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What Programming Language should i learn first??

im a noob to programming and since school is now over i would like to get started with some android dev. But first want to learn a Computer language, which one would be ideal for Android Dev?

It's not hard at all I don't know any languages and I made my own rom I have advanced knowledge in cmd though, but I guess if you had to pick on I see a lot of XML documents so try that.

c++ hands down.
EDIT:
Wait didn't read all of your post.
Android apps are written in Java...end of story.
There is a MonoDev thingy somewhere that lets you write in C# and convert...but I am not sure how well that will work.
To get started in programming and actually have a comprehension of what you are doing. c++ and console apps.
You can't do GUI until you understand what is going on in the background.
EDIT #2:
Beers are getting to me, and I am gettin lng winded.:
Google Dev site has a VERY good tutorial on setting up Eclipse (The prefered Android Dev IDE) and also some decent tutorials on writing an app.
Hello World doesn;t count in Android, Elcipse write the whole dam program for you by detalt.

english ftw

Kcarpenter said:
c++ hands down.
EDIT:
Wait didn't read all of your post.
Android apps are written in Java...end of story.
There is a MonoDev thingy somewhere that lets you write in C# and convert...but I am not sure how well that will work.
To get started in programming and actually have a comprehension of what you are doing. c++ and console apps.
You can't do GUI until you understand what is going on in the background.
EDIT #2:
Beers are getting to me, and I am gettin lng winded.:
Google Dev site has a VERY good tutorial on setting up Eclipse (The prefered Android Dev IDE) and also some decent tutorials on writing an app.
Hello World doesn;t count in Android, Elcipse write the whole dam program for you by detalt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so java is the way to go, then from there learn c++ ??

did not know that google mobile apps where created using JAVA.
cool...
Kcarpenter said:
c++ hands down.
EDIT:
Wait didn't read all of your post.
Android apps are written in Java...end of story.
There is a MonoDev thingy somewhere that lets you write in C# and convert...but I am not sure how well that will work.
To get started in programming and actually have a comprehension of what you are doing. c++ and console apps.
You can't do GUI until you understand what is going on in the background.
EDIT #2:
Beers are getting to me, and I am gettin lng winded.:
Google Dev site has a VERY good tutorial on setting up Eclipse (The prefered Android Dev IDE) and also some decent tutorials on writing an app.
Hello World doesn;t count in Android, Elcipse write the whole dam program for you by detalt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Julianmgn said:
ok so java is the way to go, then from there learn c++ ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C++ should be anyones first language. It forces you to use your head and the compiler does very litte for you.
If you don't have any care to do any other type of programming your life..or make a career out of it...sure just learn Java...
Theory works the same for all languages...but C++ forces you to be a [email protected] Very unforgiving...more forgiving than plain C...but still.

Kcarpenter said:
C++ should be anyones first language. It forces you to use your head and the compiler does very litte for you.
If you don't have any care to do any other type of programming your life..or make a career out of it...sure just learn Java...
Theory works the same for all languages...but C++ forces you to be a [email protected] Very unforgiving...more forgiving than plain C...but still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you sir you've been most helpful and i do plan on making a career out of this...i just wanted to know what i should start with to put my foot through the door...thanks

Kcarpenter said:
C++ should be anyones first language. It forces you to use your head and the compiler does very litte for you.
If you don't have any care to do any other type of programming your life..or make a career out of it...sure just learn Java...
Theory works the same for all languages...but C++ forces you to be a [email protected] Very unforgiving...more forgiving than plain C...but still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree. My first formal language was C, then C++. Do object oriented C++ first, because it will make you appreciate Java. I am a Java/J2EE dev, but my data structures class was in OO C++ and I am thankful for every day I can write Java and not have to worry about pointers, memory allocation and segmentation faults. I have done some embedded C, which is the other end of the spectrum cause you are doing everything by direct addressing of memory, which is also kinda fun.
If you want to go straight into Android development, than yes you can make the jump to Java, and the SDK does allow for both XML based UI design, and Swing-like. Just make sure you read up on garbage collection within the JRE(Make sure you understand what weak and soft referances are) and also there are some talks from Google IO in the past years that touch on some good practices.
BTW, XML is not a programming language, it is a markup language. It is most commonly used in serializing data, mostly because it too is object oriented. One alternative to XML that is becoming more popular due to the increasing amount of AJAX applications is JSON. Also, if you do any XML parsing, make sure you know the difference between a DOM based parser(JDOM) and an event-based parser(SAX), using the right one can drastically increase performance.

lineman78 said:
Completely agree. My first formal language was C, then C++. Do object oriented C++ first, because it will make you appreciate Java. I am a Java/J2EE dev, but my data structures class was in OO C++ and I am thankful for every day I can write Java and not have to worry about pointers, memory allocation and segmentation faults. I have done some embedded C, which is the other end of the spectrum cause you are doing everything by direct addressing of memory, which is also kinda fun.
If you want to go straight into Android development, than yes you can make the jump to Java, and the SDK does allow for both XML based UI design, and Swing-like. Just make sure you read up on garbage collection within the JRE(Make sure you understand what weak and soft referances are) and also there are some talks from Google IO in the past years that touch on some good practices.
BTW, XML is not a programming language, it is a markup language. It is most commonly used in serializing data, mostly because it too is object oriented. One alternative to XML that is becoming more popular due to the increasing amount of AJAX applications is JSON. Also, if you do any XML parsing, make sure you know the difference between a DOM based parser(JDOM) and an event-based parser(SAX), using the right one can drastically increase performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you sir's, i will then start on c++ right away lol...well tomorrow haha
yeah cuz this is my career path of choice and i now know how to get started thank u lol

If you wanted to get started in programming apps for Android then you might as well start with Java since that is what it uses and will get you going the quickest.
If programming is something you would like to pursue then I would recommend a slightly different longer route.
First and foremost is stay away from doing anything visual. You want to just program console apps. The visual GUIs come later after you have an understanding of programing and it will only confuse you this early on.
For a complete newbie I would recommend playing around with some form of BASIC. You don't really need to but I feel it helps to start understand the ideas of programming.
From there I would highly recommend regular old C. C code will actually work in C++ but I recommend C so that you stay away from some of the stuff in C++. Mainly the Object Oriented parts of C++.
First you need to learn about data types, variables, arrays, loops, and functions.
After that then I would recommend jumping into C++ for a little bit to program some classes. Just to understand classes a little bit. Then I think move over to Java to start to fully understand object oriented programing and learn more about problem solving, algorithms, recursion.
And then after that... well, by that point you probably will know where you should be headed but it will probably involve going back to c/c++ for some more advanced programing, optimization, a better understanding of how everything works down to the compiler and OS level interprocess communications.

centran said:
If you wanted to get started in programming apps for Android then you might as well start with Java since that is what it uses and will get you going the quickest.
If programming is something you would like to pursue then I would recommend a slightly different longer route.
First and foremost is stay away from doing anything visual. You want to just program console apps. The visual GUIs come later after you have an understanding of programing and it will only confuse you this early on.
For a complete newbie I would recommend playing around with some form of BASIC. You don't really need to but I feel it helps to start understand the ideas of programming.
From there I would highly recommend regular old C. C code will actually work in C++ but I recommend C so that you stay away from some of the stuff in C++. Mainly the Object Oriented parts of C++.
First you need to learn about data types, variables, arrays, loops, and functions.
After that then I would recommend jumping into C++ for a little bit to program some classes. Just to understand classes a little bit. Then I think move over to Java to start to fully understand object oriented programing and learn more about problem solving, algorithms, recursion.
And then after that... well, by that point you probably will know where you should be headed but it will probably involve going back to c/c++ for some more advanced programing, optimization, a better understanding of how everything works down to the compiler and OS level interprocess communications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that makes sense...thank you sir very helpful but do u think it would be ok if i just jump into C then C++

Julianmgn said:
thank you sir's, i will then start on c++ right away lol...well tomorrow haha
yeah cuz this is my career path of choice and i now know how to get started thank u lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother trying to figure out any of the C++ graphics languages, just do some programs with command line interfaces. I would also suggest that once you figure out the basics that you concentrate on object oriented C++ as it will make for an easier transition to Java, but you should also learn the difference in pass by reference and pass by value, which also involves learning about pointers. Also, learn make early on as it will make compilation easier. The Java equivalent to make is Ant when you get there.
This seems to be an okay book to get you started.
I wouldnt suggest working on all data structures, concentrate on some of the more common ones like linked lists and b-trees. In Java, a lot of these are already implemented, but it is good to know how they work. If you want a real challenge try and do a skip list. It is very difficult, but if implemented correctly you should be able to take a file filled with millions of data points of randomized data, read it in and index it for instantaneous search in under a minute.

Julianmgn said:
that makes sense...thank you sir very helpful but do u think it would be ok if i just jump into C then C++
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Click to collapse
That should be fine. Stick to C to learn the basic stuff and then you can then learn some of the object oriented stuff in C++ like classes. That will help you when you move over to Java. You can then start to learn the more complicated stuff.
Like lineman78 said, Java implements some complicated data structures like stacks and linked lists and a bunch of others. Do not use those! When you are making the leap from C++ to Java you are doing so to learn to code those things for yourself.
Oh, and don't let people put you off to C. If you are sticking to the very basics I feel it is a good way to start. Then after you learn a bunch of stuff you can come back to C to learn some of the harder stuff.

centran said:
That should be fine. Stick to C to learn the basic stuff and then you can then learn some of the object oriented stuff in C++ like classes. That will help you when you move over to Java. You can then start to learn the more complicated stuff.
Like lineman78 said, Java implements some complicated data structures like stacks and linked lists and a bunch of others. Do not use those! When you are making the leap from C++ to Java you are doing so to learn to code those things for yourself.
Oh, and don't let people put you off to C. If you are sticking to the very basics I feel it is a good way to start. Then after you learn a bunch of stuff you can come back to C to learn some of the harder stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you and to all of u for ur help...C it is then C++ then java lol

These are my sole opinions and no one else's, take this as you will.
With programming, you shouldn't be bound to a specific language when you first begin; rather you want to learn the semantics and syntax of programming. Whether you start with C++, C, or Java shouldn't make too much of a difference, especially since all three languages are essentially all derivatives of each other.
Java is the highest level language and as such is considered to be a standard language all CS/MIS students have to take nowadays. When I was freshmen in college, I started with C++, but the very next semester -- the CS/MIS department said that C++ would stop being offered and that Java would take its place as a beginner level course.
I'm not saying C++ isn't still used to, because that's not even remotely true; however almost all Universities now teach Java as a beginner CS course for new students, mainly because it's a high level language and it allows for students to learn OOP (Object Oriented programming).
Since your end goal is to develop applications for Android, it's probably best you learn Java, since all the Android apps are built using Java and XML.
Your best resource is the Internet.
You can find University Lectures all over the web. The OpenCourseWare project has grown a lot and allows for the entire world to get an education. For FREE. If you don't know it is, you can go HERE to read more. Basically though, it's a collaboration of the top Universities (MIT, Standard, CIT, Harvard, etc) to provide there coursework and almost all classes they offer to the world. These universities record all there lectures and host them either on their sites or on Youtube. They also provide all the materials you'll need to learn alongside everyone else, as if you were in the classroom yourself. You can go at your own pace; stop, rewind, pause the video if you're stuck, and take as long as you want on the assignments. It's a great way to self-teach yourself programming; plus the Internet will most definitely give you the answer to any questions you get stuck on.
I'm currently doing the Beginner Java course that Stanford is offering (as a refresher). The professor that teaches the course is exceptional and you'll see that my sentiment is echoed in the comments section on Youtube. Stanford's way of teaching Java and especially OOP allows new students to slowly, but surely grasp the OOP concepts (as they can be a little difficult to understand at times). You should benefit from this, just make sure you follow through and do it.
Stanford Java Course
Here's a list of other helpful resouces:
Cosmolearning - Intro to CS
All of MIT's CS Lectures
Google Books -- You'll find endless amounts of books, just search the language you want to learn and have a go.
Good luck.

I was a computer science major for one semester. lol. We started with Java.

the CS/MIS department said that C++ would stop being offered and that Java would take its place as a beginner level course.
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My university started allowing students to use Java, but still taught in Contrast++ after I finished. It is 2 different teaching styles, and I prefer low level first because it makes you think about things that when you go to a high level language like Java become trivial but useful in optimization. Granted, it is a steeper learning curve this way and I can see why someone would argue that starting with a higher level language is a better approach. But there are things a lot of people do wrong in Java because they don't understand the basics. The most common result is a memory leak or concurrent modification exceptions. Personally, my path was TI-83 programming, BASIC, C, PHP, OO C++, Perl, Java, Javascript.
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my progrmmaing path was:
C -> C++ -> Java
also learned
vb,Vb.net and C#.net ,Java Script,PHP
I would recommend starting with C++ (with atleast basics )and then switch over to Java.

go to EDUmobile.org. They offer an Android development program for about 200 bucks with certification ath the end. They also offer iphone.

I want to be an Android developer when I grow up.

I want to focus on developing GUIs but I'm not sure where to start. I just read through a few pages of http://source.android.com/ to get more information and it was helpful but I'm still not sure what my skill set should be. I also went through Google's new App inventor and finished all the tutorials but it still seems like a toy.
I can: design interfaces, code javascript, implement XML (weak on C and Java but I get it), create anything using photoshop or any graphic application, color-coordinate, test and implement and write--I can write technical instructions fairly well.
So... that said, what's a typical Android designer's skill-set?
Thanks.

Patience, mellowness and a strong constitution!
The Android development platforms so far available are pretty poor if you're used to something like Visual Studio. The best option seems to be Eclipse running the Android ADT plugin. There is plenty of documentation about how to get it all up and running and it is quite easy to install and configure. The app inventor is a toy for non-developers to create simple applications and it works well for what it is but as soon as you want more complex UIs or more complex code, especially when it comes to using external libraries, you will need to get into Eclipse.
You have the right skills, in fact I would say UI and graphics design is the weakest area for many developers. It is for me. I can write beautiful functional code that does amazing things but my UIs suck unless they are simple. I always need to find someone who can help me with that. In my experience, and I have a lot of commercial code development experience, good UI design is a widely missing skill. It therefore pays well and is highly sought after. You might consider specialising in it?
Be careful going from C to Java. Java is still a pig of a language, do a little googling for "problems with Java" and be especially careful of the fact that Java passes everything by reference unless you use cloning. If you don't always write very loosely coupled methods and are good with encapsulation, this will bite you and often in very difficult to understand ways. I recommend running through each method with only this in mind before you consider the first version of the method complete.
My advice to you is to get Visual Studio Express (they're free), either VB or C#, it really doesn't matter, and become proficient with object oriented programming, proper error handling and scope of objects and variables. Do these things, and assuming that you have the right mindset to create good code, and you'll protect yourself from all the usual bugs that amateur developers introduce.
Then move back to Java. Java is a lot easier to be proficient in when moving from something like VB or C# because whilst frustrating, due to the things you'll miss, you will at least know rather than "not know what you don't know", if that makes sense.
If you are serious about doing this for a living, buy some books by Steve MacGuire.
"Writing Solid Code"
"Debugging the development process"
If every develope could do what these books teach, we would have a much more capable software world.
Good luck!

I have the same question? What do you think will be future programming? Developing web apps like Facebook or Android apps?
How is with work today?
I did banchelors from computer science, and want to try masters now, but I need to choose developing Androids apps or Webapps. I am pretty good at C#, JavaScript, XML.

There's a lot of milage in mobile apps, will be good for many years but there is no doubt that the future is web apps.

Excellent! What a great response. Source.android has a lot of information on what a developer should know but I still can't find information on Android GUI design--specifically. Any advice on this?
Thanks.

I think everyone should learn some c/c++ or other native language. Most will say im crazy for saying this but to appreciate what comes with the languages u mentioned above(which are all managed code) I think you should learn power and use behind native code.
c#, java, .net are all good places to start, i would not go with vb. If you choose to start with c/c++ you will be able to do any of the above easily. Tho others think its harder to learn...I say others bc i have always preferred c/c++ to the above.

Simonta... You rock!
Many Thanks.

[Q] Thinking of making some applicatoins

so guys i am fairly new to this have a few ideas popping in my head and i would like to do some app development but i need a push into the right direction such as a great starter book that would help me understand the coding and app building for "dummies" or something that would get me on the right track anyone who has some great ideas please let me know asap before i buy something i regret, the input of new android developers would probably be the most helpful cause i would like to know what they used to get them going in the right direction.

Study Java first, I suggest head first Java. it's really a good book for beginners, I just bought it at Amazon and it's on sale.
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I've researched alot about what u want n let me tell u one thing if u really want to become a developer then u may start from C++ with that skills in ur hand, java wud be much much easier and then go for android SDK this is the right track u may follow otherwise its not a hard and fast rule.. but I must warn u that its not a simple process and time taking. So be sure that whether u want to really learn it b4 u stopped working in between. Okay.???? All the best for your future... ^_^
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i do realize there is a lot of work involved but this has always been a dream of mine at least since i have started android, doing rooting flashing roms etc... i figured i would jump on the band wagon and do some developing myself i realize that is some time consuming steps involved but i think it will be worth it in the end, if i find a great idea that someone likes and build on that hell i could make myself rich so to speak anyway thanks guys more ideas would be very helpful i am guessing that c++ is the language itself i need a bit more input before i jump the gun and buy something that i don't need yet more or less like buying a chager for i phone that i don't have yet thanks for the input.

maxcool12345 said:
I've researched alot about what u want n let me tell u one thing if u really want to become a developer then u may start from C++ with that skills in ur hand, java wud be much much easier and then go for android SDK this is the right track u may follow otherwise its not a hard and fast rule.. but I must warn u that its not a simple process and time taking. So be sure that whether u want to really learn it b4 u stopped working in between. Okay.???? All the best for your future... ^_^
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Why recommend c++ when android apps are written in Java? If he is going to be learning from scratch anyways there is less than no reason to learn c++
Learning c++ would not help you with learning java unless you already knew c++ and since you don't just learn java.
There are some great intros to object oriented programming that use java as a base. Don't have any links at the moment. Just dont learn c++ if you want to do Android dev
From something awesome

thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.

As I've already said earlier that there's not such a hard and fast rule that you have to learn c++ before Java but the better way is to go step by step, have a strong base, it'll help you in firm footing in your job. Then you'll be able to work on different platforms unless you will limit yourself and waste the talent and aptitude you have. I've also told you to go to an experienced person for better advice, if you really wanna do something.....
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bfitzpatrickd2d said:
thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to buy head first Java buy the latest one.
Don't worry this book is not boring.
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you can start from here as a tutorial and then buy a book maybe.
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/index.html

bfitzpatrickd2d said:
thanks guys i decided that i am going to read up on some java, and the book i was looking as has two editions the first one made in 2005 which is way old and probably outdated and the second one i am not sure when it was made however it looked way fun to read btw i hate reading but i would do it to learn something else. i was looking at head first java but there is two editions which one should i get i see better review on 2nd edition than i do on the firlst however if i skip the first am i going to skip some knowledge that i would have been nice to know on my near road for success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since nobody else directly answered this question...
When a book comes out in a second, third, fourth ... hundred and ninety-six thousand and forty-third... edition, they're all pretty much the same book -- usually. The differences in editions are usually just updated information.
Especially when dealing with programming, new user interfaces will come out, or updates to the underlying core will be made, or whatever. Point is, the subject matter of the book changes, and the book is then revised to match. Since rewriting the whole book would be very time consuming (not to mention unnecessary) they just update pertinent parts. Usually, the book is 90% to 95% unchanged. However, don't expect an older book (say, e.g., from 2005) to have information related to the latest version of the software it covers.
If you're intelligent enough, you can probably read the older book to get the understanding, and then figure out the updates on your own if the later edition is too expensive or not available in your area or whatever (after all, you won't buy the revised edition of the book every time the software is updated), but it's best to start with the latest edition if you can.
Good luck on programming, especially if you've never done it. I wanted to get into it, and was even taking classes in college, but my junior year saw price and scheduling changes I couldn't handle with my then-new job. Very time-consuming. I understood the concepts -- we started with C and then C++ in junior college and at university we got into COBOL (why?) and Java, but between work and a fiancée that needed attention, when I was home I just didn't have time enough to devote to it to meet deadlines. However, were I single and only part-time employed, I probably could have handled it.

Completely agree with cj.... ;-) he is 100% right...
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maxcool12345 said:
As I've already said earlier that there's not such a hard and fast rule that you have to learn c++ before Java but the better way is to go step by step, have a strong base, it'll help you in firm footing in your job. Then you'll be able to work on different platforms unless you will limit yourself and waste the talent and aptitude you have. I've also told you to go to an experienced person for better advice, if you really wanna do something.....
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im sorry but this is crazy... while c++ may be a step, its on the wrong set of stairs! the base is just programming paradigms that are language agnostic. and if you want to teach those why not start at C? why skip that part of the 'base'? of course if you want to learn Java and dont know those basic programming paradigms you CAN learn them in Java (as you can in C++). a single Class program with a main() acts nearly identical to a single file C program. so the only reason to study other languages would be to learn their intricacies and the way they handle inheritance, abstraction, threads, etc... and if thats the goal then why start on a language other than the one you want to learn? if i wanted to learn how to make and use a MySQL database would you recommend me starting on another completely different data base structure?
[/rant]
thank you
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also i dont think this is the OPs 'job' he is just trying to learn some Android programming....

C++ teaches coding principles that apply to most languages, and the detail needed.. Skipping may take time out of the process, but to be an effective and effecient coder, you need the skills taught by learning C/C++..
Skipping the basis for most modern programming is just half-assing it, and will most surely lead to this guy not becoming "rich".
And really, what sense does it make to argue, if he is searching for information, it is all different means to the same end. What's it going to hurt to learn a language that will definitely benefit him.
You just want to be right and seem to be the "expert".
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azyouthinkeyeiz said:
C++ teaches coding principles that apply to most languages, and the detail needed.. Skipping may take time out of the process, but to be an effective and effecient coder, you need the skills taught by learning C/C++..
Skipping the basis for most modern programming is just half-assing it, and will most surely lead to this guy not becoming "rich".
And really, what sense does it make to argue, if he is searching for information, it is all different means to the same end. What's it going to hurt to learn a language that will definitely benefit him.
You just want to be right and seem to be the "expert".
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thats wrong. they arent skills taught by c or c++ and c/c++ arent needed to learn them. they are universal paradigms that can be applied to any language.
logic is language agnostic.
and what would hurt him learning C++ when he wants Java is being trapped into the ways C++ does things that Java does another way.
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i dont want to be an 'expert' im just trying to prevent this person from going down the path of learning C++ which can be used in sooo many different ways when he wants to learn Java which does things its own ways. its like if i asked what i should do to learn Android programming and someone said that i should learn to code for iOS first. durh
and yes this really bothers me. i have nothing against C++, its a powerful language for the things that use it. but to suggest it to a person interested in Android dev is shilling for a programming language that has nothing to do with what wants to be done.

Bro, don't waste your time on some stupid,silly, idiotic person with worthless attitude.... he seems to be very despirate to guide any guy according to him as if he influence the learner's life.. .. in simple words, leave it...!!!!
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If I want to learn how to drive a car, should I start with an eighteen wheeler or a motorcycle to learn the paradigms of knowing whether to drive on the right or the left side of the road?
I'll butt out now
Edit: HEY! My two-hundredth post! Yea!
Now... I'm off to add a zero to that...
Oh, and PS:
killersnowman said:
if i wanted to learn how to make and use a MySQL database would you recommend me starting on another completely different data base structure?
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I think COBOL would be an excellent base for that!
Cheers!

[Q] How did you learn to develop?

Hello. I was wondering how the developers here managed to learn how to code in Java? Im studying a book and trying to get a couple of my friends to learn how to do it also, and was thinking it would be awesome to have the perspective of current developers.

Perhaps a skilled developer could compile a guide as well? I think that might be a bit too much, but I am, too, curious on how to really get started. How about some guidelines on what we should learn and some easy examples to copy for practice?

i would like to learn also... im dying on making my own rom for my sensation

I'm starting to learn to develop apps for android too.
Any ideas for 'simple' apps to write as a starting point. Not after 'original' apps, just something with a use to get started. I'm currently thinking of doing a to-do list kinda app, don't think it would be too complicated and hopefully it'll get me going. Any other ideas? (Purely for my benefit - wouldn't release them or anything)

About 130 hours of college should do it...at least to start with
Sorry, I'm just one of those that believe in formal training. Sure, I can read a book on plumbing and do some tasks around the house. Does that make me a plumber?
It's just not that easy to learn how to write good and I"m talking clean, efficient, bug-free, well documented, easy to maintain (by me or others) code.
Now, don't get your panties in a bunch; it CAN be done. Be prepared for a lot of hours of reading, writing code, debugging code (getting massively frustrated) and then doing it again.
I have 2 degrees in CS, been a professional programmer for 15 years and I'm still learning.
Ok, now that I'm off my soapbox , back to OP. Learn about your variable types: int, float, the String class. Write short, simple programs (enter 2 numbers, add them and display results etc.)
Learn about program flow: sequential statements, if/else, do/while, while/do, for/next constructs.
Learn about your data structures as a program is only as good as how you can store, manipulate, display and save data. Stacks, queues, arrays, vectors, maps, sets, trees, linked lists (single and double). I can not stress enough how important these are
Learn how to get information into a program (user input, database, files) and how to save it...a payroll program isn't much good if you can't save John's last paycheck's data!

Learn by Doing. Thats the best way.
From something awesome

killersnowman said:
Learn by Doing. Thats the best way.
From something awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Doing actual coding on a high level is the best way to get started. Go to the Android SDK site and browse the tutorials. Make small apps that do very basic stuff. Study code, learn what the methods do. As you progress you will better understand how to put stuff together in your head, or on paper and then actually code it.
Look up tutorials for things that you are interested in doing. There is a wealth of knowledge just from Googling basic things. Learning keywords and technical terms (queue, array, etc.) is also helpful when searching for tutorials or help.
Most importantly as killersnowman pointed out, just keep coding when ever you can and you will slowly build up your skills. Taking courses is always a plus.

I am presently looking into courses in my area as well. It has been too long since I have played with code and I really need to start working on my own apps.
I've tried App Inventor, and also I am playing with Basic4Android. My goal is to be able to be able to interface my phone or tablet with robots. Then from there I want to move onto useful apps.

These two places are enough to master app-development on Android:
http://developer.android.com/index.html
And
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/reallybigindex.html
Please note that there are a lot of concepts in the Java tutorial that aren't applicable for Android. So the chapter "Trail: Learning the Java Language"
is probably enough
But in addition to these places you really should have some kind of fun learning project that really motivates you to learn all this. It is more fun and easier to learn what you actually need for your app.

The best way is to have an idea of what you want to make. Start doing the tutorials and eventually move towards actually implementing your idea. It will act as a good motivator for learning.

Programming Certifications

Hello i am a IT student majoring in software engineering and i was wondering are programming certifications are needed to become a great developer ? i have heard from both sides of the aisle yes and no but since i am a rookie programmer who wants to work for one of the major companies like Google, Facebook, Apple and so on. I want to know from you Developers who been in the world for a while if certs really matter or they don't in the real world also if the top companies i mentioned do even care about certifications to begin with. Since my graduation is coming soon in April any advise or helpful tips would be very much appreciated to point me in the right track on becoming a Developer in software. FYI i have only been coding since April of last year and i have been practicing in several languages but the ones that have caught my eye the most is Java, Python.
Thank You.
i just want a chance :laugh:

Why to Waste money doing certifications ?............ just try to gain the knowledge from the video tutorials like thenewboston or mybringback...
Saves your money and time ..... I myself learnt java,android,objective c,c# from those websites' video tutorials.... Just google those name or find them on youtube.
Trust me you will love those tutorials.Just give a try.
Also try the w3schools website for learning the coding languages.. You also compile the programs online
and if you really confident after learning from video tutorials you can mention the names of languages you know in your resume without hesitation. ..
so i suggest u to gain the confidence and depth in a programming language which is the need of the everydays bread and butter like java and languages supported by .NET framework.
And talking of the companies,whichever course you do, they still train you.....and then only recruit you for a job if you prove fit for them.
hit thanks if i have helped you ....

AnthonyMcqueen21 said:
Hello i am a IT student majoring in software engineering and i was wondering are programming certifications are needed to become a great developer ? i have heard from both sides of the aisle yes and no but since i am a rookie programmer who wants to work for one of the major companies like Google, Facebook, Apple and so on. I want to know from you Developers who been in the world for a while if certs really matter or they don't in the real world also if the top companies i mentioned do even care about certifications to begin with. Since my graduation is coming soon in April any advise or helpful tips would be very much appreciated to point me in the right track on becoming a Developer in software. FYI i have only been coding since April of last year and i have been practicing in several languages but the ones that have caught my eye the most is Java, Python.
Thank You.
i just want a chance :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those certifications are valued a lot by some companies, then there are some who care only about your skills and don't care about the number of certificates you have.
Also it's not really guaranteed to make you a great programmer. If you have enough dedication and patience, you can learn more from the internet than those certifications will ever teach you.
But still at the end of the day it still increases the chances of getting employed.
P.S. - as far as i have heard google, facebook don't give a $#!t about your cerrtificates. You would be better off working on your own projects, so that you have something to show off your skills to the employers (like make some apps, websites, etc).
And good luck with the job interviews. :good:

Programming Certfications
Okay thank you for your input i have been learning several languages on Code Academy.com, Udemy, and Programmr.com and since April of last year it has been nothing but trail and error trying to figure out the code and what does it mean. The only i have done is a small website that only has around 200 lines of code or less like i said not much. I am thinking big and developing Apps for the motor sports world i have an idea for it and i am trying to find that nitch to get the process started. I have also have had professors that have stressed enough the fact of experience and certifications and so on. The truth is i NEVER worked in IT before i am a total rookie but i am not a quitter. I am just trying get an opportunity to learn and grow and gain valuable experience for bigger plans like Google and Facebook etc...
In addition i have had professors that told me i have no chance in hell since i have no experience and little development it sucks but i got to keep trying i want to have a job in development for my major by April.
Thank you.

I would be thinking that big companies would care more about your portfolio than about how many certificates you have... if you ask me you need to build up a portfolio that showcases what you can do, from the simple to the very complex - big companies need you to be flexible in what work you can do so try to build up a variety of different projects that really "show off" your abilities as a programmer.

Okay thank you that is what most of my classmates and professors tell me. They tell me in IT general go for by the comp tia certifications. But in programming world its all about what you can do rather than certs. I heard that there are people out there that have all the certs in the world but cant code simple programs like hello world for example. Thank you guys for the input
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