Apps What are my chances for successfully developing an application?

[marcusmpe]

Hi all. I really want to get into application development for Android but I'm afraid of diving into the pool as it stands. I've got some programming experience in html, C, and AutoHotkey and have no concerns with learning a new language in Java.

My biggest concern is getting over the hurdle of all the overhead involved in getting to the actual code. Stuff like installing SDKs and libraries, creating a project, and compiling seems a bit daunting. If I can get to the point of writing some code and testing it out (in the emulator or my phone) I could manage it from there.

Looking at the instructions here and the subsequent questions leads me to believe the initial setup phase can be quite tricky. Any thoughts, tips, or encouragement would be great.

Thanks
Marcus

 

[Rapid_App_Dev]

What type of applications are you looking to build?

 

[marcusmpe]

My main idea is a simple ultimate score keeping application with a single page interface. It would simply allow the user to increment the score for either team, while keeping track of which direction the teams are attacking and handling time limits which affect the score being played to.

I'm confident I could write it up in AutoHotkey in a few days.

Long term goals for the program would include some statistic keeping or more detail on time restrictions (time outs etc.)

Like I said, I'm comfortable in learning Java. The fact that this program would be completely self contained probably helps my case. It wouldn't need to reach out to the internet or GPS or anything in its first iteration.

 

[BobPaul]

Actually, setting up Eclipse and the SDK is a cakewalk. Seriously, I've seen fewer systems so easy to install and run the first app than on Android.

 

[blundell]

It's eeeeeeeeeasy to install and start your fist app.
DL JDK
DL the ADT
DL the SDK
DL Eclipse
Install JDK
Install Eclipse
Install ADT
Install SDK

HelloWorld !

Android SDK | Android Developers

 

[marcusmpe]

Actually, setting up Eclipse and the SDK is a cakewalk. Seriously, I've seen fewer systems so easy to install and run the first app than on Android.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear! I'm going to jump on this. Expect the occasional questions in this forum in the near future!

 

[Scottmc]

Actually, setting up Eclipse and the SDK is a cakewalk. Seriously, I've seen fewer systems so easy to install and run the first app than on Android.

I have to second this. In the BREW world you practically have to leave a pint of blood and several thousand dollars for the compiler, several more to become a certified developer, and finally you have to pay to have your app tested before it will be accepted in the market place. If you go the gcc/open source route you will be seeing elfs in your sleep after spending 4 hours configuring/compiling/installing/testing. And that just saves the compiler costs - you still have to pay Qualcomm for the privilege of creating BREW apps as well as to have your app tested (supposedly an independent entity).

Downloading Eclipse is free.
The Android SDK is free.

Install Eclipse.
Unzip SDK.
Setup ADT in Eclipse.
Write apps.
Make money.

Nothing could be simpler.

 

[krebchak]

I have set up 3 windows android dev environments at work and 1 at home. Feel free to ask any questions you have. I come from a .net background so having a one stop shop like Visual Studio (work paid for) is nice and easy. So I have to say my first couple times took me a little while, but i have to say it was worth it. All the tools make it really easy to code, build and debug.