coming back from windows c# questions - Android Studio

Ok i was not sure where to place this thread, so with luck this is the right spot.
for the past 2 months i have been using a lumia 735 on windows 8.1, and i taught myself to code with c# and visual studio, i have even released an app (technically 2 apps as the 2nd one was a complete re-write to be a windows universal app) the thread for them is here http://forums.windowscentral.com/app-spotlight/353188-rpg-app-mr-g-reaper-thread.html
Now here is the issue, my windows phone is cool to program for but completly impractacal as well an everyday phone, tons of apps i used on my s4 are missing on it, the os is not as user friendly as android....its just not the right phone for me. So on tuesday my phone company is sending a courier to pick up my lumia and give me a xperia m2 (i didnt have much say in what android i got) naturally i want to adapt my app to work on the android os... only i have tried once before to write an android app and there is one thing that drives me crazy.....screen control, on visual studio you drag and drop the buttons to where you want them on the screen, and thats where they will be, on android you have to calculate the weights of the buttons to get them to share a certain amount of real-estate of the screen and well it never felt intuitive....guess im more a wysiwyg programmer. But i may of just been doing it wrong so here goes:
1) is there a way to create the gui in a wysiwyg manner? (like windows phone development in visual studio)
2) is there a way to code in c# instead of java? (for free, i have seen a service that allows you to do it for about $99 a month..... my apps are free, no adverts, a hobby, i cant pay out for that kind of thing
3) any tips for a newbie ?

Related

WM6 Programming Question

This is my first post, so to all of you out there, my name is Joe and I have been following this forum since I decided on buying an ATT Tilt (Kaiser) and you all have been a tremendous help in a lot of decisions I made with my phone.
Now onto the question at hand, I have some programming knowledge in the world of computers (C++, VB, etc...) but I was wondering the differences in trying to make a program for my phone. If someone can direct me to maybe a tutorial or another post that might help me, please do (I looked but couldn't find anything), I would like to start giving back to the forum that helped me out.
There isn't much difference between C++ and VB in general, just some prefer the less strict 'grammar' in VB and some prefer the clear 'grammar' in C++. Speed wise, if you were to be using M$'s classes, both ought to be the same, while if you were to write in pure C++ native language, C ought to be better compiled.
Another alternative would be the .Net thing. If I'm right (haven't been really using one), is a class package for both VB and C+ which seemingly make it easier to program.
Depends on what you have (i.e. the programming software), if you were to have Visual Studio 2003+ (or later, no sure), you can download the WM6 SDK, which includes tutorial on how to get started.
Well what I have on hand right now...nothing at all...I'm at work at the moment and in my freetime here would like to work on a few things, I've been analyzing some other pieces of software since I posted this and noticed the use of XML files for the setup.
I have no preference in what language I use (hell one I don't know yet would work for me...knowledge is a blessing in IT). Just wish to be able to take some of the programs I use at the moment (ex HTC Home, BatteryStatus) add a little more functionality for my own personal use since I really don't feel like copyright lawsuits.
Basically Hanmin, I guess it just boils down to what would you suggest to use with the available "tools" at hand or suggestions, I'm up for anything, new to this game, I figured I would get wisdom from the pros here to make myself useful in my downtime
"There isn't much difference between C++ and VB in general," - now there's a statement to launch a major debate! But I'll resist the temptation and move on to a more constructive response - PPL. PPL (Pocket Programming Language) is a great little package which gives you an IDE for developing pocket pc apps in a C like language on either the pocket pc itself or on a pc. Read about it and get a free trial download here:
http://www.arianesoft.ca/

How to program?

Hi,
I have an easy question...^^
How can I program programs for my phone?
Is there anywhere a tutorial or something like that?
Or are all of you just very high skilled programmer?
I'm very interested in programming, but I only handl Java and php..
I hope someone of you can explain me where I can learn this =)
Greetings
Chris
PS:I hope I posted this in the right section...^^
PPS: I'm from Germany so I'm sorry for any mistake in my sentences and I hope there is also a German programmer who can show me a tutorial on German, but English is also OK.
I asked this question a few months back and no one helped. Here is what I have been able to find on my own:
To program for your Windows Mobile device you need Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Standard edition or later. That is an expensive development program. If you buy that program, you can download a Windows Mobile plugin for free that includes an emulator for debugging.
I personally refuse to shell out tons of cash for the ability to program for my phone for personal use. I have not been able to locate anywhere on the internet even the slightest hint of a way that I can write a program for my phone with open source or free software. I use notepad++ and g++ for my coding needs so I was really hoping for a way to program using only these tools with perhaps an additional library.
Speaking of libraries, open gl es is open gl for embedded devices such as your Raphael. I have been unable to find an open gl es tutorial that does not involve buying Visual Studio.
If anyone can find anything else, please post here.
I've used C# and C\C++ to write programs for Pocket PC\Windows Mobile. Java I believe you can use with limited functionality (not the same as on the web). Php is a web langange I believe??
Are you using C++ via Microsoft Visual Studio, or do you know how to compile mobile programs without dropping money in Microsoft's bank?
@Chunkyeggfoo
I know that php is for the web
I only wanted to show, that im not a totally noob in programming ^^
But my question was: Where do you learned this? Did you have an online tutorial, or from school? Or somewhere else...from a book maybe?
Here is one answer to the question.
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/mobile/WiMoSansVS.aspx
I have never followed this guide because I use Visual Studio 2008. I started programming using visual basic .net (VERY EASY TO LEARN). Later, I wanted to write applications for the today screen and I needed to learn C++ and the win32 API. (NOT FUN!!!) The good news is that I have several programs that I use on my today screen including weather, calendar, battery monitor, task switcher, music player and an alarm. It has taken me about a year to become pretty proficient. NOTE: when you move from managed code (.net framework) to unmannaged code (C++, win32) you have to be VERY careful to properly manage device memory or you will end up with memory leaks.
I've attached a picture of my today screen to illustrate the possibilities.
Have fun
Edit
You can also download evc4 and the evc4.sp4 from the following links.
http://www.download.com/Microsoft-eMbedded-Visual-C-/3000-2212_4-10108490.html
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...F4-91D3-4DBE-986E-A812984318E5&displaylang=en
This will be a very powerful tool but probably very hard to learn too...
Check out this thread. It has lots of info.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445396
You can take a C++ programming class at most community colleges (not state or UC, ie very expensive). im currently taking the pre req that will allow me to take it next semester.
I think,the simpliest way is the Basic4PPC(Basic for PocketPC). Use Google and search for it.
programming
i guess the best way is learn C#, i'm a visual basic programmer and the best app you can do with it is database app, if you want to do more powerful app for your phone is better to learn C#
i'm learning c# right now
try these two
http://www.smorgasbordet.com/pellesc/
http://trajectorylabs.com/win32.html

Accessing Internal Memory from Desktop Computer

Hello,
I've got HTC HD7 with 02 branding and am running Win XP.
I am desperately trying to access phone's internal memory over USB with no success. I would like to shift data so like used to do it on my old HTC Diamond. And I dont want to use the Zune crap, cause it only allows shifting media files like music and videos...
I mean, WM6, 6.1 and 6.5 had a sperate option (ActiveSync, Memory Access or Internet Sharing) when plugging device to the computer.
Is there any similar app or built-in functionality to do so???
Thanks and regards,
schorschy
schorschy said:
Hello,
I've got HTC HD7 with 02 branding and am running Win XP.
I am desperately trying to access phone's internal memory over USB with no success. I would like to shift data so like used to do it on my old HTC Diamond. And I dont want to use the Zune crap, cause it only allows shifting media files like music and videos...
I mean, WM6, 6.1 and 6.5 had a sperate option (ActiveSync, Memory Access or Internet Sharing) when plugging device to the computer.
Is there any similar app or built-in functionality to do so???
Thanks and regards,
schorschy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, zunes the only option right now.
i really do not understand microsoft... they announced wm7 as something absolutely groundbreaking and there are many functionalities i am missing even in comparison to wm6!!!
i mean, okay, i somehow can understand they removed activesync... but memory access via usb?! or wm6 to wm7 data migration?! i mean, these are basic functionalities every mobile device MUST have...
it really makes me think over about giving back my device...
schorschy said:
i mean, okay, i somehow can understand they removed activesync... but memory access via usb?! or wm6 to wm7 data migration?! i mean, these are basic functionalities every mobile device MUST have...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally disagree, memory access by USB is not a must have function to sell a mobile phone by any means.
What data are you trying to put onto the device that won't be covered by Zune or a Windows Live/Google account etc?
i just think using pda as a memory stick is a very useful functionality... for example, shifting pdf's when being offline or similar...
Microsoft have taken the approach that in order to produce a stable platform, the file system needs to be locked down so that people cannot "tinker" with it. Its a sensible approach if you think about it from that perspective.
If this was such a big thing for you, why didn`t you check before purchasing?
schorschy said:
Hello,
I've got HTC HD7 with 02 branding and am running Win XP.
I am desperately trying to access phone's internal memory over USB with no success. I would like to shift data so like used to do it on my old HTC Diamond. And I dont want to use the Zune crap, cause it only allows shifting media files like music and videos...
I mean, WM6, 6.1 and 6.5 had a sperate option (ActiveSync, Memory Access or Internet Sharing) when plugging device to the computer.
Is there any similar app or built-in functionality to do so???
Thanks and regards,
schorschy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, to each its own, some users TOTALLY DISAGREE with you, while I'm just like you thinking that a new system should be inclusive to all features and capabilities provided by the prior one.
Plus, tinkering with system file? well an 8 GB or 16 GB of storage SHOULD be used the way i Like it, not Locked out as some suggests, at least look ROM files, leaving the rest for the user preferences.
Final word, I TOTALLY AGREE with you about your complaint.
Will
Willy318is said:
Well, to each its own, some users TOTALLY DISAGREE with you, while I'm just like you thinking that a new system should be inclusive to all features and capabilities provided by the prior one.
Plus, tinkering with system file? well an 8 GB or 16 GB of storage SHOULD be used the way i Like it, not Locked out as some suggests, at least look ROM files, leaving the rest for the user preferences.
Final word, I TOTALLY AGREE with you about your complaint.
Will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now now Will,
I just have trouble grasping this type of thread - this was all known before launch and before devices were available to buy. But hey, whatever.
I've just bought a HD7 too, and I have to admit to being absolutely gutted. Admittedly I didn't do too much research into it before getting it but I just assumed that being a windows mobile device it would be reasonably friendly with windows on my desktop computer. I've been tinkering with zunes to get my old pictures and music onto the phone but it's just ghastly.
Chances are I'll ditch it and get an android methinks. Real shame because I used to love my old HD2.
admittedly, i didn't research on this phone before getting it... just because i trusted the plattform - wm6.1 and wm6.5 were stable enough... however, after getting the device, i must say it's nothing for "tweaker", but a pure media consumption system. and thats why i hate it - fancy layers, nice optics, easy-to-use apps, but... zero funtionality. using it makes me feel i'm a little schoolgirl wearing a pink t-shirt.
gonna give it back and get hd2. the lesson i learnt for the second time (after getting fresh-presented htc diamond touch in 2008):
it's better to have an older device with mature os and application landscape than to have the latest device with lots of "fancy" stuff!
never do the same mistake again... thanks to all for replies and warm greetings from germany!
For goodness sake, it was so well trailed that MS would make WP7 a locked down system it would have taken hardly any research to find it out. I wish I had the cash to purchase £500 smartphones with little or no research up front. There is nothing wrong with wanting to tweak etc. but to do so, get an android device, a WM6.5 device, a jail broken iPhone or wait until someone "jailbreaks" WP7. Sheesh it's like saying "OMG I bought a Toyota and am so disappointed to find it isn't a Ford"
adesonic said:
For goodness sake, it was so well trailed that MS would make WP7 a locked down system it would have taken hardly any research to find it out. I wish I had the cash to purchase £500 smartphones with little or no research up front. There is nothing wrong with wanting to tweak etc. but to do so, get an android device, a WM6.5 device, a jail broken iPhone or wait until someone "jailbreaks" WP7. Sheesh it's like saying "OMG I bought a Toyota and am so disappointed to find it isn't a Ford"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
Also there is a reason the product is called Windows Phone 7 and not Windows Mobile 7. I noticed its referred to as Windows Mobile 7 a lot in this thread.
Am I mistaken or didn't MS say they would still maintain updates to the old wm6.5 os as a side project?
also how can anyone say zune is ghastly? its easily the best media organizer there is 100times better than itunes and as for android i had a desire and the syncing was so basic and naff. Another good thing with zune is the music organization, look at itunes and getting album art it is dire. Zune on the other hand is easy as pie and if you cant find it in the library even a 5yo could use the manual edit tool. With Zune everything has the right name album art etc my itunes (i have a mac mini in my living room connected to my tv) is about 80% the rest is to messy to be bothered with. I found when syncing with my desire hardly any artwork came through and the media folders where dire to navigate (this is a biggie as i use it to play music in my car)
I think the thing here is as stated before, the facts are out there this phone is what it is. It is not a win 6.5 update it is a separate mobile os. The features it has are are far beyond anything else out there but if you want something that does something else then buy something else. You don't buy a toaster to fry chips.
+1 On the Zune is excellent front....awesome software
lumpaywk said:
You don't buy a toaster to fry chips.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a late night half-drunk/half-stoned experiment just begging to be done... where's my toaster?

Help an old programmer out...

I haven't really done anything on the programming side of things since VB6.0. Learned a bit of C once upon a time, but never really got anywhere.
Can any of you fine Devs here point me in the right directions to begin learning how to program for Android? Remember, please, that I will likely have to unlearn some things, and that I have ZERO JAVA experience. I would love to be able to make some apps to fill gaps that I see in the market.
I am running on a dual boot lappy with Win Vista and Linux Mint 10(Ubuntu derivative). Links or pointers to what I need for both sides will be welcomed and appreciated.
im reading hello android v3 and its great so far.. ive also been going thru android source.. download the android sdk and eclipse for linux and or windows.. i prefer linux as does most devs. ive also registered for night time java classes at the local community college for 13 bucks a semester. anyways goodluck!
This might be helpful for basic syntax stuff.
Start with fattire's link and pick up the Java basics. To read Android examples, you'll need to understand how Classes and Interfaces work as well as how to extend and implement them, respectively. You'll also want to understand inner classes and anonymous inner classes. Understand variable scoping in classes.
Learn how threads work. Understand the implications of multithreading and reentrance. Experiment a lot in simple, stand-alone samples.
Once you've gotten started with Java, you can download Eclipse and the Android SDK. Here's the Android "Hello World" tutorial, which is a reasonable place to start. It has pointers to everything you'll need.
http://developer.android.com/guide/tutorials/hello-world.html
Android Applications are pretty straightforward once you understand the basics... AppWidgets and Services are less so. The trick is to understand the lifecycle of each -- where and when it's appropriate to do what sorts of work and how to communicate results between different components. It will be rough going in the beginning with a fair amount of crashing as you discover you're taking too long to do something that really should be offloaded to a different part of the lifecycle or a whole new thread -- or when you discover you can't do something you want, directly, because you lack the parts and have to send a message to something that does have all the parts.
My first project was a simple button on the home screen that, in effect, runs a few commands. It took me more than a week to make it work properly, and I was already familiar with Java.
Also understand that some of the examples floating around -- even those from Google employees -- are old and that Android has had some growing pains. Double check the approach suggested by anything that's older than a year. The SDK contains sample programs that make for decent cookbook code.
thanks to all of you...as well as the mod who moved the thread to the correct spot...wasn't sure if this was the correct one.
Hello android (as mentioned above) is awesome! Another good one is Beginning Android 2. Both found here:]
Hello Android
Beginning Android

Should I use a 3rd party application to replace Start screen?

I am using Windows 8 but found Metro is not so convenient as I imagine, especially when I look for a specific application or plug-in in my laptop. A rumor said that we can not use third-party apps to replace Start screen, is it true? What can I do about it? Can I use a 3rd party app such as Classic shell, Start 8 or Wentutu Start menu to replace it?
Any reply is appreciate, thanks in advance!
Moved to Windows 8 General.
I've heard good things of Classic Shell. But I'll stay with Windows 7 until support ends. If MS doesn't offer me a new Metro-free Windows (9/10) until then, I'll completely switch to Linux or buy a Mac.
Agree with the above. The only logical replacement for the Win 8 (lack of) Start Menu... is Windows 7!
I will never touch any OS with a hint of Metro or Ribbons in Windows Explorer!
I kinda like some features in windows 8 but the metro style is a complete no no.. they should keep metro only in the ARM version of Windows 8.
Use start8.. I use it and its a bit helpful..
Sent from my MK16a using xda app-developers app
:laugh:I do agree with you! Now my desktop is still with Windows 7 OS.
abnah said:
I've heard good things of Classic Shell. But I'll stay with Windows 7 until support ends. If MS doesn't offer me a new Metro-free Windows (9/10) until then, I'll completely switch to Linux or buy a Mac.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look it up in youtube i would give you the link but i cant find it but look it up it lookd intresting
ya'll better wish me luck yo.....
.SNATCH AND RUN YA'LL
Thanks, everyone here! I tried every app I mentioned and even more apps recommended by others. Last weekend (8/25-8/26, we may in different time zone), I installed all of them one by one. I'd like to share my personal feelings: 1. Classic Shell. It is really powerful and has many functions. What's more, it has many Start menu of different versions of Windows, thus users can choose whatever they like. 2. Wentutu Start Menu. It is a brand new app. It doesn't have the numerous functions but it is really simple to operate. The interface is brief either. 3. Start8. It is brief as Wentutu Start Menu as well. It enables quick access and searching of installed applications. 4. ViStart. Nothing different with Start8 (personal opinion). So, sum up, if you want try more and you are a very classic man even want back to Windows 98's Start menu, then you can use Classic Shell. If you are lazy (like me, the simpler, the better), then you may try the last three apps. By the way, what I am using now is Wentutu Start Menu, though it is a new app, it has Wentutu Speed RamDisk. This is what it attracts me. It's really fresh to me.

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