How to get started as an graphic artist.
You want to create your own, individual app?You have great ideas how to design an app and will work in a team?
So here are the first steps and tricks how getting started!
So which program should I use?
Photoshop: It's one of the fastest and best program to work with!
But it's high expensive and needs time to know how to use it.
When you have mastered it, you will get the best results.
Gimp: Free and open source. But slow and doesn't have many (good) functions as photoshop.
It's enough for the basics and mabye for your own apps, but it will stop when you'll try to make professional images.
Others: There're still different programs. They don't have a such grand community as Gimp or Photoshop,
but some of them offer new functions that will help you making your work easier.
How do I learn the usage of these programs?
Well, there's one good way: YouTube. Many people made(and still making! - important for actual versions.)
very good tutorials while filming their work. It's even easier than reading pages of manuals or uning the publisher tips and introductions.
But with which tutorial should I start with?
First you should search for Photoshop basics. Maybe you look for one guy who's having a bunch of
episodes which basing on each other and leads you trough the process to get started with your program.
Now you can get specific. Search for tutorial e.g. on how to make app desings.
When you have enough experience it's enough to read trough text tutorials. You can also find good ones on YouTube.
Warning! Making themes for e.g. ROMs need Java knowledge and are more than making a picture.
(This won't be a problem after you dare to try this!)
Search for a team!
It's kind of boring to make themes again and again. Maybe there are group of developers out there who can't desing their own apps as good as you.
One possiblity is to join nikwen's list:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41177866
There're many designers who are interested in joining a developers group and help them.
Now you can make the first step on designing android apps.
Maybe it will be hard to understand at the beginning but when you keep trying to learn you will have the
possibility to be part of something. And mabye it's getting even bigger when you success.
Tutorials will follow!
Great guide. :good:
Thanks.
Im very interested in UI and UX designing.. just because im so bad in xml parsing and coding, so i just can implemented them in my homescreen..
Thanks for the thread.. im looking forward on this..
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Related
I'm posting this in the Development section because that is what I am trying to learn about. Please move me if I am mis-posting this.
I'm greatly interested in the the Roms people are making and everything that is being done on these forums. If someone wanted to start to learn about these things, developing and such, where should they start? Do I need to learn Java? Are there certain books I should be reading?
I can flash my phone like its my day job now, and I haven't come across any major problems I couldn't solve by reading, but I have no idea where to start to be able to develop things myself. If any developers here could maybe throw out a few tips on how to get started, what someone should focus on learning, etc., it would be greatly appreciated! I have plenty of time and a great desire to learn so I'm not intimidated by having to do the work, I just have to have some things to focus on. Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give me!
I always wanted to know how make roms also I was looking around the internet but couldn't find anything that will describe it step by step word for word.
Maccie
It will be a huge writeup.But im sure someone will do it. I am still learning myself. There are some good topics around but different from what we have now
topshelf95 said:
I'm posting this in the Development section because that is what I am trying to learn about. Please move me if I am mis-posting this.
I'm greatly interested in the the Roms people are making and everything that is being done on these forums. If someone wanted to start to learn about these things, developing and such, where should they start? Do I need to learn Java? Are there certain books I should be reading?
I can flash my phone like its my day job now, and I haven't come across any major problems I couldn't solve by reading, but I have no idea where to start to be able to develop things myself. If any developers here could maybe throw out a few tips on how to get started, what someone should focus on learning, etc., it would be greatly appreciated! I have plenty of time and a great desire to learn so I'm not intimidated by having to do the work, I just have to have some things to focus on. Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a number of aspects to android development you have to learn to know how to build a full ROM from scratch. C is of course required for kernel building, and apps are built from java in the dalvik-vm, but can be built against sun java.
of course, to get started, you would need the android sdk available here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
then there's the cloning of the android git:
http://android.git.kernel.org/
and, specifically for the captivate, there's the captivate source code:
http://opensource.samsung.com/
then there's pulling off the vendor proprietary libs from your phone (which is a ***** and I believe you can grab them from wes's github, though I can't speak for their accuracy) here:
http://github.com/wesgarner/proprietary_vendor_samsung
building the entire android OS from source is a challenge, especially compensating for some changes Samsung has introduced. this is what a real ROM is. now if you're talking about "ROM"s like Cognition and Shep's and even Eugene's Hybrid/Frankin-Twiz... they aren't comparable. Not to belittle any of their efforts, but this is simple "drag and drop" from stuff built by Samsung. While they're very useful tools, there is little actual development going on in them. There are improvements and tweaks, for sure... but it isn't a *true* ROM. All these releases by DesignGears, Eugene, and Shep are good and effective, but it'd be a shame if they weren't because they are just files thrown together from Samsung's already compiled ROM(s). Even the AOSP Beta 3 (which I have a qualm with the name, because it isn't actually AOSP, it's files pulled from an already built AOSP tossed onto Samsung's ROM again) is just modifying binaries (decompile, edit, recompile).
for those, it's as simple as extracting the zip, replacing the files you want, and rezip it. modifying the update-script inside meta-inf if there's something you want to add.
Awesome post Kaik, thanks, I was wondering some of those too.
Thx that explained a bunch
Maccie
Thank you for taking the time to post that Kaik! It's nice to have a place to start! Anyone else have any tips or things they think might be good to check out?
last, but certainly not least and I can't believe I forgot this, is Unhelpful's toolchain to compile against:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761923
he did a lot of testing with various combinations, and this was the best he found to reduce wakeup lag and other issues
Wow. Kaik. That was the most awesome response to that question I have ever seen. Most people just point to developer.android.com and say go learn to program and come back in 5 years.
Thank you for this very useful information. Your the man now dog.
johnyhoffman said:
Most people just point to developer.android.com and say go learn to program and come back in 5 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Devs are not being mean or pissy, they are being honest and realistic. If development was just "point and click" XDA would not even be here. Give the devs/veterans a break and take it upon yourself to learn the basics and do some searches, if you are that interested.
I would love to just start making my own Android OS just the way I like too but to do that will require much more reading and learning, trying and failing.
You will probably not find "the answer" you are looking for but if you search, read and most importantly, respect the time, energy and anguish people have put into this site you will find the means to get where you want.
Otherwise you can expect... "Let me just glance and peek to see how to do this. Damn what the hell does that mean? Oh well here is a modded ROM. I'll try that. Jeez, that sucks. How do I make my own? Let me just glance and peek to see how to do this. Damn what the hell does that mean? Oh well ..." It is an endless cycle.
I'm not saying this to belittle anyone. Most have been there, including myself. I say this as a vote of confidence to all.
Hang in there, do the work, break some phones, read some books. Really! You have to!
koe1974 said:
Devs are not being mean or pissy, they are being honest and realistic. If development was just "point and click" XDA would not even be here. Give the devs/veterans a break and take it upon yourself to learn the basics and do some searches, if you are that interested.
I would love to just start making my own Android OS just the way I like too but to do that will require much more reading and learning, trying and failing.
You will probably not find "the answer" you are looking for but if you search, read and most importantly, respect the time, energy and anguish people have put into this site you will find the means to get where you want.
Otherwise you can expect... "Let me just glance and peek to see how to do this. Damn what the hell does that mean? Oh well here is a modded ROM. I'll try that. Jeez, that sucks. How do I make my own? Let me just glance and peek to see how to do this. Damn what the hell does that mean? Oh well ..." It is an endless cycle.
I'm not saying this to belittle anyone. Most have been there, including myself. I say this as a vote of confidence to all.
Hang in there, do the work, break some phones, read some books. Really! You have to!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this times one thousand. I linked you guys to some very useful sites when it comes to actually putting android together... but understanding how it all works, actually getting a successful build, fixing bugs, etc... I can't even begin to pretend to be able to help with that. if you have little to no experience in C and Java, these things will basically be useless to you. dev's aren't being mean when they brush you off like that, but usually if you can't figure out how to google what to do with the code, they don't have high hopes for what you'll be able to do with it once you find the code.
the idea isn't to be like "f*** off" when they say that, it's more of a "we'll help you when you learn, but you're the one who needs to take the first steps and you need to take the responsibility of learning on yourself."
I was actually referring to the fact that someone like me, a hobbyist programmer for about 10 years now, can make sense of his reply and use it to go forth and actually do something. Most of the guides you find on here that are supposedly pointed at noobs, do not layout things as easily as his post did.
Wasn't criticizing anyone, but I have seen less patience nowadays for any posts such as these.
Was just saying it was a gem of a post for me personally. Maybe it doesn't help the ultra noobs and the more experienced people see it as useless, but for someone with little time right now, it was a perfect post for me.
I'm a creeper on the forums and i look up to you people...and Recently i saw a story on how the number1 iphone app was created by a fourteen year old.
It got me thinking.. and i really want to try this but i have absolutely zero coding experience..
I know it sounds noobish to say but all the devs on this forum had to start somewhere.. they didnt just magically get their talents.
What i'm asking for are tutorials, references, guides, even books, on how to develop android applications from scratch.
Please dont overlook me.. i just want to learn.
I have the android sdk and eclipse set up and linked together.
I even have app inventer.
Any help is appreciated
I'd recommend starting with the tutorials on the Android Developers website http://developer.android.com/resources/index.html. In the left column there are 6 tutorials that are quite good. I'd reccomend doing Hello World, Hello Views, Notepad Tutorial, and save the others for later. After that, your best bet would be to get an idea in your head and go for it. If you have questions the best place to ask is on IRC in #android-dev. Outside of that, google is your best friend. Just search for what you want to do.
Hope this helps!
Tutorials are usually a good way to learn what you can start doing.
After you get some basics and know how to search for certain functions/commands, then you can start thinking about what type of app you want.
A lot of books (I just glanced over them at the bookstore) suggested thinking of what you want the app to do and then designing the general User Interface on paper. And after the UI is in your mind, you can start programming.
thanks to both of you for the help really appreciate it.. people seem to ignore the noobs but anybody can learn.
ill put my ideas on paper first.
And ChainsDD what is the IRC in #android dev?
IRC is internet relay chat. To quote Wikipedia:
Wikipedia said:
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a popular[citation needed] form of real-time Internet text messaging (chat) or synchronous conferencing.[1] It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels,[2] but also allows one-to-one communication via private message[3] as well as chat and data transfer (including file sharing).[4]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many clients out there to connect to it, but I believe that XChat is cross-platform and quite good. Here's the website for it. The quick start guide on that page will get you online, but choose freenode as your network, as that's where #android-dev is. There's also #android for general android discussions, and #android-root for root discussions.
I would recommend you to start with the basics. With that I mean Java applications for the command window. It's easy to set up and use to learn basic stuff like data types, operators and class structures. Search for "basic java programming" or likewise and you will find a lot of good (and bad) tutorials.
For example: Java tutorial for beginners - Introduction
When you have learned to write a simple program in Java use the Android tutorials to learn how to use Google's Java libraries. The three tutorials ChainsDD mentioned are a good start.
people seem to ignore the noobs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all of us
Real Dev's code in Python (j/k)
But they all stated good things - pretty much pick a programming language and start from there. If it's Android development it is going to be Java (ugh).
If your serious about wanting to develop? I would recommend C++ as the language to get involved with. From there it is easy to branch off to other languages.
There is a TON of free material on the internet (that isn't pirated even) to help you get started. Compilers, code samples, documentation.. there is virtually no limit to the amount of data that is out there.
The trick is... A) to figure out what you want to do and B) remained focus on your goals and keep working at it. Coding is NOT easy (I can't code my way out of a wet paperbag - but I understand it) but can be very rewarding both personally and financially
So good luck!
avgjoegeek said:
but can be very rewarding both personally and financially
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, I code for years and didn't get any of those rewards.. just lame jobs and no life!
Would there be anyone willing to do a different kind of guide for those wanting to learn to theme or even rom.
If someone would .... as there creating a theme, document the whole process, and as someone trying to learn, could download the files needed and instead of just downloading an already completed theme, they could build the same theme themselves while following the directions. I think that could be a great way for someone to learn this craft. I imagine once you have built one, things start to make more sense.
I have read a few of the themeing guides, and they are great, lots of great info, but a lot of times they dont explain the how/why things are done. Like when can you just edit the .png files to gain a certain look, vs. when you have to go and edit xml files, or which files need to be edited to create a lot of the looks we are looking for.
For me, i learn best by doing. I would love to d/l the same base rom one of you devs. would and follow some instructions and just follow along and perform all of the modifications you might make to create a theme from start to finish. Then a lot of other things might make more sense.
Just a thought if anyone has the time or would be interested, I am sure many people would like to learn this talent.
Thanks.
happimeal said:
Would there be anyone willing to do a different kind of guide for those wanting to learn to theme or even rom.
If someone would .... as there creating a theme, document the whole process, and as someone trying to learn, could download the files needed and instead of just downloading an already completed theme, they could build the same theme themselves while following the directions. I think that could be a great way for someone to learn this craft. I imagine once you have built one, things start to make more sense.
I have read a few of the themeing guides, and they are great, lots of great info, but a lot of times they dont explain the how/why things are done. Like when can you just edit the .png files to gain a certain look, vs. when you have to go and edit xml files, or which files need to be edited to create a lot of the looks we are looking for.
For me, i learn best by doing. I would love to d/l the same base rom one of you devs. would and follow some instructions and just follow along and perform all of the modifications you might make to create a theme from start to finish. Then a lot of other things might make more sense.
Just a thought if anyone has the time or would be interested, I am sure many people would like to learn this talent.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.reddit.com/r/Universityo...erested_in_learning_android_programming_over/
Reddit is holding a android programming tutorial/class, go check it out
Looking at that now, looks very cool. Seems to be focused more on android programming though, will be looking for some theme/rom tutorials, or maybe ask for one.
Thanks for the link!
happimeal said:
Looking at that now, looks very cool. Seems to be focused more on android programming though, will be looking for some theme/rom tutorials, or maybe ask for one.
Thanks for the link!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea it def is focused on programming. But reddit seems like a good place to find our request something your more interested in.
Hello!
This is my first post here on the forums. I've been programming for more or less one year, i used Eclipse and programmed in Java.
I already created a RPG text-based game with java and now i'd like to start programming things for android. I already downloaded and updated Android Studio 1.1.
I've been looking on youtube and google but damn, finding a good place to start is really hard. I can't find a proper guide/tutorial showcasing how to create my first app with this IDE.
I'd just want to create my first simple app to start and have a bigger picture of how android programming works.
If there are similar topics (which, most of them, i already read) link them.. thank you .
Filipe
Try following the android tutorials by thenewboston on youtube. I think they're great. Link: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6gx4Cwl9DGBsvRxJJOzG4r4k_zLKrnxl
Fieel Flying said:
Hello!
This is my first post here on the forums. I've been programming for more or less one year, i used Eclipse and programmed in Java.
I already created a RPG text-based game with java and now i'd like to start programming things for android. I already downloaded and updated Android Studio 1.1.
I've been looking on youtube and google but damn, finding a good place to start is really hard. I can't find a proper guide/tutorial showcasing how to create my first app with this IDE.
I'd just want to create my first simple app to start and have a bigger picture of how android programming works.
If there are similar topics (which, most of them, i already read) link them.. thank you .
Filipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheNewBoston has the best playlist which he recently started, I suggestion going there.
TheNewBoston tutorials are what I began with. Yes you will create your first app, but they just scratch the surface. You won’t learn much from them, but you will be familiar with some things when you start learning. My advice is to not just follow the tutorials, but also read the basics from developer.android.com. The documentation is extremely well written, organized and clear for beginners. Learn about activities, fragments etc. You will get the “feel” of how android works.
This way the tutorials will be much more interesting and helpful. Good luck :good:
Hello
AS is rather easy to use to build your first app, especially if you used Eclipse previously. You may find a lot of common topics & tips.
Android Studio is very easy to use. I started working in it about month ago and it is pure joy. Before that I was using Eclipse.
There is a lots of helpful information on developers.google.com, and answer on almost every question you will have (at the beginning) on stackoverflow.com.
..and really enjoy designing both online and off. Is there a sort of "beginners" guide to making an Icon Pack App, and maybe a whole theme?
It may be way over my head to actually do this, but I would really enjoy trying. Any help, or advice much appreciated, Denise
PS I don't have a lot to spend on anything like this, but open to hearing what I would need. I do have software for designing, but no clue on how to make an actual App.
denise1952 said:
..and really enjoy designing both online and off. Is there a sort of "beginners" guide to making an Icon Pack App, and maybe a whole theme?
It may be way over my head to actually do this, but I would really enjoy trying. Any help, or advice much appreciated, Denise
PS I don't have a lot to spend on anything like this, but open to hearing what I would need. I do have software for designing, but no clue on how to make an actual App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have no experience creating apps the first thing you need to do is learn some java (or kotlin which is another programming language used for writing android apps). Without knowledge of java or kotlin everything else in your post would be irrelevant.
I create apps with java and is what I recommend since it'll be easier for you to find help and code samples.
I recommend finding a free java tutorial/course online. Here is a good place to start. They have free courses in both self paced or participate in a class.
https://www.class-central.com/
Good luck
GameTheory. said:
Since you have no experience creating apps the first thing you need to do is learn some java (or kotlin which is another programming language used for writing android apps). Without knowledge of java or kotlin everything else in your post would be irrelevant.
I create apps with java and is what I recommend since it'll be easier for you to find help and code samples.
I recommend finding a free java tutorial/course online. Here is a good place to start. They have free courses in both self paced or participate in a class.
https://www.class-central.com/
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll check it out.