This practical book provides the concepts and code you need to develop software with Android, the open-source platform for cell phones and mobile devices that's generating enthusiasm across the industry. Based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance, Android has the potential to unite a fragmented mobile market. Android Application Development introduces this programming environment, and offers you a complete working example that demonstrates Android architectural features and APIs. With this book, you will:
- Get a complete introduction to the Android programming environment, architecture, and tools
- Build a modular application, beginning with a core module that serves to launch modules added in subsequent chapters
- Learn the concepts and architecture of a specific feature set, including views, maps, location-based services, persistent data storage, 2D and 3D graphics, media services, telephony services, and messaging
- Use ready-to-run example code that implements each feature
- Delve into advanced topics, such as security, custom views, performance analysis, and internationalization
The book is a natural complement to the existing Android documentation provided by Google. Whether you want to develop a commercial application for mobile devices, or just want to create a mobile mashup for personal use, Android Application Development demonstrates how you can design, build, and test applications for the new mobile market.
Android is the first complete, integrated, entirely open source stack for cell phones and mobile devices, and therefore the first platform to make it possible for the industry to unite and support portable, rich applications. Promoted by Google and the Open Handset Alliance, Android has the potential to revolutionize the mobile market. "Android Application Development" gives developers the concepts and coding guidelines they need to develop software for the Android mobile platform. Whether you have a commercial application in mind or just want to develop a mobile mash up for personal use, the information in this book will show you how to quickly create a working application. Furthermore, information on designing for mobile platforms and performance tuning will drive a positive user experience.Extensive real-world code examples on the key features of Android make it relatively easy for you to build your application, test it, and deploy it to Android phones. The book revolves around a modular code example with extensions that demonstrate Android architectural features and APIs. Examples are coded in Java and built in the Eclipse-based environment used by Android developers.
The book begins by laying out the new architecture and concepts behind the Android programming environment, along with the Eclipse-based tools it provides. Later chapters cover: 2D and 3D Graphics; Maps and location based services; Persistent data storage with SQLite; Incorporation of web browser functionality; Telephony services and SMS messaging; Memory, power, storage, and communications requirements of mobile devices; and, Debugging and performance testing.
