Database Users

[Q] New Young App Developer Needing Help

Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
I want to start developing in different parts of Android, Applications being the top priority.
I have found and got many guides such as Sam's Teach Yourself for helping me build applications.
I know I can't start off building advanced apps. But the place I need help is where should I start, and what things I should learn such as Java, Adobe Air being a few.
If you guys can please maybe make a list I should follow or something...This would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks A lot

If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪

Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements

Thank you so much
Thanks a lot. I would have no idea where to start, despite many guides available out there.
Both you have made it a lot simpler.
Thanks once again.
pigeonaras said:
If you have an idea about java, the next step is to "google" for "Android Developers"...
I think it's the perfect place for beginners in Android Development...♫ ♪
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pyko said:
Yep, you'll definitely need to learn Java. Knowing some Object Oriented concepts will help too.
The recommended IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) for Android is Eclipse (it's free!). I personally use IntelliJ (community edition is free - less features, but it's got all you need for Android dev).
Looking at tutorials etc is really good - imo the best way to learn is hands-on learning. A good starting place is the developer docs: http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tutorial
Once you've followed a couple of those, you'll probably be exploring new/random classes, so looking at the reference will help too: http://developer.android.com/reference/packages.html
Of course the best way is to just try something out to get started - even if it is something simple, or verbatim from the tutorials.
As for what app to start with... a simple one is always good. But what is important is make something that you feel like you need/want to use yourself. That way you will be more motivated to follow through with the idea, and you'll be your own user, thus be able to make good improvements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

No problems
Oh, forgot to mention in my original post... the only reason I'm using IntelliJ is because I use it at work (so used to the shortcuts etc).
imo, both IDEs are comparable - just what you are used to.
If you haven't used either, probably go with Eclipse since there are a lot more tutorials/guides out there related to dev with Eclipse/Android.

I started developing about 8 months ago. I am going to be a Junior in High School, so we are in the same boat here.lol
Anyways, I spent a lot of time looking at many books and resources. Alos another thing that helps is to teach your self how stuff works by studying source codes. But dont only do this. Look at tut's and other resources as well. Remember, start small then work your way up! Dont go out and try to make a super amazing awesome app. You will just frustrate your self. So start simple. I was making small apps that only had text when i first started. Now where am i you may ask? I am the developer of the Android Markets only Honeycomb Launcher and a couple other larger apps!
Just remember it takes time, alittle money, patiences and PRACTICE! Make an app or at least work on an app EVERYDAY if possible.
If you get stuck use the resources on the Android site that Android gave to us.
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals/activities.html
Check out the DEV guides, resources and sample code.
Also, do you have eclipse and Android SDK already set up?

ZAIGHAM ALI said:
Hello XDA,
I have just finished my first year of high school, and have spent 2 years around Windows Mobile and Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!

matistight said:
I finished my 2nd year of high school, got an HTC Sensation 4G recently and am looking to make roms for other phones (currently looking at the Nexus S). I am getting bored so I would think it would be awesome if we could team up of something and create some roms for phones or something. I'm young like you, looking to make use of my general coding skills(had iPhone for 2 years, so i have some experience with jailbreaking and modding, etc.)
Would be very glad if we could team up or something and who knows, maybe become the next Cyanogen! Looking for a hobby, not profit.
Have a good day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...

IntelSoftApps said:
Creating a ROM right off the back??? You are going to end up throwing your computer out the window! I know a few ROM developers and they say it is VERY challenging and frustrating at times.
I recommend you two join together or with others and create some apps first. Start small then work your way up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)

depending on how complicated you want to go, you can try using phonegap or html5 to create apps, if not, you would need to learn java
PS: you want to make a rom from scratch? what?

Thanks to everybody above i really really appreciate it, i learnt a lot of nice advice.

killersnowman said:
i concur... The Android operating system, including the Linux kernel, consists of roughly 12 million lines of code including 3 million lines of XML, 2.8 million lines of C, 2.1 million lines of Java, and 1.75 million lines of C++.
wrap your head around that... =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is A LOT of code!!! You guys should probably start with the "Hello, Android" tutorial. That can be a challenge if you dont know how to work eclipse. But luckily, Android provides a nice little "Hello, Android" tutorial.
P.S. You or anyone will never past Cyanogenmod for awhile. I think they know what they are doing.lol
But it is always good to dream big! Like i want to be a Trillionare.lol (I dont even know how to spell it) "But dreams do come try"

Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

I am in the exact same position as you. I have just got the "Head First Java" book, but I dont think it looks like it will help that much.
monkeychef said:
Hey guys, I'm a senior now. I have done the hello Android tutorial, and I have the Android dev for dummies, but I know nothing about java and xml programming.
Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has any other tutorials, let me know. Thanks.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

See i was in that boat like you guys were, and it SUCKS! All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
Heres what i suggest. Play with the source of apps. Download some source codes and create new android projects in eclipse from THAT source. (LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH THAT)
And with in those projects, view all of the sources and xml files. Learn how stuff works. such as imports and buttons and permissions. I first started messing with layouts, xml files, strings, and buttons. This is good, BUT you will get to a point were you will see force closes. Thats because the java must match... That got me into looking at the java files more and more. Now that is almost the first thing i dive into.
Like i said along time ago, i am not anywhere close to being an expert at all! But i am getting a good handle on Android in the following ways...
- Visit XDA daily and other sites. Stay up to date and learn what is going on now. not what was being developed a month ago. Stuff is aways changing!
- Surround yourself with a group of developers! They can and will be your BEST friends! As many of you had said before, many of you want a hobby not a profit. Trust me, thats what everyone says.lol. There is some good money to be made out there!!! Some of your best developers can make every developer on a team some money. They also have your back if you get lost or stuck on something.
- Try finding people in your same boat or position. Kind of like the other kid on the site... You two can work something out. Exchange emails. share names and interest. This doesn't mean y'all need to hold hands but just create some chit chat once in awhile. If you learned something, tell him about it!
- USE YOUR F'IN RESOURCES!!! Android/Google made this AMZING site called Android.com. On that site they have developer guides, resources, tut's, and even sample code! Another amazing resource is Stackoverflow.com. Here you can find a lot of answers to any problem. I must have visited that site 1000 times.lol
and dont forget about GOOGLE.COM. ask questions in your search, but be SPECIFIC. Be sure to include "Android" in your search so you can get android support not some iPhone or Windows support...
Anyways, just get out there! try to be the best you can! Absorb as much as you can. LIVE ANDROID! but also have a life.lol

IntelSoftApps said:
All of the tutorials are very simple textviews and buttons, but nothing that really teaches you all that much java.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very true. i had been a java programmer for 4 years prior to learning android dev and what really got me going was coming up with an idea for an app and moving to make that a reality. if you just go through and do tutorials you wont get as much out of it as actually trying to make something you can use, be it a small and simple something.
also, i had always done command line java programs and had ignored the java swing ui like the plague, but android has a great layout and ui system. if you are learning java for use in android dont be disheartened by javax.swing package

You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.

Thanks a lot, I will get that book asap.
apreichner said:
You should definitely learn an object oriented programming language first before delving into android. I would recommend Java as it is what you will use for a lot of development. A lot of these guides and tutorials including that dummies book expect you to know what a public vs private class is or what inheritance is.
Also another big part of android is XML. At least learn the basics of XML.
I recommend the Java for dummies book as it provides a good introduction to many of the Java concepts that you will need. Java and eclipse can be quite a lot of fun once you get to know it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SEX10 using XDA App

Sorry, but what "web-based" ?
Kevincod said:
If your a starter, I recommend to go for web based right way, I'm confident that in the near future most mobile device applications will be mainly web based just like desktops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SEX10 using XDA App

Planning to learn coding games for android - need help

I would love to create an android game. So I am planning to start learning it.
I have coded an application already and I think I know the basics. So now I want to get into game programming which is too complex if I heard it right.
I would like my fellow developers who have experience in coding games to give me some links and tutorials which will come handy for newbie like me.
Thanks in advance!

obscurant1st said:
I would love to create an android game. So I am planning to start learning it.
I have coded an application already and I think I know the basics. So now I want to get into game programming which is too complex if I heard it right.
I would like my fellow developers who have experience in coding games to give me some links and tutorials which will come handy for newbie like me.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the best way to learn any new area of software development is to get stuck into a project. I've been working in various embedded and real-time environments for years but a couple of years ago myself and a couple of mates decided to try to make a game. At the time we wanted to learn C# so we dived into the XNA framework & made something that ran on Windows & XBox. It was never released, but I learned a lot of new stuff. Started with their tutorials and went from there. I can't help with links and so on for Android but don't be put off by the idea that games are too complex - the first software job I ever did was on a full size submarine simulator for the Navy & that really was complicated!

I think that this is a very good piece of advice: http://www.raywenderlich.com/12065/how-to-create-a-simple-android-game
It helped me very much.

Coding games has become very easy these days thanks to the superb engines but some do come at a premium price
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Hit Thanx Button if i helped you!

sak-venom1997 said:
Coding games has become very easy these days thanks to the superb engines but some do come at a premium price
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Hit Thanx Button if i helped you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. But Andengine is free and very good. Look at the link I gave above.

I used Unity3D for my class project before. It's very nice and easy to use. You should check it out

there is a great guide on xda: link.

ciao99 said:
there is a great guide on xda: link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I have started learning!

Also another great resource is the new Boston. You can see them here and select Java Game Development. http://thenewboston.org/tutorials.php
You can also learn regular Java and Android development on that Site!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

When I started to learn android game developing I found some very useful tutorials at: obviam.net. Look for the series 'Getting started in android development with libgdx'.
This series uses the framework libGDX, which enables you to write your game once and easily port it to many different platforms.

Fíghter02 said:
When I started to learn android game developing I found some very useful tutorials at: obviam.net. Look for the series 'Getting started in android development with libgdx'.
This series uses the framework libGDX, which enables you to write your game once and easily port it to many different platforms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally support this. I created my first Android game (Rock Ninja) with no previous game development experience thanks to the awesome Libgdx framework/community.

Yeah, LibGDX great thing and very easy to learn on GoogleCode's wiki page by simply reading topics one by one. Of course if you are familiar with java first

I'm also member of libGDX community, even helped to fix some bugs in particle editor. But after deeper look at this engine, you find some problems in deployment on other platforms. So, I'm looking at the Unity 3d now, besides it became free for android and iOS version.

Widesteppe said:
I'm also member of libGDX community, even helped to fix some bugs in particle editor. But after deeper look at this engine, you find some problems in deployment on other platforms. So, I'm looking at the Unity 3d now, besides it became free for android and iOS version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, iOS is still work in progress with Libgdx. Good news is that the new RoboVM backend(that will replace Monotouch/Xamarin) is looking really promising and a first app has already been successfully published to the Appstore.

I have a decent stash of books on mobile development. I would start with either monogame, libGDX(provided you know openGL), AndEngine, Unity3D, or use cross platform tools that turn HTML5/CSS3/Javascript into native code. Give me a PM if you need anything, best of luck :good:

Monkey_King said:
I have a decent stash of books on mobile development. I would start with either monogame, libGDX(provided you know openGL), AndEngine, Unity3D, or use cross platform tools that turn HTML5/CSS3/Javascript into native code. Give me a PM if you need anything, best of luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need any knowledge of OpenGL for Libgdx, everything is abstracted out for you.

ob1cat said:
You don't need any knowledge of OpenGL for Libgdx, everything is abstracted out for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the GLSL used in LibGDX?

Monkey_King said:
Isn't the GLSL used in LibGDX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internally yes, but it's abstracted by the framework for you not to need to worry about it.

Which is the best book for Android beginners ?

Hey guys, I want to find work as either a freelance android developer or even make money by developing my own apps. I started from zero only a month ago. I now have an acceptable knowledge of Java - I am familiar with most concepts. Now, I am starting Android ....now which book do you think I should start with ?
1. Busy Coder's guide to Android development by Mark Murphy
2. Beginner's Android 4 Applications by Wei-Meing Lee
3. Professional Android 4 Applications by Roto Meir.
I have bought all 3 books. But I wonder which I should start with before I move on to the next. Mind you, I am not a skilled java programmer shifting to android like many of you here. And how long do you think does it take for an average novice programmer to gain acceptable command of Android and develop apps ?

RedDevil99025 said:
Hey guys, I want to find work as either a freelance android developer or even make money by developing my own apps. I started from zero only a month ago. I now have an acceptable knowledge of Java - I am familiar with most concepts. Now, I am starting Android ....now which book do you think I should start with ?
1. Busy Coder's guide to Android development by Mark Murphy
2. Beginner's Android 4 Applications by Wei-Meing Lee
3. Professional Android 4 Applications by Roto Meir.
I have bought all 3 books. But I wonder which I should start with before I move on to the next. Mind you, I am not a skilled java programmer shifting to android like many of you here. And how long do you think does it take for an average novice programmer to gain acceptable command of Android and develop apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Learning programming is nothing you can do casually. It can take quite a while.
However, it depends on what you define as good knowledge. You will get really good coding skills after decades of programming. But don't worry. You won't need skills as good as a professional developer's skills at the beginning. (And I don't claim to be as good as one of those old folks I described.)
It also depends on what you want to do. Some things like server communication are more complex while other things are easier.
I hope that this didn't discourage you. If you start with small apps, I am sure that you will be able to learn that. Coding is nothing magicial.
I'd start with book #2. I think that you can skip a lot of chapters of book #3 afterwards. I wasn't able to look into the first book on Amazon, but I think that I'd take that one as the last one.
However, make sure that you understand Java first. Without Java, the base for Android programming is missing.
I am sure that you can manage that. Enjoy it.

I'd also recommend book 2. It's very good for basic stuff.

I don't know any of these books, but i would also recommend you Googles Android Developer Site:
http://developer.android.com/training/index.html
There are great tutorials and all concepts of Android Applications are described in detail and quite easy to understand for beginners.

Thanks guys, as you suggest, I will start with book 2...

nikwen said:
Learning programming is nothing you can do casually. It can take quite a while.
However, it depends on what you define as good knowledge. You will get really good coding skills after decades of programming. But don't worry. You won't need skills as good as a professional developer's skills at the beginning. (And I don't claim to be as good as one of those old folks I described.)
It also depends on what you want to do. Some things like server communication are more complex while other things are easier.
I hope that this didn't discourage you. If you start with small apps, I am sure that you will be able to learn that. Coding is nothing magicial.
I'd start with book #2. I think that you can skip a lot of chapters of book #3 afterwards. I wasn't able to look into the first book on Amazon, but I think that I'd take that one as the last one.
However, make sure that you understand Java first. Without Java, the base for Android programming is missing.
I am sure that you can manage that. Enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Nikwen.....I am gonna devote this whole month completely to android, probably work on it for 15-16 hours a day....at the end of the month, I will know where I stand, and whether I can make a career out of it, or not.

RedDevil99025 said:
Thanks Nikwen.....I am gonna devote this whole month completely to android, probably work on it for 15-16 hours a day....at the end of the month, I will know where I stand, and whether I can make a career out of it, or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome.
Wow, that's much time. :good:
Enjoy it.

I'd also recommend stackoverflow.com
If you have a question regarding programming , there's a 95% chance it's been answered there
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app-developers app

alobo said:
I'd also recommend stackoverflow.com
If you have a question regarding programming , there's a 95% chance it's been answered there
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right! :good:
Howevewr, I think it is even higher. :laugh:

Hello Every,
please use the following links for your android learning requirments
For Beginning
BEGINNING
ANDROID™ APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT Beginning Android Appication Development - Wei-Meng Lee
http://www.mediafire.com/?43g9rgzd2py396c
Android CookBook - Ian Darwin
http://www.mediafire.com/?7q5m1yd4wa90h43
Begging Android 4 - Grant Allen
http://www.mediafire.com/?d0sldbmcx9stdy3
Beginning Android 4 Games Development - Robert Green, Mario Zechner
http://www.mediafire.com/?nn8wcxjgsbozowt
Head First Android Development - Jonathan Simon
http://www.mediafire.com/?iq8n7grt2nu6m4v
Practical Android 4 Games Development - J. F. DiMarzio
http://www.mediafire.com/?2zkv7obn9wj2smf
Programming Android - Zigurd Mednieks
http://www.mediafire.com/?13u9b7shseu2bd1
For Pro
Professional Android Sensor Programming - Greg Milette, Adam Stroud
http://www.mediafire.com/?ei2w3u5t774q34c
Pro Android 4 - Satya Komatineni, Dave MacLean
http://www.mediafire.com/?dsebkb2b4b7ab1h
Advanced Android 4 Games - Vladimir Silva
http://www.mediafire.com/?nh5vq0jk5iqccdl
Pro Android media - Shawn Van Every
http://www.mediafire.com/?c83wjmum3r9e463
Pro Android Apps Performance Optimization - Hervé Guihot
http://www.mediafire.com/?aba5al9fa932za7
Please don't forgot to click thanks
your friend Ashish Gaur

Android is an open source and Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
For writing apps for Android is more than just learning code syntax. If you've never learned to code, you can check out plenty of resources online.
There are plenty of eBooks that are available which provides clear depth tutorial for creating Android apps from scratch.
I would like to recommend you one such eBook where I am sure you would get benefit out from it.
Here is the eBook link @ learnsauce.com

The best programming language for beginners is Basic4Android (similar to Visual Basic).
Check out for my ebook on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Game-development-Android-example-creating-ebook/dp/B0777PSGJZ
and start coding

[Q] Code an android app?

hey guys,
I am back on the forum after a long time like posting a thread. I just completed my school and heading to college as a computer science major, right now I have my summer vacations going on and so I was thinking of learning android app development in my free time by using some java knowledge I gained in my AP computer science class at my high school. I want to learn Game Development if that comes in the category of app development because everything in the market is an app so. I am not quite familiar with what engines are good or where can I have a good start. I know little bit that you need a Android APK but I have heard that it takes a lot of time and extrat coding to build an app in APK, so should I use engines out there? and if so which one? etc. I know there are many android app developers and so if you guys could help me out. Also my development is not just limited to games but also appilcation that are plugins or deal with networking etc.
I would highly appreciate your help.

Video Tutorials
JaZZyCooL said:
hey guys,
I am back on the forum after a long time like posting a thread. I just completed my school and heading to college as a computer science major, right now I have my summer vacations going on and so I was thinking of learning android app development in my free time by using some java knowledge I gained in my AP computer science class at my high school. I want to learn Game Development if that comes in the category of app development because everything in the market is an app so. I am not quite familiar with what engines are good or where can I have a good start. I know little bit that you need a Android APK but I have heard that it takes a lot of time and extrat coding to build an app in APK, so should I use engines out there? and if so which one? etc. I know there are many android app developers and so if you guys could help me out. Also my development is not just limited to games but also appilcation that are plugins or deal with networking etc.
I would highly appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started android development by watching tutorial videos from 200 video series
Link : http://thenewboston.org/list.php?cat=6
You can start game development refering content on
http://www.kilobolt.com/game-development-tutorial.html

Thanks a lot for the tutorials man. I highly appreciate it.

JaZZyCooL said:
Thanks a lot for the tutorials man. I highly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press thanks button dude.. Its best way to thanks..

Looking For Java Learning Resources

Hey everyone,
New to Android development, but not programming. Most of my programming falls in the category of web development, and a few web-apps. All very miniscule with Java, and that's my downfall right now mid-development.
See, I'm working on this application for my SecurSend web-app (that's currently offline, sorry), but my weakness in Java is proving to delay development. I've been scrounging around for resources on learning Java, but none have really proved successful..
Is there anything you guys could recommend from when you first got started?

Hi!
Try "Java The complete reference" by Herbert Schildt. It's a great book.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA Free mobile app

I got the basics off The New Boston's youtube series. Then I moved on to www.codingbat.com exercises.

Just go to javacodegeeks.com they have good guides