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I'm a novice programmer who has just learnt some languages and want to experiment & sharpen my skills. I've learnt quite a few languages like C, C++, Python, VC++, Java.

I want to learn to program on Mobile(Hand-held) devices.What would be the best way to start? Could anyone please suggest me from where to start?

I have heard that I would have to work on Emulators, but googling it didn't help. I know that there are quite a few experienced programmers who could help me and show me the appropriate path.

As you'll must have guessed by just reading my question that I don't have a perfect picture of what I want, so may be my question isn't Bang On!! ... Please Help

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3 Answers

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To begin with, if your starting out, look at the market and see what is available and where your interests lie. Android, IPhone are two popular examples. BlackBerry is also popular in the corporate world. If you try to learn all of them at the same time, you'll wind up with a headache (or several), so start with one; perhaps do a couple of small/medium sized projects and port them to another platform. I'd suggest writing a nice simple game like Tetris or Pacman. That will give you a project that takes you through the graphics, audio and core APIs. You can also build that up incrementally to include network support etc. You may have your own preferences with regards to a project, but that's one I can think of off the top of my head.

Secondly, I'd look at open source projects i.e sourceforge, this is a good way to learn from other developers already in the mobile development field and it gives you a chance to contribute something to the community. Start with simple bug fixes and then, once you've got some recognition, contribute features.

Here are some links to simulators/learning references:

Android

BlackBerry

IPhone

Good luck

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Thank you,can you please tell me if learning to program for mobile phones is a good idea for an entry level programmer like me? Or should I wait for some more time.Because all what I have learnt and what I know is just out of an advanced diploma course of 1 year duration. – Pavitar Mar 31 '11 at 12:47
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@Pavitar What other people think shouldn't concern you. If your keen and are willing to invest time in mobile development, your already off to a good start. As a benefit, open source projects give you a great means to learn from people already experienced. You can ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn, so don't invest too much time worring, just go for it and enjoy yourself! – Desolate Planet Mar 31 '11 at 12:54
Thank you again :) You have motivated me. +1 – Pavitar Mar 31 '11 at 12:58
@Pavitar: What's going to help you develop is projects you yourself are interested in, not projects that other people think are educational. – David Thornley Mar 31 '11 at 14:03
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Take a look at the Android Developer site. The tools to develop for Android are all free and seen as you have experience with Java you should find it fairly easy to get started.

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Since you know java, that can be starting point for Mobile Development on Android Platform.

  1. Pick a problem that you would like to solve, E.g. create a program to search nearby movie theaters on mobile
  2. Download and setup Android SDK and tools
  3. Write a "Hello World" program
  4. Go ahead and starting developing a program to solve the problem

And learn as you write actual program.

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