Related
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.
hi guys
I am an 16years old guy android lover.eddicted to Android
after using android from an year I have decided my future to be an Android devoleper
my aim is to work in Google android project or to become an devoleper like cynagon
can u(the best devolepers of xda) say me what languages to learn and all that I need to be a best android developer.
I also have the question that which operating system is good for learning languages and for Android devolepment is it
1 windows
2 mac os x
3 ubuntu
please my life is in ur answers
Really nice to see other ambitious persons wanting to develop in Android I myself have kind of the same question but I will open my own thread about that later.
Now for you.
I would say you should learn Java as I often read. and when you got a good basic of Java ( or any programming language for that matter) about variables and loops.
Also google provides several usefull starting points for android development but I wouldn't start with that before you have a good basic knowledge of programming itself.
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
This link I find very usefull you learn how an android app works. Where is the data stored, what does it do when you click an app away( instead of exiting the problem)
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/fundamentals.html
That is my 2 cents about Android Development.
For OS I myself use Mac OSX I find it alot easier to connect with adb than Windows but I can't say what is better.
Goodluck! hope to see alot of programs from you!
You need to become proficient in C/C++ and all the rest will fall into place. I recommend the linux platform (you mention ubuntu, but there are several) as the android platform is linux based. I use Gentoo myself.
Gene Poole said:
You need to become proficient in C/C++ and all the rest will fall into place. I recommend the linux platform (you mention ubuntu, but there are several) as the android platform is linux based. I use Gentoo myself.
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agreed about c/c++, if you are proficient in c/c++ most if not all other languages will fall into place. its not about the language though but rather the theory and principles behind the languages. I suggest c/c++ because imo if you get c/c++ you get all the others.
Gene Poole said:
You need to become proficient in C/C++ and all the rest will fall into place. I recommend the linux platform (you mention ubuntu, but there are several) as the android platform is linux based. I use Gentoo myself.
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Oh yeah, I agree here as well. In general, Linux is definitely good for learning programming on. All the tools are *free* (most of my college classes dealt with the Linux platform for this reason). Also, at least on Linux, I have not had problems getting ADB to recognize my device. On Windows, I did get my system to recognize my device, but it definitely took longer.
(Using OpenSuSE for my Android development).
Actually, unlike these spectacular developers, I recommend you learn Java. Android IS coded in JAVA and it is an object oriented programming language, which is in many ways VERY different from C/C++.... Then start going through demos of other Android applications till you can read the code and understand what it is doing.
It finally makes sense why Android developers are so far behind the rest in app development....... college degrees would help.
what happens if I learn java, c/c++
mynameisvineeth said:
what happens if I learn java, c/c++
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I'm not sure what the question is here... Are you asking what you should do after learning those, or for more opinions about which you should start with?
Anyway, the best thing would be to take a computer science course. That way you'd learn all the fundamentals of computer programming as well as specific languages. If you can't do that, you can always just teach yourself. For example, I took a few basic programming classes (e.g. a few hours a week for 10 weeks "Introduction to C") but after that, everything I learnt was self-taught in Java using the Android SDK. I've been working at it for about a year now, and published my first app 6 months ago which has been selling slowly but steadily, so it can be done.
There are many many resources online you can find, as long as you have the patience and time to read everything. The two best places to learn things from are the official developer's guide and Stack Overflow; Stack Overflow is a question and answer site for programmers.
if I learn the three languages in the collage can i devolep apps.
my aim is to become an good android software engineer so please anyone suggest which course should I take in the university such that my future will be bright with google.
mynameisvineeth said:
if I learn the three languages in the collage can i devolep apps.
my aim is to become an good android software engineer so please anyone suggest which course should I take in the university such that my future will be bright with google.
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Click to collapse
You don't need to learn all three languages. I would personally learn Java first since it's excellent to learn basic programming concepts in and techniques and it is the main language used for developing Android apps. C/C++ should definitely be learned at some point if you want to work for Google, but you'll need at the very least a bachelor's degree before you get to that point. If you get to that point, I am sure you will have learned C/C++.
I do OK under Windows, but I recommend Linux if you can. USB drivers and I was good to go. Java is great, seems dauting at first. I would get java first. But once you know, you like it. At least I did. Makes it more difficult to make a mistake, IMO.
Of course, I'm just starting. Listen first to the extremely advanced people that post here.
Good luck!
is computer science good for me?
Depends I know a few Computer science schools where they teach PASCAL I don't think 4 years of PASCAL will be usefull so it kinda depends what classes are given there. Don't you have a summary of what classes you get at that computer science school? and furthermore computer science can be useful but I don't think you have to know what hardware is in a computer to create an android app.
SterAllures said:
Depends I know a few Computer science schools where they teach PASCAL I don't think 4 years of PASCAL will be usefull so it kinda depends what classes are given there. Don't you have a summary of what classes you get at that computer science school? and furthermore computer science can be useful but I don't think you have to know what hardware is in a computer to create an android app.
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You have no idea what you're talking about. A computer science degree is not about what language you learn and how to program. It's about the concepts of computer science. It doesn't matter what language a computer science program uses. It has everything to do with the conceprd you learn to apply to programming.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
If you wanna work on Android, start with an app instead of trying to work on the framework. You'll learn a lot more, much faster.
It sounds like your definition of a computer science degree is closer to what I'd call "computer theory".
Q: What's the difference between theory and practice?
A: In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice.
Yes, learning threading concepts (for example) in one language will carry over reasonably well to another... but you'll still need to learn a new API, and no two APIs are conceptually identical. Actually being familiar with a given language/API/OS/IDE out of the gate is a pretty big deal when it comes time to Actually Get Hired... or just doing stuff on your own with It (whatever It might be).
I was going to start a new thread with the following post, but I think my questions fit with this thread...
"I have a scientific/technical background and know some networking and Linux basics (i.e. enough to set up a very functional home server with SFTP, Samba, DLNA server, etc from Ubuntu/Deb packages), but I have very little computer programming training.
Where is the best place to start if I would eventually like to develop Android apps?
Should I focus on programming fundamentals with Java as the main programming environment or step right into the Android SDK with Eclipse?
Any links to recommended tutorials and lessons would be greatly appreciated too.
Thanks!"
It sounds to me like Java is the best language to use when learning programming fundamentals if the intent is to develop Android apps in the future. Links to recommended educational resources would really make this a valuable thread.
@ChiefNugget: Please learn first Java and then if you have understood the basics take a look at the developer.android.com site. You should buy a good Java Programmer Book Click
Couple of things to get straight here:
1. "Android" is written in C++ - This is the OS of the phone, it's not written in Java - if you want to be big like Cyanogen you'll need to know C++ very very well. *Sidenote: EXCITED FOR GINGERBREAD CODE TO DROP SOON*
2. Java is not a compiled language (why no OS is written in it) it is a "Interpreted" language meaning that there is very little change from what you type to what the JVM (Java virtual machine, in our case "Dalvik") actually interprets and runs as "Java Byte Code"
So it depends what you want your concentration to be in, if you want to write machine level code - hit up the C++ side of things, if you want to write Apps - java is where you should go.
How ever, I recommend to anyone who wants to become a developer, learn C++ before you learn anything. It's difficult for a reason - it makes you better in the end when you understand how memory is managed and why you shouldn't do things that lots of developers do.
Kcarpenter said:
Couple of things to get straight here:
1. "Android" is written in C++ - This is the OS of the phone, it's not written in Java - if you want to be big like Cyanogen you'll need to know C++ very very well. *Sidenote: EXCITED FOR GINGERBREAD CODE TO DROP SOON*
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Click to collapse
And linux is written in C.
Kcarpenter said:
2. Java is not a compiled language (why no OS is written in it) it is a "Interpreted" language meaning that there is very little change from what you type to what the JVM (Java virtual machine, in our case "Dalvik") actually interprets and runs as "Java Byte Code"
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Click to collapse
That is quite debatable. Between "javac", and JIT compilers, java code does indeed get turned into machine code. And "compiling to bytecode" is still has a valid meaning. When I think interpretted languages, I think "no code is checked until it is executed". You find out about syntax errors when you run it, not when you hit the "build it" button on your IDE.
Kcarpenter said:
How ever, I recommend to anyone who wants to become a developer, learn C++ before you learn anything. It's difficult for a reason - it makes you better in the end when you understand how memory is managed and why you shouldn't do things that lots of developers do.
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Click to collapse
Oh, granted. With java you ALMOST don't need to know what pointers are... but what's left will HANG YOU if you're not careful.
GC's spoil you. Kids these days! Why when I was your age... Anyway, getting into the habit of releasing memory early on means closing files and other resources is likewise well understood. Someone learning java only runs into resource management later on... "stunts their growth" as it were... like Europeans and fractions (metric vs Seemingly random combinations of units).
Get off my lawn!
I have been a member of XDA for a while and now I want to contribute. I have a basic understanding of computers and want to learn more. Obviously our greatest devs were not born devs they had to learn everything from somewhere. I'm looking for suggestions on where to start on the road to become the best dev I can be. Keep in mind I'm flat broke so I cannot hit up the local bookstore or download any paid software, but with the way the internet is today there must a free legitimate source for everything somewhere. So anyone willing to help a noob If I posted in the wrong section please kindly redirect me rather than flame me. Thanks in advance.
It all depends on what you want to contribute. I'm a beginner myself (only developing since august). It is easy to learn Java, for the most part. I would suggest heading over to http://developer.android.com/index.html for starters. There are many examples and if you want to know something specific, try using the search bar at the top right (it comes in handy). I have already published an app, a simple one, but still an application none the less. I am working on two other projects simultaneously (a live wallpaper and a home-replacement app). You can come to my website http://futurinnovations.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm working on. I am still in the process of learning, and being in college slows things down a bit. Just make sure not to give up. If your stuck, ask someone (or everyone) on forums like this.
Futur Innovations said:
It all depends on what you want to contribute. I'm a beginner myself (only developing since august). It is easy to learn Java, for the most part. I would suggest heading over to http://developer.android.com/index.html for starters. There are many examples and if you want to know something specific, try using the search bar at the top right (it comes in handy). I have already published an app, a simple one, but still an application none the less. I am working on two other projects simultaneously (a live wallpaper and a home-replacement app). You can come to my website http://futurinnovations.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm working on. I am still in the process of learning, and being in college slows things down a bit. Just make sure not to give up. If your stuck, ask someone (or everyone) on forums like this.
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I forgot to mention I want to learn to dev for Android. I want to start out with simple apps then work my way up to building/porting roms. Also I just downloaded the Java JDK and am using Java's "Greenfoot" Tutorial to get started since I have no experience with Java. And I will be sure to check out your blog and thank you for the reply.
porting and building is something far different from app development...you have to know much more if you want to work with kernel,drivers,basically you have to know everything from hardware level to user level (if you want to be top of the class)...good luck
farukb said:
porting and building is something far different from app development...you have to know much more if you want to work with kernel,drivers,basically you have to know everything from hardware level to user level (if you want to be top of the class)...good luck
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Well we all gotta start somewhere. Now is probably a good time for me as I'm only 18 and a senior in high school. Since I don't have a job at the moment I have plenty of free time after school and on weekends.
I'm only 18 myself. I started straight with downloading Eclipse and all of the appropriate software for developing and just dove in. I would recommend watching these tutorials: http://www.xtensivearts.com/topics/tutorials/. They helped me A LOT. I am taking a programming in C class in the spring semster, which I am looking forward to. Programming in Java for Android is different than regular programming. It's the same concepts, just different APIs and tools. I like using Eclipse because it is easy to learn and get used to. There are a lot of fancy features like a type of autocorrect (not like on the phone, but smarter). Like you said, just start from the basics, like "Hello World" (Hello Android) and practice creating different layouts using the tutorials given on the Developer site. Explore the site and look through everything because eventually you may need to know where its located for quick access. Just don't set too high of goals for yourself, other wise you might be more prone to give up (like I almost did). Good luck
Im in ths same boat as you we got to start somewhere
mit have a fantastic course in computer science online.
search for MIT open courseware then introduction to computer science.
I'm on 10 now, getting very complicated
crowstar said:
mit have a fantastic course in computer science online.
search for MIT open courseware then introduction to computer science.
I'm on 10 now, getting very complicated
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Click to collapse
Thanks bro I'm checking out that MIT course right now it looks really helpfull
This is a great starting point for Android development, as it deals quite well with getting the Android SDK and Eclipse IDE set up and working together.
http://www.vogella.de/articles/Android/article.html
Futur Innovations said:
I'm only 18 myself. I started straight with downloading Eclipse and all of the appropriate software for developing and just dove in. I would recommend watching these tutorials: http://www.xtensivearts.com/topics/tutorials/. They helped me A LOT. I am taking a programming in C class in the spring semster, which I am looking forward to. Programming in Java for Android is different than regular programming. It's the same concepts, just different APIs and tools. I like using Eclipse because it is easy to learn and get used to. There are a lot of fancy features like a type of autocorrect (not like on the phone, but smarter). Like you said, just start from the basics, like "Hello World" (Hello Android) and practice creating different layouts using the tutorials given on the Developer site. Explore the site and look through everything because eventually you may need to know where its located for quick access. Just don't set too high of goals for yourself, other wise you might be more prone to give up (like I almost did). Good luck
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Hi, I'm 24. And I learn how to 'program' since 14-15.
It's easy to write apps for Android. But it's hard to write good apps.
You should take Software Engineering course (NOT Computer Science course).
If you take CS (Computer Science) course, than you will learn mainly about algorithm.
But if you enter SE (Software Engineering) course, you will learn about SDLC, software QA/testing, and planning to write programs for living
:-D
I personally don't like eclipse, it's just bloated IDE :-(
I use SciTE, apache ant, MinGW/MSYS (GCC 4.5.0), Java SDK, ActivePerl, Dev-C++ IDE. That's should be enough for development :-D
I will see if there are any software engineer classes at the college I am attending. If so, then I will sign up for it. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Is taking the programming class still beneficial?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Futur Innovations said:
Is taking the programming class still beneficial?
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I'd really recommend a class if it's a viable option. It will help you understand object oriented programming, where just working through examples won't actually teach you how to understand what you're doing. Things like classes, inheritance and polymorphism are pretty difficult principles to grasp unless you've got someone to explain them to you. Then it's pretty easy.
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...♫ ♪
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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.
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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!
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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...
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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... =)
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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Sent from my SEX10 using XDA App
Hi everyone! I am currently a student going into my senior year of my bachelors in computer science. Over the years I have wanted to get into android os development but just never seemed to know where to start with it. I have a very strong programming background of C++, php, some javascript, actionscript, visual basic (and .net), and a handful of others too.
Does anyone have any good resources in getting started with things? Or even better yet, would anyone be willing to sit down over skype or the like and have a chat and tutor/teaching sessions with me?
Thanks in advance for any of your guys help, it will be very much appreciated.
AzureShadow said:
Hi everyone! I am currently a student going into my senior year of my bachelors in computer science. Over the years I have wanted to get into android os development but just never seemed to know where to start with it. I have a very strong programming background of C++, php, some javascript, actionscript, visual basic (and .net), and a handful of others too.
Does anyone have any good resources in getting started with things? Or even better yet, would anyone be willing to sit down over skype or the like and have a chat and tutor/teaching sessions with me?
Thanks in advance for any of your guys help, it will be very much appreciated.
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Welcome to the game
IMO you probably won't find someone willing to sit down and teach you this stuff. It's kind of a learn as you go thing for most of us, and for others they won't even post on these forums until they've mastered coding lol.
I'm a noob myself, and certainly not a programmer. I came on here not knowing much, but then started learning very specific things for my particular phone. That's where you should start. Learn everything there is to know about your phone and start making apps/roms just for your device. You certainly need to know, and understand, the build numbers for these phones and realize that not every ROM, modem, kernel, etc. is compatible with all phones.
There aren't too many resources other than the required tools... for example, if you don't have the Google Android SDK bundle then you need to get it. You need the AVD Emulator for app emulation unless you're going to test everything on your own device. If you're looking for a relatively easy way to compile a ROM into a ZIP so it's working and flashable to your phone then there are Android "kitchens" that will do that for you. They themselves require their own tools to work, but they're pretty straight forward.
This particular kitchen by dsixda works well, even though it says it's not being updated anymore. It supposedly works for all GS4 variants, but I have personally confirmed that it works for the GS4 jfltespr variant by Sprint.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
If you use that and follow the instructions, you can decompile a base ROM to work with it and see how everything is set up, add or tweak a few things as you like, recompile it back to a ZIP and then flash it to your phone and see it in action.
Good luck.
I would LOVE to see a kitchen on android itself
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My one piece of advice here - because Android development is so multifaceted that there are any number of ways to start, and if you're down in the platform, often you need to know a lot to be productive:
If you want to play in kernel space, I suggest playing with some microcontroller development boards, like AVR. Arduino hardware is great, but the Arduino IDE does too much handholding. Take a more "down to the metal" approach like using AVR-GCC to target Arduino hardware. This teaches you how to think about voltages, currents, drive conflicts (pushing and pulling a bus at the same time is Bad), etc.
Oh yeah, and grep is your friend.