Database Users

What's the best development language for XDA II

Greetings from Ireland,
About a year or two I did some development for PocketPC 2002 using eVB [no sniggering ] but now want to start dabbeling in PPC2003. What options do I have as far as development enviornments go. I'd prefare not to have to fork out over €1000 for Visual Studio .NET but don't mind paying €100 or €200 for a decent package.
I'd also prefare not to use eVC4++ but will as a last resort.
So basically.... What tools to you guys and/or girls use and what do you think of them?
Sorry if this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it if it was.
Regards
Keith Burke
Dublin, Ireland.

I use C++ and EVC4.
This stays, in my opinion, the best way to develop application for embedded platform. The c++ allows you to optimize correctly and to have little footprints ...
EVB must be, of course, forgotten as it is slow and requires runtime.
.Net is a way but as you tell, you have to pay the dev environment ... and it is (still in my opinion ) more big and less easy to optimize...
It also depends on your application...

The best?
Of course - Visual Studio .NET

I use Visual Studio and .Net

.net is not a language it's a platform
.net can be program'd from both vb, asp, c++, and c#
personaly i would never use anything else then c++ or maybe c#
but of cause people are difference

I've uploaded GCC compiler which can build console/GUI WinCE applications, and DLLs:
http://mamaich.kasone.com/fr_pocket.htm
There are 2 versions: Windows (needs CygWin installed) and native PocketPC (idea and name is taken from PGCC project, but we use different compiler versions and runtime). There are some examples in pgcc.rar (dll, console and gui apps, SDL example).
I've successfully compiled DosBox, Bochs and several other open-source projects with this compiler.

If you want to do .NET development but don't want to pay take a look at http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/
Jamie

well thats not for pocketpc is it ?
but while we are at it
http://www.go-mono.com/
if you want to develop c# using .net for linux
but they have a version which works on windows aswell

As long as you stick to the compact framework, any .NET app will run on the PocketPC even if it was aimed at the desktop . . . . .
Jamie

Having said that I've just tried making an app in Sharp Develop and it doesn't seem to want to run on my XDAII.
I have made a desktop app in Visual Studio .NET and run it on the XDAII before so I'm sure it is possible!
Jamie

also have a look to NS basic
www.nsbasic.com

I use C++ and eVC4, on top of it, I use WTL7.1
Much easier to program using WTL then native win32 api and without the trouble of MFC

learn to make program.

good day!
can anybody please tell me what to use and how to make a program for a PPC?
i just want to learn.
thanks a lot.

- Microsoft eMbedded Visual c++ 4.0 (IDE)
- Microsoft PPC 2003 SDK
Thats for c++ development. Can also do VB if you like.
A device for testing is handy as well... and some patience.

or visual studio 2003 .net if you want to do .net applications
here are some links to pocketpc code examples
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=21786&highlight=today+plugin

Perhaps the best tool to make PPC apps is NsBasic http://www.nsbasic.com/ce/

Programming

i want to start to programming on for WM6 but not sure what apps i need?
and a recommended programing language?
Thank You

mineshm said:
i want to start to programming on for WM6 but not sure what apps i need?
and a recommended programing language?
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have experience with a programminglanguage?
I use Visual Studio 2005 as IDE and Visual Basic.NET as language. Though I'm playing around with some c++ as well.

You really need to do a search of this forum!
This question is asked very often.
Before anyone can recommend any tools (my personal favorite is eMbedded Visual C++ because it is free, can do anything including system components like keyboards, and works with any OS version from 2002 to WM 6) you need to decide what language you want to use.
That depends on you experience and what you want to write. .NET languages (VB, C#) let you make apps very fast because the use existing components but they are slow and accessing system functions is difficult. Plus you can't do things like today plugins and keyboards in pure .NET
C++ / C can is fast and powerful but takes more work.

i got a demo of Visual Studio 2005 and the SDK running. is there any way where i can get some online tutorial to help me get going?

want to start ppc programming !

Hello people. I see lot of you make very nice programs for ppc's, so now also want to try with it. I have experiences in programming windows application with JAVA and C# (.NET using visual studio).
But if i want to programming for windows mobile, which software do i need to use, and can anyone give me some beginner guide? I preferred to work with C# or JAVA.
Thanks in advance.
Kay.

KayDK said:
Hello people. I see lot of you make very nice programs for ppc's, so now also want to try with it. I have experiences in programming windows application with JAVA and C# (.NET using visual studio).
But if i want to programming for windows mobile, which software do i need to use, and can anyone give me some beginner guide? I preferred to work with C# or JAVA.
Thanks in advance.
Kay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Visual Studio 2005 to develop in C#.
You can use EWE (www.ewesoft.com) to develop in Java.
You can use the (free) Microsoft C# compiler itself and compile using the GAC libraries on your device (take a look at this topic).
You can use eMbedded Visual C++ or eMbedded Visual Basic, but I think it's better to use C# if possible.
As you see, there are many choices.
If you have experience with C#, however, I suggest you to start using Visual Studio 2005 and move to the C# compiler (if you have licensing problems) after you learnt the differences between the .NET Framework and the .NET Compact Framework. This way you can benefit of a RAD environment such as Visual Studio while using your knowledge of C#.
If you want more specific information about some WM-specific features, just check the Internet. I think the most important features are the PIM (and, consequently, the Pocket Outlook Object Model also known as POOM), the Comm Manager and the SIP (Soft Input Panel... the virtual keyboard). Should you need to interact with ActiveSync you should also check the Remote API (RAPI) of Windows CE.
The MSDN Library is also a great reference if you need information about Windows Mobile API's. When you'll need to use these API's into C#, take a look at www.pinvoke.net.

Newbie Guide to C++

I need help - I want to start writing programs for my Tilt. Looking through the posts it seems the C++ is the way to go. I found a bunch of nice tutorials on the web on how to program in C++ but not now to write a program for a pocket pc.
Specifically I need help with which programs to download.
Im looking for a list like this of exactly what I need to get
1. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ 4.0.
2. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ SP4
3. Microsoft pocket pc 2003 sdk.msi
4. Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Device Emulator
or what ever
Thanks I tried to figure this out on my own but got frustrated after installing like 7 different programs. Seems like you should only need 1 program but it seems like you need to download a bunch.
Also with the Embedded Visual C++ program I dont see where to enter your code - like open workspace or something?

ronschaefer said:
I need help - I want to start writing programs for my Tilt. Looking through the posts it seems the C++ is the way to go. I found a bunch of nice tutorials on the web on how to program in C++ but not now to write a program for a pocket pc.
Specifically I need help with which programs to download.
Im looking for a list like this of exactly what I need to get
1. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ 4.0.
2. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ SP4
3. Microsoft pocket pc 2003 sdk.msi
4. Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Device Emulator
or what ever
Thanks I tried to figure this out on my own but got frustrated after installing like 7 different programs. Seems like you should only need 1 program but it seems like you need to download a bunch.
Also with the Embedded Visual C++ program I dont see where to enter your code - like open workspace or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHAT kind of applications you are trying to write?
Do you need to write a device driver for your PDA?

ronschaefer said:
I need help - I want to start writing programs for my Tilt. Looking through the posts it seems the C++ is the way to go. I found a bunch of nice tutorials on the web on how to program in C++ but not now to write a program for a pocket pc.
Specifically I need help with which programs to download.
Im looking for a list like this of exactly what I need to get
1. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ 4.0.
2. Microsoft embedded Visual C++ SP4
3. Microsoft pocket pc 2003 sdk.msi
4. Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Device Emulator
or what ever
Thanks I tried to figure this out on my own but got frustrated after installing like 7 different programs. Seems like you should only need 1 program but it seems like you need to download a bunch.
Also with the Embedded Visual C++ program I dont see where to enter your code - like open workspace or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to do it with visual studio and the emulator, im not 100% sure though, I only know a limited amount of Java.
Most phones support .net/C#/Java, so pick a language

What I want to write
Just some fun stuff =
One idea I had is a generic sound simulator, tie buttons to different sound - .wav files; animal sounds, machine sounds, phasor blasts, drum kit, theme music like - http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/illuminated/a5bf/
I want to have it look nice too with decent graphics.

i suggest to use Visual Studio 2005 or 2008.
It's simplest way to start (and continue) to write programs.
Both native and NET technologies are supported. C++ and C# available.
Both VS versions are coming with integrated Device Emulator with WM5(VS2005) and WM6(VS2008) images for PDA/PDAPhone/SP and remote debugger for real PDA/PDAPhone/SP devices.

If you are using VS2005/2008. Download the latest Windows Mobile 6 SDK (Standard and Pro) for the best Emulation.
Ta
Dave

but c# only works with .net
where c++ works with win32(native) microMFC(Native) and .net
more info can be found
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=380069&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=382995&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=226412&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336251&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=305926&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=302548&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=228043&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=317913&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=237932&highlight=programming

yes, С# is for NET only. This language appeared together with NET technology as alternative to Java after breakup with SUN
C# is closer to BASIC than C++. I, personally, don't recommend C#. Ths "strange" language is for lazy people. Almost nothing left of C++ and its ideology.

Visual Studio 2008 Pro trial version
Thanks for you advice - i deleted all that embedded C++ stuff - was way too confusing, must have had like 8 programs installed and still was not working - I like the idea of just 3 things the visual studio and the 2 WM6 SDKs
Im going to try the visual studio 2008 - there is a trial version of it for 90 days
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/products/aa700831.aspx
Would i be better off with the 2005 version as Im using Xp not Vista on my main computer. Should I get the Try Visual Studio "Team System" 2008 - Trial Software or just stick with the regular one i downloaded?
I also downloaded the standard and professional WM6 SDKs
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...745-88EF-3D48091A390B&displaylang=en#filelist

I used embedded visual tools in the past (3 and 4). Be aware that you cannot use the WM5 SDK with eVC, you must use Visual Studio for that. The latest thing usable with eVC is the WM2003 SDK, as far as I know. Also, the emulator handling in eVC was quite sluggish and buggy. When I switched to VS2005, it was like a deliverance to me. Also, the help system in VS is a blessing. *g*
Though I used Delphi's VCL in the past, I would never freely touch such a thing on restricted hardware such as in PDAs. Hence, .NET, MFC and of course *cough* Java *cough* are out of the question. I'm a pure C++ writer. The progs are nicely small and fast. And there are always alternatives to the things I can't use because of that: for instance instead of MFC CStrings I got acquainted with STL library's strings. There's also ATL which supposedly can be used instead of MFC for GUI programming, but when I looked for it some years back I found only very little information about that.
Happy coding.

Is it true that you can only develop WinMo C++ in VS Pro?
I read on the Microsoft marketplace that the standard edition dosnt support mobiles..
are there any alternatives (C++ only please..)

yes they only support through pro... but you can get it for free through dreamspark if you are a student

joel2009 said:
yes they only support through pro... but you can get it for free through dreamspark if you are a student
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damn, I am a student but my uni isnt listed
I asked one of the admins and they are looking into getting on the list
But it might be too late coz its my last year..

Mic159 said:
damn, I am a student but my uni isnt listed
I asked one of the admins and they are looking into getting on the list
But it might be too late coz its my last year..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news. My uni isn't listed either. It is a simple matter of verifying your student status on journey ed. I'm glad I could help with this because it turns out that I could get all the dreamspark software through my school's MSDNAA program anyways.