Starting android programming

[Mina Daoud]

Hey guys,

I am currently working as web developer, i believe mobile applications will take the lead in the next few years, hence, i would like to start learning Android.
I would like to ask how can I start, i got few books such "Manning - Unlocking Android" and "Wrox-Android Application Development", I am not sure which one to start with. Can you tell me a good way to start to built up strong concept?

Thanks,

[Ankit Garg]

I've not read the Manning book but I've read the Wrox book and its very good...

[Mina Daoud]

Ankit Garg wrote:I've not read the Manning book but I've read the Wrox book and its very good...

Is it good for Android beginners? i do care so much of getting a good understanding of the concept before digging more
I am also preparing for the OCPJP, i don't know if this would help or no!

[Hussein Baghdadi]

Wrox Professional Android 2 Application Development.
This book is good and updated and it is written by a Google engineer.

[David Newton]

Mina Daoud wrote:I am also preparing for the OCPJP, i don't know if this would help or no!

No.

Personally, I like the Manning book more. I'd also make sure whatever you look at covers the version of Android you're interested in.

[Mina Daoud]

David Newton wrote:Personally, I like the Manning book more. I'd also make sure whatever you look at covers the version of Android you're interested in.

Does it cover the basics well? you know i found some books for example "paragmatic", which just explain how to build applications, while i prefer getting the concept
Do you mean by the version, the Darvik version? sorry i am quite confused in this
As well, i was reading some blogs i found some Android MVC frameworks! i really got lost in all that.

Thanks so much for your help

[Hussein Baghdadi]

David means Android versions in general: 1.x , 2.x.
Android 3 (Gingerbread) is supposed to be released after one month I think.
There is nothing wrong to be pragmatic at first and then dive deeper once you are comfortable.

[David Newton]

John Todd wrote:There is nothing wrong to be pragmatic at first and then dive deeper once you are comfortable.

I agree, in fact, I think it can be easier, faster, and more entertaining this way. Getting bogged down in details before it's necessary is a pain, and can be an impediment.

And it's not really practical. After all, do we learn Java by learning all the details of all the libraries up front? Do we learn a framework by learning everything about it before we start coding? Well, maybe some people do--but I suspect most people start working with it before knowing all the details. Without starting we don't even *know* what we need to know.

[Mina Daoud]

David Newton wrote:

John Todd wrote:There is nothing wrong to be pragmatic at first and then dive deeper once you are comfortable.

I agree, in fact, I think it can be easier, faster, and more entertaining this way. Getting bogged down in details before it's necessary is a pain, and can be an impediment.

And it's not really practical. After all, do we learn Java by learning all the details of all the libraries up front? Do we learn a framework by learning everything about it before we start coding? Well, maybe some people do--but I suspect most people start working with it before knowing all the details. Without starting we don't even *know* what we need to know.

Yea i think you and John are right, i just am that sort of ppl who wants to know what's going on behind the scene. I like to .. you know understanding what going in the background not just using a black box (maybe because i was academic guy before i move to programming). So from your amazing advices i can came up that i need to start with Android 2.x and reading the Pragmatic book!
any idea if its job market is picking up as i am looking to move from web based to mobile based?

Thanks so much guys for all the help you are providing!!

[David Newton]

Mina Daoud wrote:any idea if its job market is picking up as i am looking to move from web based to mobile based?

Mobile app development is picking up, but there's still a *lot* more web jobs than mobile, and most companies sub-contract out their mobile development. I mean, really, most companies don't have mobile apps, because they're either not necessary, or can be handled via CSS.

[Hussein Baghdadi]

I like to get the big picture, who work behind the curtain too but sometimes it is really hard to have it if you are completely new to the topic.
My guitar teacher didn't taught me about chords, flamenco music types until I know how to hold the guitar, how to attack the strings and play very simple things.

[Mina Daoud]

David Newton wrote:

Mina Daoud wrote:any idea if its job market is picking up as i am looking to move from web based to mobile based?

Mobile app development is picking up, but there's still a *lot* more web jobs than mobile, and most companies sub-contract out their mobile development. I mean, really, most companies don't have mobile apps, because they're either not necessary, or can be handled via CSS.

Yea that's true, accessing website from mobile it can be handeled by the CSS (media="handheld"), but what about the mobile applications, like the games or some to-do applications, and so on?

[James Elsey]

No idea what the market is like for mobile, but your best bet is to "equip" yourself as good as you can

By that, start learning Android, subscribe and become active in as many forums/groups/communities as you can

Start blogging about your findings

All of this will help count when you finally make the switch, shows that your dedicated to learning etc

Good luck!

[Mina Daoud]

John Todd wrote:I like to get the big picture, who work behind the curtain too but sometimes it is really hard to have it if you are completely new to the topic.
My guitar teacher didn't taught me about chords, flamenco music types until I know how to hold the guitar, how to attack the strings and play very simple things.

Yes all of the advices i got are to start learning how to code then i will get the big picture when i learn first the basics. I am just quite confused and i don't want to start it the wrong way

[Aamir Sohail]

hey , i am also new for android. and i took book of McGrawHills check if it gives you more clear concept. And replied me. I m also on twitter you can join me by @rehbur, and check it, there a lot of forum and groups i follow on twitter, may be it helps, and also do twitt for your followers.