want to learn programming.....for cell phones?

[Semidevil]

I want to learn how to create programs and applications for cell phones(smartphones with windows mobile OS). What language are used?

Where do I start?

I'm a total programming newb, so I really dont have any background in programming, but this is just something that Im interested in slowly learning.

Do I need to learn learn a general language first(C++, java, etc etc), or do these devices have a specific program, complier, and language?

 

[Nothinman]

I'm sure MS has an SDK for Windows Mobile, you probably just need to pick a version and download it and it'll tell you what languages and libraries are supported.

 

[MrChad]

Microsoft .NET Compact Framework is a good place to start.

 

[Markbnj]

Google Android is worth a look as well. The SDK includes an Eclipse plug-in and device emulator. The apps themselves are written in Java.

 

[kyzen]

Java is another option, and will carry over to more traditional handsets.

 

[degibson]

Google Android. Google it.

 

[Atheus]

Do not attempt to learn programming from scratch on a cell phone FFS. You'll only make life difficult for yourself.

Pick a language like Java and learn that on the PC first. There are plenty of good tutotials out there. If you find learning Java difficult then maybe take a step back and ditch the OO concepts and fancy graphics - learn something like (ewww) VB or (if you're brave) C then go back to Java.

When you're ready you can move to mobile Java - it's the most common language for normal phones.

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: Atheus
Do not attempt to learn programming from scratch on a cell phone FFS. You'll only make life difficult for yourself.

Pick a language like Java and learn that on the PC first. There are plenty of good tutotials out there. If you find learning Java difficult then maybe take a step back and ditch the OO concepts and fancy graphics - learn something like (ewww) VB or (if you're brave) C then go back to Java.

When you're ready you can move to mobile Java - it's the most common language for normal phones.

Why? Working in Java on the Android stack with an emulator for I/O is simple enough, like working in BASIC from a DOS prompt 20 years ago. It seems like a fine platform to experiment on.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Markbnj

Originally posted by: Atheus
Do not attempt to learn programming from scratch on a cell phone FFS. You'll only make life difficult for yourself.

Pick a language like Java and learn that on the PC first. There are plenty of good tutotials out there. If you find learning Java difficult then maybe take a step back and ditch the OO concepts and fancy graphics - learn something like (ewww) VB or (if you're brave) C then go back to Java.

When you're ready you can move to mobile Java - it's the most common language for normal phones.

Why? Working in Java on the Android stack with an emulator for I/O is simple enough, like working in BASIC from a DOS prompt 20 years ago. It seems like a fine platform to experiment on.

Yea, sure, if he even knows what any of those words mean... this guy says he is not a programmer...

If he could start with BASIC on a DOS prompt I would actually suggest that. That's true simplicity. Even learning Java on a PC introduces too many advanced concepts too early IMO.

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Markbnj

Originally posted by: Atheus
Do not attempt to learn programming from scratch on a cell phone FFS. You'll only make life difficult for yourself.

Pick a language like Java and learn that on the PC first. There are plenty of good tutotials out there. If you find learning Java difficult then maybe take a step back and ditch the OO concepts and fancy graphics - learn something like (ewww) VB or (if you're brave) C then go back to Java.

When you're ready you can move to mobile Java - it's the most common language for normal phones.

Why? Working in Java on the Android stack with an emulator for I/O is simple enough, like working in BASIC from a DOS prompt 20 years ago. It seems like a fine platform to experiment on.

Yea, sure, if he even knows what any of those words mean... this guy says he is not a programmer...

If he could start with BASIC on a DOS prompt I would actually suggest that. That's true simplicity. Even learning Java on a PC introduces too many advanced concepts too early IMO.

Yeah, we're on the same page there. So I guess my point was that something like Android offers a much simpler sandbox to play in than either Windows or Linux.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: Atheus
If he could start with BASIC on a DOS prompt I would actually suggest that. That's true simplicity. Even learning Java on a PC introduces too many advanced concepts too early IMO.

I disagree. I think Java is a great language to start on and if you genuinely find the OO concepts too difficult from an early stage then you will probably never be a good programmer. I'm not saying you should be able to go from "Hello World" to fully understanding polymorphism and when it should be implemented in 2 weeks, but certainly being exposed to a heavily OO-based environment early on could only be a good thing.

Early Java programs do not have many advanced concepts at all in my opinion.

public class MyProgram {

public static void main (String[] args)
{
System.out.println("Hello World!");
}

}

In this most basic of Java programs you are gently introduced to classes, arguments and external methods. All of these are supremely important concepts in OO programming and the fact that Java pushes you to learn this early is, in my opinion, a good thing.

Having said all of that, I agree that starting with phone programming is a very bad idea. Learn Java (or your language of choice) first, then start learning the Android/Windows Mobile/iPhone stack.

 

[EvilManagedCare]

Should you decide on learning Java first, here are two great resources:

Sun Java tutorials

Java Ranch, go through the tutorials and browse the forums

If you are wanting books, give Head First Java a try or Deitel & Deitel's Java: How to Program.

HTH and have fun.