hey guys im currently in college and i have been taking many computer courses, and im ready to start a computer language, but before i do this can any one tell me which language does the android sdk use? im going to assume java although everyone keeps recommending that i start with visual basic.
However, starting with VB might be good as it's much easier to understand. I took 3 VB classes, 1 Java, and 3 C++ classes. I taught myself C#.
I could step back into Java for Android pretty easily. However, C# and VB pays the bills. Any Android programming I'll do will just be for personal use because I'm a computer geek.
What do you want to do after school? Microsoft developer jobs are always abundant. I live in St. Louis and they are here. I've had calls from all over, though, so that bodes well for nationwide. I know there are several Java positions as well, but I've just always preferred Microsoft (Hell, I even have an uncle who works for Sun).
VB syntax is more similar to English than any C-based language. I found that was easier to grasp. After that, it wasn't hard to take the methodologies I learned in VB and translate them to the other languages. In fact, I suggest taking VB, then learn or teach yourself C# to get the C-based syntax understanding, then take on Java or C/C++.
However, if you want to be a game programmer or something, just do C/C++ right off the bat.
Last edited by Cryptic79; October 21st, 2008 at 09:54 AM.
The only thing I would add is that a good developer should also have a scripting language or two in their toolkit that they are proficient with, like Perl or Ruby.
The only thing I would add is that a good developer should also have a scripting language or two in their toolkit that they are proficient with, like Perl or Ruby.
VB.Net or C# with JScript and ASP.NET.
I hate...I mean HATE...JScript, but it has been useful occasionally. Thankfully, Visual Studio includes AJAX controls that do most of the scripting/markup.
Recent professional work has found me using technologies in the Java family. That includes a lot of JavaScript. My complaints are largely how it's used, more so than with the language itself. Because it is useful, it can sometimes encourage bad coding habits and in the end unmaintainable code.
I used to be a Visual C++ guy many years ago and have always been fond of Visual Studio. Lots of people bash MS for many reasons, but I think it's hard to find much fault with their developer's tools.
I hate...I mean HATE...JScript, but it has been useful occasionally. Thankfully, Visual Studio includes AJAX controls that do most of the scripting/markup.
JavaScript is really a great language, but gets a bum wrap because browser implementations have historically sucked pretty hard. Take a look at, for example, JQuery, which is a really fun JavaScript library that also shows how flexible the language is. (And, bonus, it actually works in all modern browsers)
thanks i really appreciate it, i want to learn java but i guess maybe vb might be the best place to start, does any one know if you can code in vb for android?
Programming for Android can only be done using Java at this time.
With out turning this into a discussion about how beneficial taking a class on programming is, I will say that as a career developer the majority of your learning will be through hands on work and reading industry books/websites. If this is your first time coding, I'd say "Intro" classes in any language will probably be quite similar and beneficial to you however.
One of the best ways, I feel, to teach yourself programming as a novice is to download source code for existing programs and try to understand what's going on. Make changes and see if the changes you made were what you expected. The Android SDK comes with lots of sample programs that you can tinker with and re-compile. Have fun and feel free to ask questions!
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I'm torn between Java and Python. I see Ubuntu is doing quite a bit of good work in I really need to choose a single language that I can become an expert in. Their free Ubuntu One client is written in Python: Ubuntu One Blog of Julian Andres Klode
My personal vote, after about three million years in the industry: stick to Structured languages while time is limited. Learn everything else if and when you must.
This means:
C/C++: highest paying jobs
C#: most ubiquitous jobs
Java: most portable code (and includes Android)
JavaScript: 99% solution for web-based scripting
The language structure is so similar, all four languages can be learned (without deep Library knowledge) fairly quickly and easily, leaving you able to work with drivers, games, business apps, web pages, mobile apps and just about anything else.
When and if you find the need to know VB.Net, you can tout your overall programming experience and "extensive knowledge of the .NET framework from using C#," and still be a strong candidate for any job.
I am a programmer and a freshman in college and my first language was c/c++ then a little know language called byond which help with lots of concept. Then i learn python, java, c#, and a bunch of other language. I think my best advice is to either learn a low level language, and/or find a dev team. development teams have been the best way i learn because there is always someone over you and under you and you learn from teaching and people way better that you. I am starting a android dev team for a app i'm making email me basketballdeon@gmail.com if your interest or start your own on a open source site. Basically you should find a project you want and dive right into it and learn things along the way.