Android Development Book

[billlava]

Hey, I am a firm believer in investing in a book to learn a new programming platform. What book(s) would you recommend to learn how to program for Android? I am proficient in Java, so I don't need any of that, I just want to know the specifics (especially things like layout managers) that will help me in programming for Android. Looking to spend ~$30.

(EDIT: Does this qualify as a commercial post? I'm not trying to sell anything, but I would like to know if anybody has had a good experience buying a good book. I sure hope I didn't violate the TOS on my first post!)

[prash]

I don't think I've seen actual books on developing for the platform, and if you say you're proficient in java programming, you should be able to make the leap just fine. Just check out the android SDK and the documentation available from google and you should be programming for this platform in no time!

Java programming is the most important part to grasp, android is sort of just based around it.

[ggrant3876]

See if this meets your needs.
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Android-Application-Development-Programmer/dp/0470344717

[constellanation]

Am I making this up or is there a book called hello android out there for developers?

[JaceMan]

Hey, I am a firm believer in investing in a book to learn a new programming platform. What book(s) would you recommend to learn how to program for Android? I am proficient in Java, so I don't need any of that, I just want to know the specifics (especially things like layout managers) that will help me in programming for Android. Looking to spend ~$30.

(EDIT: Does this qualify as a commercial post? I'm not trying to sell anything, but I would like to know if anybody has had a good experience buying a good book. I sure hope I didn't violate the TOS on my first post!)

Or you could try:

The Busy Coder's Guide to Android (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0981678009?ie=UTF8&tag=jacsjou-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0981678009)
Unlocking Android (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933988673?ie=UTF8&tag=jacsjou-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1933988673)
Hello Android (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934356174?ie=UTF8&tag=jacsjou-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1934356174)

All three of those seem to be sporting rather positive reviews.

[ggrant3876]

If he clicks the Amazon link and scrolls down there are several Android development book, but I didn't see Hello Android.

[JaceMan]

If he clicks the Amazon link and scrolls down there are several Android development book, but I didn't see Hello Android.

I just searched for "Android programming" and linked all the books on the first page of results that had 4 or better star ratings.

[constellanation]

It does exist, it is always reassuring to know my brain isn't making up to much information

[prash]

Ok so MAYBE just maybe I could have been wrong about not seeing books for android developement. I stand corrected.

[Synergy]

I saw several at barnes and noble. I didn't get any though because I wasn't sure what version of android they were for.

[constellanation]

Just because you didn't see them doesn't mean they don't exist. :)

Ok so MAYBE just maybe I could have been wrong about not seeing books for android developement. I stand corrected.

[constellanation]

Oh and no original poster this is not a commercial post, if you came on and said "buy my book I'm the author" then we'd be getting into grey-er territory. Grey-er because well... I'm not exactly sure how it would work in this situation... susan? But this thread definitely not.

[JaceMan]

I don't see anything the clearly defines what "no commercial posts" means in the faq, rules or knowledgebase either. I always took it to mean that you couldn't post a direct buy link to anything that competed with anything sold in the Android store or come to the forum and contribute nothing except for a link for your product or service.

We definitely could use some clarification on this, as I may have broken the ToS dozens of times in my stay here, even in this very thread depending on what "commercial post" means. I say that because, I'm always logged into Amazon, and I'm an Amazon associate, so any time I link to a product it always has my affiliate link embedded in it. I never really considered myself to be breaking forum rules by replying with such a link when someone asks for one -- but who knows??? Maybe I am guilty. *shrugs*

[billlava]

I saw several at barnes and noble. I didn't get any though because I wasn't sure what version of android they were for.

This is the main issue I have here. I have searched on Amazon and seen a few results, but I was wondering if anyone had a particularly good experience with any of the books. Also, are there any that have been fully updated with the latest 1.5 release of the SDK? What about future versions? Has anyone heard of an online E-book type option that will be updated as new versions of the SDK come out?

[JaceMan]

This is the main issue I have here. I have searched on Amazon and seen a few results, but I was wondering if anyone had a particularly good experience with any of the books. Also, are there any that have been fully updated with the latest 1.5 release of the SDK? What about future versions? Has anyone heard of an online E-book type option that will be updated as new versions of the SDK come out?

If you start programming for Android, I don't really think you would have a big "need" to get a new book every time Android is updated. If you get a book for the current iteration of Android, and you can handle programming for it -- you shouldn't have any trouble continuing to code for future versions of Android with the help of their changelog, unless they make some very radical changes.

In terms of an online e-book option that will be updated... I wouldn't really see that as an e-book as much as I would either an interactive course or development community that includes tutorials. Maybe you should look for a development community rather than a book if you're looking for fluid content.

In fact...

http://tinyurl.com/m5svhv

The first result I see mentions: AndDev.org which reads, "An Android Development Community Board with Tutorials. Concerning tutorials/topics about the Google Android Platform SDK."

[*susan*]

This does not violate any rules. Commercial posts would be someone coming here specifically to advertise their wares via posting in threads. If someone wants to commercially sell something here, then they need to pay for advertising.

Someone asking where he can buy something and another member referring them to that place is not considered violating any rules.