Android Application Development For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer Tech))

388 Pages·2010·9.89 MB·English

by  Donn Felker

Programming Languages/Java
Here’s just what you need Making Everything Easier!™
to start developing feature-rich,
d
amazing Android apps A d ro i ™
Open the book and find: n
A
n
d
Even if you’ve never written a mobile application, this book
• Cool ways to use the r
o
has the know-how you need to turn your great ideas into cool accelerometer in your app
i
d
apps for the Android platform. With millions of smartphone
utos eprlsy a tnhde aa pcpor dneuvceolpoipam ofe cnat rtrriaedrse, .A Tnhdisr obiodo isk as hgorewast ypolauc e •• iHTnioptows oo tponp tinuosrrtntau mlnliiontibgei salen ldim seittattiniogn usp App™ Application Development
from the ground up how to set up your environment and
the tools l
i
create an app. Read on to become an Android developer c
a
extraordinaire! • Step-by-step coding directions
t
i
o
• Ways to make your apps more
• Welcome to Android — learn what makes a great Android app, n
marketable
how to use the SDK, ways to work with mobile screens, and how D
the development process works • How to create really useful menus e
v
• Make users happy — find out how to design an interface that • Advice on app pricing e
mobile users will love l
o
• Ten great sample apps and SDKs, p
• Learn the code — work with the activity lifecycle and Android
including code m
framework classes, use the Eclipse debugger, and create a home
e
screen widget for your app
n
t
• Beyond the basics — take your skills up a notch with apps that
involve SQLite databases and multiple screens
Learn to:
• Price and publish — pick the right price for your app and get it
into the Android Market
• Create apps for hot smartphones like
Go to Dummies.com® Droid™ X, Galaxy S, and MyTouch®
for videos, step-by-step examples,
Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/
how-to articles, or to shop! • Download the SDK and get Eclipse
androidappdevfd for source code, updates, and other up and running
examples to help you in the development process
• Code Android applications
• Submit your apps to the
Android Market
$29.99 US / $35.99 CN / £21.99 UK
Donn Felker is an independent consultant specializing in Android and ISBN 978-0-470-77018-4
.NET technologies. He has been a technical architect, software developer,
and programmer analyst for more than a decade, with experience that
covers desktop, Web, and mobile development.
Donn Felker
Felker Independent software development consultant
Get More and Do More at Dummies.com
®
Start with FREE Cheat Sheets
Cheat Sheets include
• Checklists
• Charts Apps
• Common Instructions Mobile
• And Other Good Stuff!
To access the Cheat Sheet created specifically for this book, go to
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Android™

Application Development
FOR
DUMmIES
‰
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Android™

Application Development
FOR
DUMmIES
‰
by Donn Felker with Joshua Dobbs
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AndroidTM Application Development For Dummies®
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
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REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2010939962
ISBN: 978-0-470-77018-4
Manufactured in the United States of America
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About the Authors
Donn Felker is a recognized leader in the development and consultation
of state-of-the-art, cutting-edge software in the mobile and Web fi elds. He is
an independent consultant with over 10 years of professional experience in
various markets that include entertainment, health, retail, insurance, fi nan-
cial, and real estate. He is a mobile junkie, serial entrepreneur, and creative
innovator in all things mobile and Web. He is the founder of Agilevent, an
innovative creative development fi rm that has done work for small startups
as well as Fortune 500 companies. He is a Microsoft ASP Insider, an MCTS for
.NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5 Web Applications, and a certifi ed ScrumMaster.
He’s a national speaker on topics that include Android, .NET, and software
architecture. He is the author of the TekPub.com Introduction to Android
video series. He is a writer, presenter, and consultant on various topics rang-
ing from architecture to development in general, agile practices, and patterns
and practices. Follow Donn on Twitter (@donnfelker) or read his blog here:
http://blog.donnfelker.com.
Joshua Dobbs is a senior lead Web application developer for a large elec-
tronics manufacturer in Southern California. He has more than ten years’
experience in Web and desktop application development. Josh was an early
adopter of the Android platform and creates Android apps in his spare time.
His apps have been downloaded more than 6 million times, and he was
selected by Google as top Android developer for its Device Seeding Program.
His Web site is www.joshdobbs.com.
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Dedication
To my dogs, Lulu and Macho, and my cat, Vito: Thanks for keeping me
company in the cold basement while I cranked out page after page in the
wee hours of the morning while everyone else was asleep. Writing is a lonely
gig, and your company helped the time pass much easier (and kept my feet
and lap warm too).
To my dearest daughter, Sophia, who made even the toughest days brighter
through her contagious, infectious laughter and antics. I love you.
Most of all, to my gorgeous wife, Ginamarie, who has always been very sup-
portive of all my crazy, harebrained ideas over the years. I would not have
gotten where I am in my life if it were not for your support. I love you.
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