Database Users

How challenging is making an app?

I am not to sure if this is the correct area for this. But I am wondering how hard it is to make a Android game? This isn't something I want to just jump into, but learn while I am doing it and take my time.
So how challenging is it to someone who has no experience?
Thank You

Do you have any programming experience at all?
If you know languages like C++ or Java you're pretty close already. Android is programmed in Java, and you need to be familiar with Java's memory management to understand what happens behind the scenes since memory is critical on a mobile device. Also you should get some experience with multithreaded programming, since most times you'll need threads to complete tasks without getting the UI stuck.
Android uses a component based architecture that might be a bit unfamiliar in the beginning, since there's no 'main' entrypoint and you have to split your app into 'activities' that talk to each other through 'intents'.
Games present additional challenges, since they often require you to take care of several things involved with graphics and audio, so maybe they're not the ideal first step into programming.

I started programming for my phone on my Touch HD (windows mobile 6.5, using c#). I'd done some java (not a lot, really, and I hated it), some c (a bit, liked it much more) and quite a few script languages.
I have to say, I got into c# with the compact .NET framework VERY easily. It was very straightforwards, nicely syntaxed ... it was just programming as I'd known it. I've made some office apps, one or two games (just for fun, although the apps were meant to be sold ... **** MS for going wp7 and incompatible!; they were solid pieces of software engineering, if I say so myself)
Two weeks ago I got my Desire HD and a few books on programming Android ( O'Reilly, Sam's) and went looking through developer.android.com .
And I have to say, I find it hard! The concepts and how they work together are a bit ... uhm ... distributed. Good software design, but hard on the programmer (and ****ing verbose to actually type in the porgamming! Sheesh!). It took me a while to grok how all these systems are fitting together: to be honest, I'm still trying to make it all jell. All these intents, services, activities, broadcast receivers ... very interesting, but just thinking of the best (or even correct!) way of setting up your porgram is kinda difficult.
But, that's just me, in two weeks time in my spare time. I am getting it now and it is interesting (and, actually, very well set up for what they want android to do/be). c# was just easier, friendlier and faster to get into.
Sorry if this sounds negative: learning a new language isn't EASY, but it is FUN And very informative. If you have a few hours to start off with and then an hour a day, go for it ... but keep in mind there are easier/more straightforwards programming languages/environments than android (or so I think).

I would like to know this too because I got my HTC Wildfire for a few months now and I just rooted my phone yesterday to get into the whole development and modding.
I would like to learn how to make a widget first and then move onto a app/game. My goal would be to know how to create a 2D based side scroller, I would like to recreate "Bio Menace" for the Android. (I have the sprites and maps, now I only need to learn to make it into a game). (Bio Menace was my all-time favorite game when I was a child and I sometimes still play it on dosbox, but I would like to take it with me on transits to work)
I have no experience in Programming at all, I only did graphical stuff (Photoshop, 3DS Max) I know a little html for basic websites, but this was also more in Dreamweaver with the layout to designer.
So I found these books on android, but before I begin to read any of them. Can somebody tell me which book is best to start on first or which book to skip? I also like a video tutorial, but has anybody seen it? Is it any good?
Ebooks
Apress: Beginning Android 2 http://apress.com/book/view/9781430226291
Apress: Pro Android Games http://apress.com/book/view/9781430226475
Apress: Pro Android 2 http://apress.com/book/view/9781430226598
CommonsWare LLC The Busy Coders Guide to Android Development http://commonsware.com/Android/
Sam's Sams Teach Yourself Android Application Development in 24 Hours http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Android-Application-Development/dp/0321673352
O'Reilly Media: Building Android Apps with HTML CSS and JavaScript http://oreilly.com/catalog/0636920010067
O'Reilly Media: Hello Android 3rd Edition http://oreilly.com/catalog/9781934356562
Video tutorial
O'Reilly Media: Developing Android Applications with Java, Part 1 http://oreilly.com/catalog/0636920001690
Sorry to threadjack you, but it made no sense to me to start a new thread on the same topic. There really should be an own section for noobs or a good sticky with this kind of information for noobs.

lol Im in the process of learning java right now, basic java though.
Mathods
Interfaces
Static Methods
Im pretty interested in what I need to know for development on the andriod platform. By mid/late spring I should know quite a bit more. Taking an Advanced java course. Current I only know C#, C++, and Visual Basics.
Never worked on a GUI before =(.

Web App Game Development

I think I want to try to make a mobile game.
I made a browser game a while ago for a collage class that was very similar to kingdom of loathing. I want to port this to more of a "web app" style to be multi platform for mobile phones.
I'm not asking questions on coding specific questions, though I do need to know, other then the web development code (html, php, database(sql, mysql), javascript that I either know or have enough basic knowledge and reference material to make good use of, what other languages should I know.
So thats question one, will I really need to delve down into java to be able to make a web app game for android (iphone, winmo, etc maybe)
Secondly, when writing, should I get a browser version of the game working first, and then port it, or should I start mobile from the ground up?
If I posted this in the wrong section or If I'm completely in the wrong frame of mind here let me know.

Your question is not very clear. Are you planning to make a web app or an android app? Because they are two different things for me.

Sorry about that
I guess both, A game that you can play from a web browser but also android... Though I've started to actually answer my own question...
And an example of a similar concept is with facebook.
There is facebook for web browser, but there is also a mobile app.
What I need to do is develop an API for the game and be able to show it on both.

hmm. actually facebook is an application not a game so this is not related with your concept but you can make a game application and create a web based game istatistic page.
or you can create android game and create a web page which include episode tricks or riddles. when you get true answers from user then you can switch him/ her to new episode. etc.
i just want to give you an idea in order to use them together.

[Q] Need to learn java

Hiya,
I have noooooo knowledge about any computer language and want to learn Java as i heard that its the language required to develop android apps. I know it takes alot of time to develop apps but im ready to spend my time so kindly let me know how can u start learning java at home? and should i learn anything before learning that as i dont know a word about programming
Thanks

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=65FYTS7W
That's a download for Java tutorials. To actually do them you'll need a compiler. I use jGrasp but there are many others you can use. Eclipse is pretty popular and they all do the same thing basically. A compiler can be downloaded on the internet, and you'll need to download Java from Sun Microsystems as well. Just to let you know you gotta be pretty dedicated, it takes a lot of time to make good apps. Google's App inventor is an alternative to learning code.

thanks for da help but da prob is dat i need to start from basics, like the full basics of programming even simple definitions, can u also guide me a book or ebook for that too so that i can learn the super basics like definitions first b4 learnin java
thanks

n btw the link doesnt work

This may get you started:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
But if you're never programmed in any language, you need to take an intro to programming course.
________________________________
Unrevoked forever
SkyRaider Sense 3.5
Radio 2.15.00.09.01

can u learn this intro to programming online? or thru any book?

I don't have anything I can recommend. But there's tons of info online. Just do a google search for 'Intro to programming'. That's how I found this:
http://math.hws.edu/javanotes/
________________________________
http://ron-droid.blogspot.com

thanksss ill take a look at it

I started with the book, hello android 3rd edition. Its a great book.
Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 (zoom2)/Tapatalk Pro

Did u start from zero from this book? I mean u had to learn the basic terms and definitions even??
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App

You cant try this Stanford University lectures on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StanfordUniversity#g/c/84A56BC7F4A1F852 ..or just search for "Mehran Sahami Programming Methodology" in itunes U if you use itunes.. Same lectures. I think its a really good starting point.

Bro you should check out "Starting out with Java: From control structures to objects" by tony gadis. Just google it. Its the one I used in my intro to programming course. It starts out as basic as can be. Its really good
Sent from my SGH-T959

I was in his shoes...about 15 years ago LOL Wow, where does the time go? 2 degrees and a couple careers later I guess.
What I would stress are a few things:
1. Learn how to do some flow charts before you write code
2. Learn the basics of program flow (if/else, do/while, switch/case statements)
3. Learn the "types" of your language (int, String, float, char, modulus etc.)
4. Learn some data structures (arrays, Lists, Vectors etc.)
5. Learn about functions and/or classes. Remember that a function should be fairly short and very specific to a task, like: getUserName, calculateCheckingBalance etc.
6. START SMALL AND WORK TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY!
I can't stress how important #6 is. Do a "Hello World" program just to get used to writing some code.
Think of some simple programs like: write numbers 1 to 10 to an array and print them out backwards, ask user to input what year they were born in and print them back their age. Advance up to something like a ATM simulator where you can make deposits, withdrawals, check your balance. I did all similar type things in Programming 101.
I still love the Dietel and Dietel books...get one for JAVA and it's money well spent in my opinion.

I've uploaded some of my university lectures which start from the absolute basics.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=854462
They may help you

Thanksss guyssssssssss ill look over all these! thanksss alottt

mohsin125 said:
Hiya,
I have noooooo knowledge about any computer language and want to learn Java as i heard that its the language required to develop android apps. I know it takes alot of time to develop apps but im ready to spend my time so kindly let me know how can u start learning java at home? and should i learn anything before learning that as i dont know a word about programming
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the top tips for anyone who wants to start learning Java:
Learn the Basics. As with anything, knowing the basics about Java is the best place to start. ...
Practice Coding. To use the old cliché, practice makes perfect. ...
Set Your Algorithm Carefully. ...
Trace Your Codes on Paper. ...
Read Sources on Java Programming Regularly.

Where to start in Android application development?

Hello everybody, long time lurker, first time poster. I'm posting to ask about where to get started in developing Android applications? I have half a degree in computer science, am familiar with coding, and work in Android software QA, but I'm trying to get my skillset up to the next level and actually start developing applications on Android. Is there any specific books or literature I should read to get me started on my journey? I'm also a long time IT guy on both Windows and Unix-based systems, so I'm by no means computer illiterate. I'm also a long time phone modder as I've been tweaking Android phones since the original G1 running 1.0. Thanks in advance!

Take a look at the Android Developer guide. It has samples and tutorials. If you google, there are also several free PDFs on the subject.
A good Java book will also help a lot. Just start to write a few trial apps and you will get there quickly!

The best place to learn for me, is android web page:
Here you have everything to start:
http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html
And to set up the environment for developing:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
If you want to learn from the scratch, the links I posted are your point. You can also take a look to the tutorials:
http://developer.android.com/intl/es...llo-world.html
You can also start with java, if you want.. I reccomend you take a look to this:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tu...ava/index.html
http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
and start from Java SE 6 (http://download.oracle.com/javase/6/docs/)
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/ja...sp-135888.html

I don't know what your college classes are like for CS, but you should have the basics of programming, why not start writing some Android apps?
Start with the basic "Hello World". Get used to working with main.xml and TextViews, EditViews, ListViews, Buttons and Listeners. Android is mostly JAVA, some Android-specific operations and your xml files.
Take some of your CS 101 type programs and try to write them on Android. The more programs you write, the more you learn.
Try to learn something new everyday and in no time at all you'll be impressed with how far you have come.

Rootstonian said:
I don't know what your college classes are like for CS, but you should have the basics of programming, why not start writing some Android apps?
Start with the basic "Hello World". Get used to working with main.xml and TextViews, EditViews, ListViews, Buttons and Listeners. Android is mostly JAVA, some Android-specific operations and your xml files.
Take some of your CS 101 type programs and try to write them on Android. The more programs you write, the more you learn.
Try to learn something new everyday and in no time at all you'll be impressed with how far you have come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is really a good advice
Just start writting little programs and you will go up soon
You could use the sample code that comes with the sdk, and start with different things: First, layout, xml and the like. You could then start with some othe things, like services, broadcast receivers, content providers, to get the feel of them. And finally, work with the hardware: Internet (wifi or 3g), bluetooth..

Hey guys, Sorry to get off Track but I've been trying to Complete my ROM for Everyone that's Currently using it. Anyways... Reading All the Posts in this Thread it seems to me that there Definitely are some Well-Seasoned Veteran Developers here, so Forgive Me but I have to ask, Is there Anyone that can maybe Help assist me with getting FlashLite Working on my Rom.... Please?
The link to my Rom Thread is in my Signature... and my phone is a (CDMA) Sprint Hero!
Thanx in Advance!!
*Sent on My*
Fast as its Ever Been....
"Sprint" Hero.... Running My, *ExEnHeroC* Rom, w/Kifno's Twist, Also The XDA-BLUE.apk!! "Page 10" of My Thread!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=957867
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WTMLMK6M
http://www.mediafire.com/?bb1axugm0bw7oro
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=US#/profile?user=PMGRANDS

At Barnes and Noble there is a book called Android App Development in 24 Hours. It is a freaking great book. Helped me a lot when I started. It breaks down the chapters in to hours with exercises and explanations. Being familiar with Java fundamentals would be good, but not necessary. The first couple hours(chapters) explains the a general overview of the history of the OS and helps you build your first app. My favorite part of the book is how it teaches you to build and app piece by piece over the rest of the chapters adding new features each hour. So, by the end you have and app with quite a bit of features that work and you actually understand how and why. At the end, you have an app that has a lot of Android features as well as knowledge of how they work and can be used. It doesn't go into the more advanced features, but it is well worth the money for beginners. I still use it as a reference because of the easy to understand instructions. Sometimes, the Internet guides assume you have been using Java for 10 years and skip how and why they are doing something. And even then I doubt every veteran Java programmer remembers everything. I am half asleep so forgive any grammar errors.
Ken
Sent from my iPhone with the bigger Gee Bees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZ1P35xgNQ
Really good tutorial for the first basic steps. In terms of installing eclipse/java and hello world. He continues with his tutorial in part 2, part 3 and so on.

Android/fruItphone app. idea needs help...
If there is anyone who has knowledge on building apps for Android, I would be extremely interested to share with them an idea for an app. I'd hope this app would be able to work on that other fruIt based dumbphone, too.

Well, there is planty of developers out here I'm one of them (thought not the smartest ) so, if you want to share the knowledge, feel free to PM me

[Q] Need some advice on Android apps

I want to start making apps. The only programing ive ever done was some visual basic and html back in high school and im not sure i remember much of that. I know that android uses java so my question is should i learn java first and then learn how to use it on android or just start by trying to make simple apps. Im planning on buying a few books so give me a head up if you know something that would help me out.
Thanks for any help in advance.

You should learn java first because if android apps are based from java, you will need to get the right coding information from java. Also android needs some high quality games so if I were you, i would learn java first so I can be able to meet these needs instead of making simple apps. We really need more developers like you who are willing to do this.