Database Develop

Wanting to develop my own software

Right...I’ve been using xda-dev for a while and decided its about time I contribute something back....especially as its my uni holidays and I have nothing to do my software idea is basically something to tell you prices of near by fuel outlets. Unless something like this already exists (a quick search of fuel prices on the xda-dev of fuel prices shows nothing)
Firstly I have no previous programming experience but we all have to start somewhere right?
Secondly what would I use to write the program in?
Thirdly how difficult would such a project be?
Sorry if questions I ask don’t make sense, I am a total noob.

I'm a noob aswell, but from what I can see to be able to do this your going to have to have access to all the necessary fuel prices, which are going to be updated how and from where?
Unless you could get access to an existing sql database, i cant see it being practical, well not for a noob anyway.
Anyone Correct me if i'm wrong.

Hmm i guess its best to learn programming before you attempt to write a software. Visual Studio is probably the best one to write in, and i believe the phone uses .NET. (Which can open up more languages and its pretty damn easy to program in)
Too lazy to write a program myself for PPC, but i recommend Visual C++
Video Tutorials -For programming in windows mobile
http://www.cplusplus.com/ -Good place to learn stuff
As for the difficulty, it depends.
Getting the gas info is the easy part, (ie some gas websites have easy URLS such as www.gasblahblah.com/index.aspx&?area=ZIPCODE
then parsing the page is trivial.
As for the functionality, try looking on sourceforge for some sample coding you can use, such as a skeleton for a today plugin etc.
Its not gunna be easy but goodluck!

good luck
As hirst89 said, it will be difficult. First of all, you need to build an up to date database (go check mysql or sqlite on google which are truly wonderful database softwares). Then, about the program itself, you have to learn how to develop in .NET with visual studio and .NET framework 2.0 (license fees are awfully expensive for the whole solution but you could try light versions don't know if they are trustable go check http://msdn.microsoft.com/fr-fr/express/aa975050.aspx). After that, you'll need a good server with an average bandwith (depends on the country you live in, for france go check www.ovh.com).
Good luck, you'll need it!!!!​
goorht

Yeh I think my post only touched on the difficulties of it. How would you go about collecting data from presumably the majority of fuel stations? Especially on a low budget, I presume from the fact that your a student.
And as for the programming, I wouldnt like to guess how much of an in depth knowledge you would need of .net for it to be basically functional.
Hope this all helps....but hope it doesnt squash your ideas and aspirations

Thank you for your quick responses...can you think of any more practical or easier to implement which I could start with?

well you could use c# which is use alot for software running on the windows mobile environment. there is Visual C# express version for free if you odnt want to shell out the money for visual studio.

zeezee said:
well you could use c# which is use alot for software running on the windows mobile environment. there is Visual C# express version for free if you odnt want to shell out the money for visual studio.
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i think i'll start with express and if i enjoy it and get some interest in wat i'm doing then give something else a try.
I'm really worried going into this...i have no idea wat to expect
*just waiting for Visual basic to download and install*

Humz said:
i think i'll start with express and if i enjoy it and get some interest in wat i'm doing then give something else a try.
I'm really worried going into this...i have no idea wat to expect
*just waiting for Visual basic to download and install*
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Click to collapse
I had a brief look at creating my own software but my programming and coding knowledge doesn't stretch that far, I think I'll just stick with what im good at CSS, XHTML & Graphic Design

visual studio is easy, VS8 is free but it doesn't do much, if i'm not mistaken and i believe it was mentioned above that visual studio works in .NET but first you should try a couple easy things, try writing a small game like idk SKI FREE!!!! i haven't gotten around to it, but writing a game or other such is one of my projects for the summer while school is out. but that feul idea is fantastic, but windows live already tried it and it is extremely out of date. start small and work into the bigger stuff.
p.s. if you write ski free and get it to work on the phone let me know

Visual Studio Express doesn't allow you to develop mobile applications. Students from selected countries can grab a free copy of VS2008 Professional from here. Otherwise, the next best free solution would be the outdated eVC++ or eMbedded Visual Tools, which only support up to Pocket PC 2003 SDK. However, those apps will still work on WM5/WM6, etc. The main limitation is that the you don't have access to the APIs in the newer OS.

Humz said:
(a quick search of fuel prices on the xda-dev of fuel prices shows nothing)
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There are some programs that retrieve current and local gas prices. Windows Live Search is one.
I don't want to discourage you from writing your own, sounds like it would be good practice to start with. I wish I had the time to learn how to do it.

GWelker62 said:
There are some programs that retrieve current and local gas prices. Windows Live Search is one.
I don't want to discourage you from writing your own, sounds like it would be good practice to start with. I wish I had the time to learn how to do it.
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I was gonna mention that.

This is a wery good book to start whit. Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic 2008.

Coding/ programming Android

This really should be in the Dev section, but for fear of the thread getting trashed, I put it in Q & A. If this question has been posted, don't flame me...just point me to the link.
Simply, I want to learn to code in Linux. I now know next to nothing. I have learned most of the shell commands and such, but where do I go from here.
What language is Android in (Java, I presume. But isC++ useful)? I can find tutorials and I am intelligent, so I should be able to learn some on my own. Where do I start?
I have found several interactive tutorials:
1. Learning to program in C++
2. Learning to program in Java
Which one to pursue? I don't want to be Cyanogen or anything, but can't stand to be left out of the loop.
Will

Android apps are built in java. Start here for the SDK and plenty of useful info to get you going:
http://developer.android.com/index.html

Developer.android.com is a good place to start.. its modified form of java called dalvik, but java none the less. C is good for terminal apps, and Im pretty sure you can include some c in apps now too

the language is the least thing you should worry about though. Pick up a book on programming for dummies (i mean it, not trying to be mean or anything) or something that teaches you the basics of programming. There are several conventional approaches that we use to program. You can dive head first into Java, or C++, etc, but if you don't yet understand program flow (sequential, looping, or branching) or about data types and structures, objects, etc, you'll still be at a loss. Programming is a very general concept and once you get the hang of it, then you can pick whichever language is the best tool for what you'll be doing (in this case, google's android implementation of java).
Also pick up some HTML and javascript, both combined will make it a lot easier to understand XML once you get to it, and for some of the shell scripting associated with putting out roms, give using any linux distro as your real main OS a try for a few months. It's frustrating at first, but you'll learn so much trying to learn how to use it.

Jubeh,
Exactly the answer I was looking for. While thankful to the other posters, I think they understood me as having some knowledge (I tried to dive right into the SDK and it made about as much sense as Hebrew).
I am downloading a book called C++ for dummies and another by O'reily.
Let's see where this leads....I hope it is something that if I am dedicated enough can be learned outside a classroom.
Thanks all....

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Removed:

shouldn't be posting warez, alritewhadeva.
Anyway, I'm also studying several android-related topics right now. I took like two computer science classes in highschool (first was intro to programming in basic and then advanced concepts in c++) and then did scheme programming for my first semester in college for bs-cs and java for my data structures semester, and then I quit school . I also did some self-taught learning in HTML (back when we actually made pages in HTML), javascript, and java applets.
Anyway, I hadn't touched any coding since about 6 years ago and now with android i'm trying to get back into it, but I've pretty much forgotten many things (syntax mostly, concepts stick with you), so right now I picked a book for programming for dummies too. I'm almost 3/4 done in 2 days because I know most of that stuff, but the refresher is nice. I plan on picking up a C++ book next, to get up to date with the current implementation, and because once you understand C++ (it's high level enough and low-level enough), java and other object oriented languages are a breeze to understand. After it I plan on catching up to JAVA 6, and then hopefully dive into android's java. It's a lot of work and requires dedication when you're doing it on your own, but it's also rewarding (both personally, and in that you could always get a job with just C++ that pays well enough for limited knowledge)

jubeh said:
shouldn't be posting warez, alritewhadeva.
Anyway, I'm also studying several android-related topics right now. I took like two computer science classes in highschool (first was intro to programming in basic and then advanced concepts in c++) and then did scheme programming for my first semester in college for bs-cs and java for my data structures semester, and then I quit school . I also did some self-taught learning in HTML (back when we actually made pages in HTML), javascript, and java applets.
Anyway, I hadn't touched any coding since about 6 years ago and now with android i'm trying to get back into it, but I've pretty much forgotten many things (syntax mostly, concepts stick with you), so right now I picked a book for programming for dummies too. I'm almost 3/4 done in 2 days because I know most of that stuff, but the refresher is nice. I plan on picking up a C++ book next, to get up to date with the current implementation, and because once you understand C++ (it's high level enough and low-level enough), java and other object oriented languages are a breeze to understand. After it I plan on catching up to JAVA 6, and then hopefully dive into android's java. It's a lot of work and requires dedication when you're doing it on your own, but it's also rewarding (both personally, and in that you could always get a job with just C++ that pays well enough for limited knowledge)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it a ware? Ebook...
Removed link anyway.

Thanks for asking this question pinetreehater. I've searched for the answer and not really found what I was looking for. I wanted to ask this myself but, as you stated, I didn't want to get noob-bashed.
I have some programming knowledge. I took some of the older langauges in highschool *mid 80's* (basic (of course), cobol, and assembler). And was quite good at it. IMHO. But I didn't really follow it after that and have basically forgot all of it.
I have a question.
Once I've got the books. How do I practice using them on my pc?

[OT] Learning the ins and outs of java.

I'm a sophomore in high school taking computer science. (please don't judge me because of my age) Our school is making some major budget cuts, so sadly our video game programming and design class (the only other higher level programming class offered) got cut and this will be my last and only programming class at my school (well there's a possibility that it will be brought back in my senior year, but I'd at least like to stay fresh over the summer and next year). I don't know much about java to tell you the truth. I know how to use loops, conditionals, arrays (1 and 2 dimensional) and arraylists and most of the basic variable types (off of the top of my head, integers, doubles, booleans, longs, and strings). I've made some very very simple apps such as whack a mole and craps, but the gui class was provided by my teacher.
My question is this: is there a good, preferably free online program that teaches you the basics of java (especially related to the gui) and possibly some more complex programming?
I appreciate any help. thanks.
P.S. Please forgive me if this is too off-topic, but I really couldn't think of a better place to post this. Hope you guys will be able to help.

gonintendo said:
I'm a sophomore in high school taking computer science. (please don't judge me because of my age) Our school is making some major budget cuts, so sadly our video game programming and design class (the only other higher level programming class offered) got cut and this will be my last and only programming class at my school (well there's a possibility that it will be brought back in my senior year, but I'd at least like to stay fresh over the summer and next year). I don't know much about java to tell you the truth. I know how to use loops, conditionals, arrays (1 and 2 dimensional) and arraylists and most of the basic variable types (off of the top of my head, integers, doubles, booleans, longs, and strings). I've made some very very simple apps such as whack a mole and craps, but the gui class was provided by my teacher.
My question is this: is there a good, preferably free online program that teaches you the basics of java (especially related to the gui) and possibly some more complex programming?
I appreciate any help. thanks.
P.S. Please forgive me if this is too off-topic, but I really couldn't think of a better place to post this. Hope you guys will be able to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to Youtube.....search for a guy named "thenewboston"
He has a whole series of java programming lectures that saved me in my Advanced Java course in college....

Mr. Apocalypse said:
Go to Youtube.....search for a guy named "thenewboston"
He has a whole series of java programming lectures that saved me in my Advanced Java course in college....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll make sure to check him out!

I was in the same place as you a while back. The best way to learn is by trying to make something you want.
Before jumping into any serious programming you need to learn a few more important concepts. Methods, classes, objects, and more on those. You need to understand how it all works before going further.
If you have any questions feel free to message me or hit me up on gtalk. I'll give you some tips, ideas, and some source code of apps to dig into, if you like.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

the basics:
http://download.oracle.com/javase/6/docs/api/
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
now go to some university's entry level cs website and do some of the programming assignments.
but if you know control flow, some data structures, types, etc. just program. there are a ton of simple things to write. for example, write a calculator that has an add method that just adds the two arguments, then write recursive multiplication, factorial, and exponential methods that only use add (or other methods you wrote). it's simple, but decent recursion practice. i could give you a ton of simple programs to write.
oh and pay attention to what everything actually is. read and understand what static, private, public, classes, objects, etc. actually are and their purpose.

birgertime said:
I was in the same place as you a while back. The best way to learn is by trying to make something you want.
Before jumping into any serious programming you need to learn a few more important concepts. Methods, classes, objects, and more on those. You need to understand how it all works before going further.
If you have any questions feel free to message me or hit me up on gtalk. I'll give you some tips, ideas, and some source code of apps to dig into, if you like.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have added, I have a basic understanding of methods and classes, and we are just getting into objects now.
Thanks for all the responses guys! really appreciate the help.

also, if you guys have any suggestions for simple apps that a beginner like my self could make, fire away.

I applaud you for beginning a hobby/interest in programming early. Currently I'm a 2nd year student at a university for Computer Science so I have a very direct understanding of Java. You should know that structure of Java (for every day use) is different than that of the Java on Android.
Download the Android SDK: developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Follow all the steps of installation and DO the Hello, Android (World) app that it gives you. Make sure you UNDERSTAND everything on the screen and in your main class.
Continue reading all the Developer documents for the SDK here:
developer.android.com/guide/index.html

Joy2DaWurld said:
I applaud you for beginning a hobby/interest in programming early. Currently I'm a 2nd year student at a university for Computer Science so I have a very direct understanding of Java. You should know that structure of Java (for every day use) is different than that of the Java on Android.
Download the Android SDK: developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Follow all the steps of installation and DO the Hello, Android (World) app that it gives you. Make sure you UNDERSTAND everything on the screen and in your main class.
Continue reading all the Developer documents for the SDK here:
developer.android.com/guide/index.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I had kind of figured that android developement would be a whole different beast.

Who is this "java" girl and why would you like to go in and out and in and out of her?

What can I say? Different strokes.

gonintendo said:
What can I say? Different strokes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you would like to have a go at Missionary Java or K9 Java.

I can sell you my 'Programming with Alice and Java' textbook...if I find it. It has all the intro stuff. First it uses a program called Alice to teach you how it works, and then it teaches you to do actual code. When I find it I can tell you where it leaves off.

VB or C# for new dev

I'm a network admin who wants to start developing windows apps. I have a Masters in IT, but no coding experience. I had to take a C class, but didn't understand it. Should I learn VB or C#? I understand C# is superior, but I'm new and don't understand the concepts. I know they both use .net and I'm wondering if VB would be a good way to start or a waste of time? Thanks
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First of all, if you remember *anything* from C, C# will be more familiar.
Second, in terms of an employable skill in the job market, C# is more valuable; not only is it in greater demand in general, it's also closer to both C++ and Java, both of which are in very high demand.
Third, while VB.NET is a perfectly reasonable modern language with plenty of nice features, that modernization + same anachonisms it has held onto has led to it reaching a state that I consider no easier to learn than C#, so between the two of them I'd certainly recommend C#.

I can not say that I have personally done a lot of vb development, but based upon what I have seen of it, I would certainly recommend c#. C# is quite similar to other powerful languages such as c++ and Java, so after developing a solid understanding of c#, getting familiar with these other languages will be a breeze. It provides the best integration with the .net framework, and has simple and easy to understand syntax. I think that c# is more of a replacement for VB than anything anyways, and as such, learning c# is the best way to go:laugh:
If this message helped you, or you appreciate me taking the time, then smash that thanks button like a crazy spider running across your floor

rootfan said:
I can not say that I have personally done a lot of vb development, but based upon what I have seen of it, I would certainly recommend c#. C# is quite similar to other powerful languages such as c++ and Java, so after developing a solid understanding of c#, getting familiar with these other languages will be a breeze. It provides the best integration with the .net framework, and has simple and easy to understand syntax. I think that c# is more of a replacement for VB than anything anyways, and as such, learning c# is the best way to go:laugh:
If this message helped you, or you appreciate me taking the time, then smash that thanks button like a crazy spider running across your floor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Java and C# only have in common the common object class and similar syntax to some extend.
C# is way more powerful than java and comes close to C++ as far as complexity is concerned.

C# all the way. The way it is built and the constructs of the language itself, makes it easy to learn and enjoyable to code with. And I've use both Java and VB in a little enviroment

Functionally, there's no difference between C# and VB.NET. Anything you can do in C# you can also do in VB.NET. The syntax of VB is much easier, and is overall more easily picked up, but C# is more common, and more useful in the industry.
If you look at code samples a lot, and use C#<>VB.ET converters, you can pick up the syntax of both of them, so even if you found a code sample in VB you'd be able to work out how to code it in C# easily.

I used to hack exclusively in BASIC and VB. Now I work pretty much exclusively in C# (and the very similar powershell) and would encourage anyone else to use it too. It's FAR more useful than anything BASIC.

VB.NET and C# are virtually identical in capability (the both compile to MSIL that is processed by , so in terms of what you can do with them, they are equally useful. The main differences are how easily you can do certain things. With that said, though, C# (as a "C-like" language much like the very widely used C++ and Java languages) is more professionally useful that VB.NET (which is a "BASIC-like" language, a language family that is dying out in the professional world).

C# is almost identical to Java, and Java is very popular now. If you learn C# very well, learning Java is a matter of hours away and then you can easily port apps to android too

Cool programming site

I've been studying basic Android coding (not rom cooking) and found the site i-programmer[dot]info which was free and awesome. I've been going through the android Studio lessons. It's not super basic and makes some assumptions that you knwo stuff but really cool.
And man... Java is hard! I thought I understood OOP programming.... I didn't...

interesting course...
Intro to Java. Unit 1 (in English): http://youtu.be/llCoszN5kcc