then learn the Procedure-Oriented Style (C, PHP, Perl, Cobol, BASIC (eww)). Then learn the rising in popularity Functional-Style (F#, SQL (mostly, this ones an exception since you often won't write many SQL scripts save for basic queries), Erlang, Haskell, C#). Notice: I listed some languages in multiple categories as the styles of programming are concepts, and some languages support either concept.
Co-Workers | 2% - Sometimes you learn by asking a co-worker or another developer. It's not how I did it primarily, but I know others who work best and learn best working in a team.
So to recap:
If you're trying to learn software programming itself I suggest starting with common scripting languages which are very easy to learn (HTML, XML (this will help for android), PHP). Then move on to some OOP languages (Java (Android*), C++). Then if you plan on working with kernel source code you should work with C and familiarize yourself with the procedure oriented style. Java is by far the easiest first language to learn OOP because of the wide-range of libraries available (to do almost anything) and the JRE, which gives you a nice garbage collector so you don't have the worry of memory management and freeing objects manually like you do in C/C++, etc.
If you just want to bake a rom with minor adjustments or a closed-source rom, I suggest you learn how to create themes first, as many of those concepts will help in baking a rom. And if you have questions this is a development community last time I checked, although sometimes it doesn't seem like it. So ask questions, ask other developers (I used to get questions ), ask on the board (if you follow the rules), ask on StackOverflow, etc. Don't be a nuisance to other developers though, I had someone that constantly blew up my phone nonstop all hours of the day asking silly silly questions. I don't mind questions, but i'd be spending time with my GF and my phone would explode with 20 questions that I already answered 20 times each
Also, some books may not be bad if you have absolutely no idea about programming whatsoever. But nowadays, you can find anything in a book on the internet. The benefits of a book is they include all their source code (usually) and can motivate you more since they give you projects and challenges. I had one Java book, and it drove me crazy because nothing was standardized. Instead of using the Java HashMap methods, or the Java Stack methods they wrote their own APIs for everything it drove me crazy :O
bbedward said:
Here's where I learned my skills, this determines on what you're trying to develop. Most roms here, with the exception of source builds don't require much actual programming experience since they are closed source, primarily they have small tweaks like de-odexing, XML mods, etc.
Hands-On | 90% - 90% of my skills have come from hands-on experience and learning as I go along. For example, say I'm writing an app for the very first time. (Don't start with an app unless you've practiced with the platforms language first) As I went along on my first app I learned an incredible amount about android developing by reading developer.android.com and SO as I went along and came across something I wasn't sure about. Ditto kernel development, years ago I started with no knowledge and then bam I'm half a pro . Also, I knew nothing about ASP.NET/MVC/C# about a month ago, now it's kinda fluid to me.
School(Computer Science) | 8% - Yeah, it costs all that money for 8% or less. There can be some unique challenges in a software program, but almost everything you do in school is either so off the wall simple or has no real world application. I also think they spend too much time teaching by the syntax of the language, when really you should group them. Syntax is *mostly* trivial, it's better to group languages. Example: learn the Object Oriented Style (Perl, PHP, C++, Java, C#) which should give you a decent foundation in all those languages. Then learn the Procedure-Oriented Style (C, PHP, Perl, Cobol, BASIC (eww)). Then learn the rising in popularity Functional-Style (F#, SQL (mostly, this ones an exception since you often won't write many SQL scripts save for basic queries), Erlang, Haskell, C#). Notice: I listed some languages in multiple categories as the styles of programming are concepts, and some languages support either concept.
Co-Workers | 2% - Sometimes you learn by asking a co-worker or another developer. It's not how I did it primarily, but I know others who work best and learn best working in a team.
So to recap:
If you're trying to learn software programming itself I suggest starting with common scripting languages which are very easy to learn (HTML, XML (this will help for android), PHP). Then move on to some OOP languages (Java (Android*), C++). Then if you plan on working with kernel source code you should work with C and familiarize yourself with the procedure oriented style. Java is by far the easiest first language to learn OOP because of the wide-range of libraries available (to do almost anything) and the JRE, which gives you a nice garbage collector so you don't have the worry of memory management and freeing objects manually like you do in C/C++, etc.
If you just want to bake a rom with minor adjustments or a closed-source rom, I suggest you learn how to create themes first, as many of those concepts will help in baking a rom. And if you have questions this is a development community last time I checked, although sometimes it doesn't seem like it. So ask questions, ask other developers (I used to get questions ), ask on the board (if you follow the rules), ask on StackOverflow, etc. Don't be a nuisance to other developers though, I had someone that constantly blew up my phone nonstop all hours of the day asking silly silly questions. I don't mind questions, but i'd be spending time with my GF and my phone would explode with 20 questions that I already answered 20 times each
Also, some books may not be bad if you have absolutely no idea about programming whatsoever. But nowadays, you can find anything in a book on the internet. The benefits of a book is they include all their source code (usually) and can motivate you more since they give you projects and challenges. I had one Java book, and it drove me crazy because nothing was standardized. Instead of using the Java HashMap methods, or the Java Stack methods they wrote their own APIs for everything it drove me crazy :O
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My school must have a great compsci program because they focus on good programming styles and not syntax. There is no reason to start with any language besides java if your goal is to develop Android. And while I agree with your learning as you go approach, it would be a mistake and overwhelming imo for someone to jump into Android development without having a basic understanding of Linux, java, and Android. My advice given was for helping op to become an Android dev, not someone who posts roms. They are not always the same thing.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
bbedward said:
Here's where I learned my skills, this determines on what you're trying to develop. Most roms here, with the exception of source builds don't require much actual programming experience since they are closed source, primarily they have small tweaks like de-odexing, XML mods, etc.
Hands-On | 90% - 90% of my skills have come from hands-on experience and learning as I go along. For example, say I'm writing an app for the very first time. (Don't start with an app unless you've practiced with the platforms language first) As I went along on my first app I learned an incredible amount about android developing by reading developer.android.com and SO as I went along and came across something I wasn't sure about. Ditto kernel development, years ago I started with no knowledge and then bam I'm half a pro . Also, I knew nothing about ASP.NET/MVC/C# about a month ago, now it's kinda fluid to me.
School(Computer Science) | 8% - Yeah, it costs all that money for 8% or less. There can be some unique challenges in a software program, but almost everything you do in school is either so off the wall simple or has no real world application. I also think they spend too much time teaching by the syntax of the language, when really you should group them. Syntax is *mostly* trivial, it's better to group languages. Example: learn the Object Oriented Style (Perl, PHP, C++, Java, C#) which should give you a decent foundation in all those languages. Then learn the Procedure-Oriented Style (C, PHP, Perl, Cobol, BASIC (eww)). Then learn the rising in popularity Functional-Style (F#, SQL (mostly, this ones an exception since you often won't write many SQL scripts save for basic queries), Erlang, Haskell, C#). Notice: I listed some languages in multiple categories as the styles of programming are concepts, and some languages support either concept.
Co-Workers | 2% - Sometimes you learn by asking a co-worker or another developer. It's not how I did it primarily, but I know others who work best and learn best working in a team.
So to recap:
If you're trying to learn software programming itself I suggest starting with common scripting languages which are very easy to learn (HTML, XML (this will help for android), PHP). Then move on to some OOP languages (Java (Android*), C++). Then if you plan on working with kernel source code you should work with C and familiarize yourself with the procedure oriented style. Java is by far the easiest first language to learn OOP because of the wide-range of libraries available (to do almost anything) and the JRE, which gives you a nice garbage collector so you don't have the worry of memory management and freeing objects manually like you do in C/C++, etc.
If you just want to bake a rom with minor adjustments or a closed-source rom, I suggest you learn how to create themes first, as many of those concepts will help in baking a rom. And if you have questions this is a development community last time I checked, although sometimes it doesn't seem like it. So ask questions, ask other developers (I used to get questions ), ask on the board (if you follow the rules), ask on StackOverflow, etc. Don't be a nuisance to other developers though, I had someone that constantly blew up my phone nonstop all hours of the day asking silly silly questions. I don't mind questions, but i'd be spending time with my GF and my phone would explode with 20 questions that I already answered 20 times each
Also, some books may not be bad if you have absolutely no idea about programming whatsoever. But nowadays, you can find anything in a book on the internet. The benefits of a book is they include all their source code (usually) and can motivate you more since they give you projects and challenges. I had one Java book, and it drove me crazy because nothing was standardized. Instead of using the Java HashMap methods, or the Java Stack methods they wrote their own APIs for everything it drove me crazy :O
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great info thank you. I have linux experience and I have made a couple of hello world apps but nothing extensive. It looks like maybe i should start with a little theming or something like that. I know html and can read through XML. I think i will try and find some Java tutorials or books to get me going there. Know of any guides on theme's?
kingsway8605 said:
My school must have a great compsci program because they focus on good programming styles and not syntax. There is no reason to start with any language besides java if your goal is to develop Android. And while I agree with your learning as you go approach, it would be a mistake and overwhelming imo for someone to jump into Android development without having a basic understanding of Linux, java, and Android. My advice given was for helping op to become an Android dev, not someone who posts roms. They are not always the same thing.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
My schools good too I'm not saying its all syntax but its a lot of write your code readable in the professors style. I've learned more in 3 months on the job than 2 years of school. I've learned way more from self teaching tho.
And for app development Linux knowledge isn't really necessary since you can develop android apps on any platform, but Java and OOP styles is necessary knowledge.
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bdpatch said:
This is great info thank you. I have linux experience and I have made a couple of hello world apps but nothing extensive. It looks like maybe i should start with a little theming or something like that. I know html and can read through XML. I think i will try and find some Java tutorials or books to get me going there. Know of any guides on theme's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you should start with greatly varies with what you want to develop
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bdpatch said:
I was wondering what resources are out there to become a DEV and make my own ROM's. I have googled it a little bit and not really found anything worth while so far. I did run across a good book but its not going to be published for another 2 months. Does anyone know of any tutorials? Books? How to guides?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read and follow this information from Cyanogen himself
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667298
jerdog said:
Read and follow this information from Cyanogen himself
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667298
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the link. I got lots of stuff to start reading through now. I also found this book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/xda...7854?ean=9781119951384&itm=1&usri=android+rom
It should hopefully be a good one as well when its published.
bdpatch said:
Thank you for the link. I got lots of stuff to start reading through now. I also found this book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/xda...7854?ean=9781119951384&itm=1&usri=android+rom
It should hopefully be a good one as well when its published.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be - I know the guys who've put it together.