Looking to start developing

[tp76]

Threads Merged

[icaneatlikeacow]

Learning to develop an app using the android sdk isn't bad but it does take alot of time to get started.

Even more so if you have no java experience.

I'm a undergraduate senior at Cal Poly State University and just this past summer took a 8 week course on making an app for android os.

The resources we used for our class can be found here:
Android App Course
Credit must be given to Dr. David Janzen for making the course and materials that were part of it.

If you follow the course layout, you should have a good understanding at developing a solid app for the android.

But first you need to learn java.

Here's what I would do if you have no coding experience.

1) Download Java JDK
Java SE Downloads - Sun Developer Network (SDN)
You will probably all ready have Java JRE (which allows you to run java compiled apps on your computer, but the JDK allows you to compile java source code you write into .class files you can run on the cmd terminal)
... not required for making an android app, but for sure you'll need to compile java code you write as learn the java language

2) Download Eclipse IDE
Eclipse IDE for Java Developers | Eclipse Packages
An IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. Think of Eclipse to programming as what Microsoft word is for writing. This will help you learn how to program and it is also what the Android SDK uses for development.

3) LEARN JAVA!!!!
Java Programming - Wikibooks, collection of open-content textbooks
Follow through the above wiki books. It should get you on the right track. It goes through some of the steps I just mentioned above. The fun starts here.


4) Do the Android Course
http://sites.google.com/site/androidcoursearchive/lectures
http://sites.google.com/site/androidcoursearchive/labs
Go through a lecture slide starting with the first one, then do the first lab. Then the second lecture slide with the 2nd lab and so on. The first lab/lecture go over installing the Android SDK and getting started with developing for the Android OS.

There are textbooks to help you out and the Android SDK links others mentioned are resources you will most likely use. But if your a good learner and able to search google well enough, you should be able to start developing with no cost. (I'm assuming you all ready have an android phone and a computer).

Good luck!

[timlab1955]

Okay, I'm stuck here. I was following all the instructions and then when I had to go to my path and type that in, is where I"m lost. Can you possible help me out? What information do you need so that I can set the correct path in order to make this work for me.

Thanks

[icaneatlikeacow]

Okay, I'm stuck here. I was following all the instructions and then when I had to go to my path and type that in, is where I"m lost. Can you possible help me out? What information do you need so that I can set the correct path in order to make this work for me.

Thanks

So make sure your in your computer environmental variables.

Right click computer->properties->Advanced System Settings->Advanced->Environmental Vairabled (For windows 7 platform)

Now you will see User variables for your username and also System Variables.
Go to the system variables and find a variable named Path (or PATH). Select edit. add ";<android_sdk>/tools" without the quotation.

So if your android_sdk is located in "C:/users/username/my documents/androidSDK" that is what <android_sdk> represents.

Therefore, you would add ";C:/users/username/my documents/androidSDK" to the path. Remember if you ever move the location of the android sdk you would now have to edit the Path variable again.

The purpose behind this is so that when you use the command line, the terminal will know where to look.

[edjm711]

You guys are so helpful! This is the greatest community!

[sacnotsack]

thanks icaneatlikeacow, i think this info will be usefull to me. as i am also wanting to dev apps too.

[plasma510]

Android Development 101 ? Part 1:Hello World - Hack a Day