Android Training

[Roger Wolfenden]

Hi and hope someone can offer some advice...

Basically I'm trying to learn how to develop Apps for Android but TBH have been struggling and am beginning to realise that it probably is asociated with my newbee status as a Java programmer. Yep I've done a number of tutorials on Java and thought that I was ready for Android but am probably not there yet.

Anyway, I'm trying to bridge the Java gap by taking a more formal course and have found this distance learning course out there. I'm wondering whether or not you think that this would give me the right start so that I can then progress to sorting out my Android knowledge.

FYI - I have used this organisation before to do a JavaScript course which I would have to say scored about 8 out of 10 for.

My thanks for your interest

[Maneesh Godbole]

Roger Wolfenden wrote:
Anyway, I'm trying to bridge the Java gap by taking a more formal course and have found this distance learning course out there. I'm wondering whether or not you think that this would give me the right start so that I can then progress to sorting out my Android knowledge.
FYI - I have used this organisation before to do a JavaScript course which I would have to say scored about 8 out of 10 for.

So are you very comfortable with Javascript now?
In my experience, the best way is to get the fundamentals solid and practice, practice practice.

[Roger Wolfenden]

Comfortable enough with JavaScript thank you. I learnt this to extend my web building skills and it fulfilled that need. Also, I'd have to say that it taught me the fundamentals of programming. After all, every programming language has to have operations like x = x + 1 or, if so and so is true do this otherwise do something else. So even that has helped me with Java / Android.

It's just the construct of Java looks so weird as in Dog myDog = new Dog(); what's that all about and why isn't it Dog Fido = new Dog(); or whatever? I'm struggling with all that public static void stuff too though I can handle all the basic operations like int number = 10; etc. etc.

[Karl Barek]

There's a ton of free training/tutorials online.

Search on youtube if you prefer videos. I heard good things about "New Boston" free videos via youtube.

You can also look into a monthly subscription to lynda.com as well to access their java training courses.

[Roger Wolfenden]

Thanks Karl, appreciate that and indeed I've immersed myself in a ton of books and online tutorials already.

My question started really because, whilst the books and online tutorials are generally good, they only offer one way instruction. My previous JavaScript training was a two way process enabling me to ask the tutors questions and I guess that is where I'm at right now. I have a ton of questions to ask, I like the idea of doing some training which will take me through Java in an ordered way and, at the end, I may even get a recognised qualification out of it.

Thanks anyway.

[Jamie Briggs]

I am also a noob when it comes to programming. I am taking formal training at my JC/Community College. I am taking Computer Science classes, which focuses on Java till I get to the University.

The book that we are using is "How To Program: Java 9th Edition". If you want to learn Java, get this book(or any other "accredited" books like it.)
I have had that book since last summer, and has been my greatest learning material when it comes to Java. They actually split the book up to last an entire school year through two semesters.


However, I have had Linux classes, and have been studying Android books on the side. My overall approach has been sufficient in learning. I honestly just learn from books and information on the internet, and my teachers teach me the fine points and have help in ways that aren't on paper. Although Android's dev site has all the information you could possibly need.

My biggest secret/trick is just studying the information, even the ones not in my classes(study, practice, test). I originally started out saying I want to make Android Apps back when I first started programming, without knowing how deep this request is. Its has turned into learning key elements, because the more I learn the more I will realize how much there is out there and Android is just one of countless routes I could take, and there are a couple subjects you can learn to master android.

I became so daunted, that I officially decided to take the CS degree(Cause I was taking Generals). If your serious, like I became, I would consider traditional schooling, and getting any training you can. I also believe that anyone is capable of learning through books and the internet, if, they have the drive and motivation to do it. I just wouldn't do what some of my friends do, and say that they don't need college cause they can learn on their own, then spend half their time talking instead of learning. I personally like taking both routes, and dedicated myself to learning, which is what I needed to do to learn this stuff.

[Roger Wolfenden]

Well thanks Matt, a really interesting reply.

A coincidence...
I think we live in different countries so you might not know what I mean when I say I was in Foyles Bookshop (London UK) yesterday checking out their stock of Android and Java books and Deitel's, "Java How to Program 9th edition" was top of my Java wish list, though at £55, I thought I'd spend some time saving up for it. Interestingly Deitel's, "Android for Programmers" was top of my Android wish list too. So when I read your post I immediately felt some resonance.

I also found it interesting that you are taking a two stage approach; getting as much out of books and online tutorials as possible together with more formal training and it is interesting that you've come to the same conclusion as I have that this is going to take some time to master and that tutorials / books or anything else that promise, "Teach yourself Java / Android / C / C++ or anything else in a weekend" are talking rubbish and lead to unnecessarily high expectations.

Well done and thanks Matt, I wish you good lick.

[Jamie Briggs]

I have used the Java Dietal book already and its a great one for solid Java learning, they actually teach use jGrasp first, since they want us to tough it out. For Android books I have tried a couple of them from the library(Wrox, Apress, Oreily). I have mainly used the Apress series, I got the Beginning Android 4 on amazon which has been recommended to me several times.

Up until this year my school didn't offer android classes, but this year they now have a certificate that is perfect for what I wanted to do. "Mobile Application Development" Certificate, which is awesome. For your information, the classes are "SQL Programming, XML Programming, UNIX/LINUX Admin, Web Programming, Website Design, Object Orient Prog, and then Android App Dev(or the choice of Mobile iOS App Dev)". All of which are brand new classes at my school.

That course you showed was for getting certified for Oracle Java 6 exam. From what I gather, "OCPJP" Java SE 6 is the same thing as SCJP exam. If that is what you want, I think you should go for the OCAJP first which to me is the SCJA. The third one up is OCPJMAD or SCMAD, for Java Mobile, that is the certificate you probably want(its the one I am working towards)

[Roger Wolfenden]

Thanks again Matt, useful detail, I'll go off and explore the links you enclosed.

[Jimmy Oliver]

You can also try at Learnmax..
Learnmax offers comprehensive Online Training which includes Product Training (Android Training, Blackberry Training, Iphone Training), Telecom Training, Mobile apps Training, Wimax Training and many more.. The aim is to produce and deliver training that is informative, enjoyable and directly relevant to the needs of your staff and business.

[kunagu varun]

Try Lynda.com's Java Essential Training and then, when you feel comfortable enough to start Android they have Android Development with Java Essential Training too. I'm wishing to start this venture coming year Good luck to you too. Happy Christmas and New year to all.