[Q] Pros and cons of Kotlin? - IDEs, Libraries, & Programming Tools

I'm a pretty basic Android dev, I haven't used any of those libraries people always talk about. I've been looking in to Kotlin lately though. Just wondering if anyone has used it before and what do you think the pros and cons of it are. I just finished a project, so I was thinking if I should do my next project in Kotlin.

thunder_cougar said:
I'm a pretty basic Android dev, I haven't used any of those libraries people always talk about. I've been looking in to Kotlin lately though. Just wondering if anyone has used it before and what do you think the pros and cons of it are. I just finished a project, so I was thinking if I should do my next project in Kotlin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My advice would be to try out a small project in Kotlin - just something simple like a login/registration flow or whatever.
A few months ago I implemented a ListView in Kotlin just to try it out. Seemed quite nice, once you spend a couple of hours getting used to the syntax.
github.com/T-Spoon/Kotlist
I've mentioned a few issues in the readme, but I believe things have changed in newer releases (e.g. the addition of multiple constructors).

thunder_cougar said:
I'm a pretty basic Android dev, I haven't used any of those libraries people always talk about. I've been looking in to Kotlin lately though. Just wondering if anyone has used it before and what do you think the pros and cons of it are. I just finished a project, so I was thinking if I should do my next project in Kotlin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great question –*ArcTouch developer Pedro Lima reflected on this in a recent blog post "Kotlin vs. Java: First Impressions Using Kotlin for a Commercial Android Project"
Here's a small bit that may help you out..
"While Kotlin improves in many ways over Java, developing with Kotlin for Android presents some challenges, though every new release is helping address some of these barriers. Most problematic: An app built with Kotlin will likely result in a larger file package size than one built purely in Java. That's because Kotlin has its own standard library that's added on top of Java's standard library. Also, the build time for Kotlin is a little slower using Gradle, which can be frustrating. Though Gradle is also slow using only Java, it's not quite as slow as with Kotlin."
Hopefully this helps – feel free to check out the post, where we explain why we chose Kotlin over Java, and offer some insight for developers thinking about using the language.
arctouch.com/2017/05/kotlin-vs-java

In my opinion the number one reason for chosing Kotlin is to get rid of NullPointerExceptions. Java is a really good and save programming language, but the NPEs are the big exception from that.

Related

Ventrilo on Android - Let's make it happen!

Greetings!
My name is Daniel Sloof and together with a group of volunteers we have recently been working on a project called Mangler: a Ventrilo compatible client for linux. Mangler is driven by a C library called libventrilo3 and over the past couple of weeks I have been working on making this library compile with the Android-NDK. I am currently succesfully able to build libventrilo3 as a native library that can be used in Android applications. The JNI wrappers are a little lackluster, but they are being worked on.
The main reason for me posting on this forum (amongst others) is because I am looking for skilled Android/Java developers to assist us in working on this open-source project. We're mostly C programmers that have very little Android experience. I expect we could have something functional up within the month, most of the work has already been done: we're pretty much just writing a GUI for an existing backend (and some audio stuff, which is just feeding PCM to one of the native functions).
Thanks for reading! If by this point you're interested in participating or have any specific questions you can just post them here or drop by on IRC. You can find me on freenode #mangler (alias: danslo).
Im so excited for this project! I hope this goes well.
Time for an update and a quick *bump*.
More progress has been made making libventrilo suitable for Android usage. This primarily involves audio stuff, such as upsampling to rates that Android's AudioRecord doesn't support. Buffering in the Android App is still required but this can be done with minimal effort. Of course all of this (and future) progress can be found on our website.
There have also been some android developers peaking around in the IRC channel but no active developer has yet been found, feel free to drop by.
(PS: To moderators: I am cross-posting this on several Android Forums. If this is considered spam, please feel free to take appropriate measures.)
What is your website, I'd like to track your progress.
tridge said:
What is your website, I'd like to track your progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To prevent spam to the forums, new users are not permitted to post outside links in their messages. All new user accounts will be verified by moderators before this restriction is removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find us at mangler (dot) org though
<-- so happy to see this!~!!
*bump* - still looking for developers
Bump & small update!
I've just managed to record audio on my android device and send it to our ventrilo test server. Even with just 8khz quality (for testing purposes) the transmission sounds loud and clear on my ventrilo client! There is a small bit of delay but that doesn't seem to be caused by either the connection or the speed of the device (HTC Magic); it can probably be fixed with relative ease.
That being said, looks like we've found an Android developer willing to work on the project, but nothing is for certain so we're still looking for decent Java/Android developers to help out.
And up up we go!
Current revision in our repository can now play received audio transmissions! Once that is worked out nicely, all we'll really need is a decent GUI and some minor modifications (process more library events, etc) and we're good to go.
That spot for Android/Java developer is still available
danslo said:
And up up we go!
Current revision in our repository can now play received audio transmissions! Once that is worked out nicely, all we'll really need is a decent GUI and some minor modifications (process more library events, etc) and we're good to go.
That spot for Android/Java developer is still available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way to go keep up the good work, can't wait to give it a whirl.
People dont seem to understand the potential of this, what a shame. there should be 100 guys clamoring to do this. if i coded i would be all over this.
Looking forward to seeing what comes of this!
xanaviarai said:
People dont seem to understand the potential of this, what a shame. there should be 100 guys clamoring to do this. if i coded i would be all over this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately those are the responses we get most of the time Thanks for the support!
I noticed on your website that you recommend Mumble, which I've been a huge fan and contributor since 2007. Any reason not to make Mumble for Android? It's my #1 most wanted app (I've got money on it) and I've heard from quite a few other people who want it, but hardly anyone with the skills/resources to make it happen. Then again it looks like you're in a similar situation, yet still the most qualified.
Pilot_51 said:
I noticed on your website that you recommend Mumble, which I've been a huge fan and contributor since 2007. Any reason not to make Mumble for Android? It's my #1 most wanted app (I've got money on it) and I've heard from quite a few other people who want it, but hardly anyone with the skills/resources to make it happen. Then again it looks like you're in a similar situation, yet still the most qualified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several reasons:
1) I've never worked on Mumble. (I am very familiar with the ventrilo protocol and written quite a chunk of our ventrilo library)
2) It's written in C++, which is not by default supported by the Android NDK. (unlike libventrilo3 which is written in plain C)
3) Mangler seperates a ventrilo library from its GUI interface, which makes it easy to write seperate interfaces to the same library. As far as I know this is not the case with Mumble.
Don't get me wrong, I (we?) think that Mumble is one of the better alternatives for desktop environments.. but Android places some restrictions that are difficult to overcome with the way Mumble was designed.
I hope that answers your question.
Fair enough. I will continue my search.
As I hear from some developers in the Mumble community, the main limitation is the lack of Qt support for Android, but there may be a way to work around the need for Qt. I'm not a programmer (I hope eventually), so I wouldn't know how difficult such a task would be by any standard.
Pilot_51 said:
Fair enough. I will continue my search.
As I hear from some developers in the Mumble community, the main limitation is the lack of Qt support for Android, but there may be a way to work around the need for Qt. I'm not a programmer (I hope eventually), so I wouldn't know how difficult such a task would be by any standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's pretty much a lack of any GUI toolkit on Android (that includes Qt, but also Gtk, wxWidgets, etc). You are pretty much confined to writing it in Java with the Android SDK. Which isn't really a big issue; you want your stuff to feel like -actual- android apps anyway. The real problem with Mumble integration is the Android NDK's lack of proper (official) C++ support and a way of interfacing with the Mumble network protocol without touching any of the audio/gui stuff.
Pilot_51 said:
Fair enough. I will continue my search.
As I hear from some developers in the Mumble community, the main limitation is the lack of Qt support for Android, but there may be a way to work around the need for Qt. I'm not a programmer (I hope eventually), so I wouldn't know how difficult such a task would be by any standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Qt port for Android underway, so this might help the port once it gets completed.
I've gone off-topic for long enough, but couldn't resist to post. Some dude named pcgod in our mangler IRC channel is working on a Mumble port for Android.. Git repository can be found here:
http://github.com/pcgod/mumble-android
In regards to Mangler... only thing we really still need is a GUI.
Checking out the svn of the project it seems that some work has already been done. Do you only need the GUI now? or the audio stuff too like you wrote in your first post?
EDIT: I just tried it, it manages to login and I can see that there are some users in the test server but how do I start a conversation?

Trying to become a developer

Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
cesarcerros31 said:
Sorry if this has been posted but I couldn't find one and if posted in wrong section
Im trying to become a developer but I am stuck at hello android and don't know what to do from there if anyone can show me a way to develop apps easily please help out and this is my first post too =]
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're stuck getting Hello Android to work or whate to do after hello android? Do you know any development languages such as Java or C#? (you'll be writing android apps in java, but C# is really MS version of java with a few syntax differences) If not, are you familiar with object orientation? If not, it's gonna be tough dude but if you're smart and pick stuff up quickly you can learn by reading.
Pick up some books and look at youtube videos.
Sent while sitting on the toilet.
Alright thanks its just that helloandroid project wouldn't start right but I will look up massively on how to start a different way or just try to find the solution and youtube always helps and anyone knows how to make roms looking to make aosp
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
There's a few free Eclipse and Java books out there that a beginner will understand especially if you already understand the concepts of object-oriented programming. Eclipse IDE itself will need a book as it's full of plugins and tools you need to understand to compile your project effectively.
It's going to be a very very long and slow road.
This may help, a series of YouTube videos for beginners.
http://eclipsetutorial.sourceforge.net/totalbeginner.html
I've been thinking the same thing, learning to develop for Android. Since I have near zero experience programming (save for a VB class in college) I decided I would be better off hiring someone to write what I want.
Just keep in mind though, Hello World is just where people start.
You may want to check out the android Appinventor. It's made by Google, and is in beta testing now, but it's a graphical way of programming for android. Though there isn't any code involved and won't be good/used outside of Android, it does a good job imparting the logic of programming.
I'll give you some tips that I've learned over the years as a developer.
First if you haven't done any development before I highly advise obtaining a book. True there are tons of web tutorials out there but personally I find a good author can do wonders in learning how to develop software. Anytime I want to learn a new platform I pick up a book on that platform. Of course you can find a ton of books used but another great source is a library. If you're in college with a computer science program chances are your library will have a couple of books on Android development. Your public library probably has some books on the subject as well. If all else fails see if you have a friend who will loan you a book.
Reading about development is only part one, part two is hands on. You can read an entire book on developing software and walk away with no knowledge. You can mindlessly follow the examples in the book but I find it best to use the examples in books as a guideline. In other words take the idea in the book and morph it so you're working on something original. Trust me here, you'll learn a lot more doing this instead of just mindlessly following the examples.
Next thing you'll need is a problem. Why? Because you need something to write. I find myself most motivated to write software when I either have a problem or something else has one and a checkbook. What do you want your phone to do? Are there applications out there that solve your problem but you think you can do better? Think small and easy since you're still new. Realistically you're not going to be able to make a web browser from scratch as your first project but you can certainly make a database of movies you own.
One thing that is debatable is whether you should learn to write something quickly or well. Frankly I'm in the school or writing something quickly and ignoring "correctness" when you're new. People new to programming spend too much time worrying about doing things "correctly" (very important when you're developing actual software) instead of learning how to do things in the first place.
Your code may not be readable, may not be optimized, and may crash every time an invalid input is entered into a field but you'll learn from those things. I think most people who end up hating programming do so because they spent too much time on worry about the little things and thus seeing no results for their work. Once you have the basics down you can concentrate of the details of optimizing code, validating inputs, and making your code readable.
Honestly not matter what you write you'll look back at it in embarrassment ten years from now anyways.
Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
cesarcerros31 said:
Ok thanks will look for a book
Sent from my overclocked Cyanogenmod htc evolution 4g sucka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a Java book that also covers Object Orientation basics and principals. (you'll also need to understand some XML to do android programming) If you want to make kernels/ROMS, definitely look into Linux and shell scripting. (you can find most of this info online though)
By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.
Sirchuk said:
By the way, I heard the "Java in 24 hours" book is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it might be good, but it wont teach him how to actually code. Most of those books are made for people that know other languages like javascript/php/c/etc.. and are wanting to move to java and learn the new syntax.
I have no idea as to what you know. So ftw.
Write what ever you decide in a pseudo code, first.
Two things will fall out of that, a design, and java methods of implementing the pseudo language ( as you decide what java syntax does your psuedo code) which invariably returns you to (1) the design. I think it's called iterational refinement, or some such other bs.
So don't get bogged down, now that you know hello, make it start "right"...
You all do realize that eclipse was a machine.. a sunny>dg joke.

[Q] Any tutorials for Android development for C# developers?

I've come up with an idea for a mobile app that I think people would find useful. Since I have an android phone, I'm going to start there. I'm a C# developer in mostly windows forms and ASP.Net applications. I haven't done much in Java other than what I did in college about 5 years ago. So.. Anyone have an tutorials that can bring a lowly C# developer up to speed in Java / Android development? I did a search on the googlez but I kept getting links for MonoDroid and I don't want to go that route.
http://developer.android.com/resources/tutorials/views/index.html
________________________________
Unrevoked forever
SkyRaider Sense 3.5
Radio 2.15.00.09.01
Thanks. Not quite what I was looking for, but helpful none the less.
java syntax is so similar to c# that you really shouldn't have much problem..
As you're learning the ins and outs of android, I'm sure you'll pick up on the differences between the two languages
As for actually learning the android specific stuff... I don't know
I really prefer learning from videos as opposed to reading
I tried to find some good video tutorials but I couldn't find anyway
there were a few that had one video that was good but that was it(doesn't get you too far)
you might want to check out this site though
http://www.codinggreenrobots.com/
they're going to be broadcasting live workshops on android every other week starting today
I have no idea if they're any good but it looks promising
if you don't mind reading though, there's tons of good books
I read part of "Pro Android" because my work had a copy
it was decent
Hey thanks for that link. I'm going to check them out tonight.
I'm in the same posion as you are, working for webdevleoper for over 10 years. Just did all my stuff in C# but wanted to create an Android app.
The best way to learn is to just mess around. There is no tutorial or page wich compares java syntax to c#. Just start with the same old Hello World, create some click events etc. Start to develop small parts of you applications as practice. Don't start with the complete app design because it will be frustrating.
I've created an app and love building apps in Eclipse because it's quite similar to c#. Although there are some really strange thing happening in Java. For example, there is no Switch for a String value, only int and enum values. From c# point of view you will bump into other strange stuff like that. Accept it, search and learn.
Again, it's not that hard. I think it's harder to understand how Android really works with Intents etc. That's quite hard to learn(for me;-))
Good luck!
Hey, I'll trade you some Android stuff for some .Net stuff. I'm an unemployed programmer and all I see these days is "Wanted...ASP, PHP, .NET, C#, VB, AJAX, SOAP" etc. for jobs. (What the HELL is AJAX and SOAP? rofl )
And I'm old and broke and can't afford to go back to college for even 2 years to get schooled in the "latest and greatest"
Yeah, I know, buy some books and learn it! LOL
Yea, as others have said developer.android.com has really all you need.

to develop or not to develop?

hiya there, im a complete noob to the developing software, well android for that matter. i see post after post of people developing and i just want to learn how to do it myself. you always appreciate things more if you know how they developed and the hard work gone in to them.
so please share the developing love and share your knowledge.
also are there any books available that may help?
many thanks
If you don't know java, you need to learn that first. There's always a dozen or so threads here every week with someone wanting to know where to start. So look at one of those for suggestions on websites and java books.
If you already know java, then go to the link below and read everything and work thru the tutorials.
http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/compatibility.html
Most people use Eclipse as the development tool. You can find some information on setting up Eclipse in my blog.
________________________________
http://ron-droid.blogspot.com
thank you buddy just wanting to contribute to the android world
If eclipse isnt your cup of tea then try Intellij. I find it much better than eclipse. The code completion, generation and analysis is top notch
From something awesome
Cheers I will try that out
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I would recommend starting with Android App Inventor.
It's a relatively simple way for non devs to get started developing for Android.
I have decades of dev experience but a few months ago I was new to Android, and pretty new to Java,
AI allowed me to quickly jump into Android dev.
Unfortunately it's difficult to make a professional app using AI, so now I use the SDK and NDK, but much of what I learned in AI was transferable to the SDK/NDK environment.
Also, look at Droid Draw. It lets you drag and drop objects to create relatively simple apps. The advantage is that you can then review the java and xml files (the code behind what you created) that Droid Draw generates. There are different ways to learn...I like the "by example" way.

[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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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