Android Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Android? What does it have to do with Squidwrench?
A: Sean Swehla (aka Thor) had an interest in Android since it runs on small mostly hand held devices as well as embedded systems. Sophi was also interested, and noticing the complexity and challenge, they had the idea to form a group of like minded individuals in the pursuit of skill and knowledge at programming for this new environment.
Q: Where do I start?
A: Install Eclipse and the Android SDK
Q: Ok, I got Eclipse and the Android SDK installed and running now what?
A: Do the Hello World exercise
Q: What other materials do I need? Don't I need a book or something?
A: No book is needed. There is plenty of good material available online. Our main focus for learning will be Google's own Android Developer site. If you really feel that you need a book the one we recommend is Hello, Android 3rd Ed. by Ed Burnette (Published 7/13/2010 320 pages ISBN: 9781934356562) We also suggest you have an Andoid device on which to run your code. The Android SDK does have an emulator but it's really slow, so you'll thank yourself for getting a real device. You'll also thank yourself for bringing a cable to connect your device to your devlopement system.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Nothing. The ADD is just a group of people helping one another learn and progress. There are no fees to participate. Beer or donuts always make a decent bribe, though.
Q: Ok, but I'm really "old school." Is there a class I can attend? For free?
A: The Andorid developer site has a a training class . Also there are The New Boston Android tutorials on YouTube.
Q: What about Android programming design or style? What do I need to understand?
A: Read Google's Android Design to learn all about that topic. This Wired article has some background.
Q: I need understand Java, what can I read/study that's focused on Java for Android focused?
A: Try the Java for Android Turtorial http://mobile.tutsplus.com/tutorials/android/java-tutorial/
A: Github will be the site where we will post and share project code. So create a github ID ( if you don't have one ) and tell Thor you want to join the SquidwrenchADD Organization. Then install Egit plugin in Eclipse. Check out this post on Why Resumes and Code Screenings Are Obsolete because of GitHire.
Q: I need understand Java, what can I read/study that's focused on Java for Android focused?
A: Try the Java for Android Turtorial http://mobile.tutsplus.com/tutorials/android/java-tutorial/
A: There are many resources use google and stackoverflow.com but here are some we came accross in our meetups/study sessions:
- Android 3.x 2d drawing on 1.x phones http://nineoldandroids.com/
- Google App Engine http://code.google.com/appengine/docs/whatisgoogleappengine.html
- Google App Engine Java SDK http://code.google.com/appengine/docs/java/gettingstarted/installing.html
- appInventor http://www.appinventor.org/ is now at MIT http://appinventoredu.mit.edu/ which is a visual way to program. A great way to indroduce the topic of programming.
