Lesson 4: Introduction to
the Java Language
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you
will be learning how to understand and use Java and how it will make your
Android app work. The basic concepts of the Java language will set you on your
way to becoming a proficient programmer, and you will be able to apply these
concepts and skills as you work within the Eclipse IDE to create a mobile app
for Android.
LESSON
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Section #1: Introduction to Java for Android
1. Develop a basic
understanding of programming languages, including concepts and the terminology
used to describe what programmers need to know and are able to do
2. Identify central
components of the Java language in order to use this language to develop your
app for Android
3. Describe how the
Java language can be used to develop an app for Android
Section #2: Using Java for Android with Eclipse
1. Practice using the
Java language with the Eclipse IDE to create a mobile application for Android.
Section
#3: Video Tutorial: Practice with the Java Language
1. Practice how to link XML to Java class
2.
Determine
how to set up buttons in the Java class
LEARNING SEQUENCE
Required Reading
|
Read the following:
·
Section
#1:
·
Section
#2:
|
Resources
|
View the
following:
·
Video Transcripts
|
Assignments
|
Complete the
following:
·
The Five Basic
Concepts in Programming
·
Starting a Project Using Java with the Eclipse
IDE to Create Basic Components of an Android App
|
INSTRUCTION
Section #1: Introduction to Java for Android
In this section, you will gain insight
into what most programmers know and do. While programming concepts may not be
easy to initially grasp, you will understand them better in time and with
practice. With knowledge of the Java language, you can develop both simple and
sophisticated Android applications.
Step 1.
Read through this
entire website and use it as a resource to develop your basic knowledge of
programming for any language. The 5 central topics introduced in this reading
will assist you in better understanding the central components of the Java
Language. Read through each section which will cover Variables, Control
Structures, Data
Structures, Syntax, Tools for programming.
Step 2.
This reading provides an overview of
the Java language. Read through the concepts presented: Constructors,
Inheritance, Static and Instance Variables, Interfaces, Imports, ”main” method,
Inner Classes, Packages, Build Path, Jar Files, API’s, Comments and JavaDoc.
This reading can become a resource to build your knowledge of the Java language
and become a guide as you move through this course.
Step 3.
This reading will provide you with an
introduction to Java programming but in the context of Android mobile
development. This is important in this course as you will be learning the Java
language but it will be used to develop mobile applications for the Android
platform with development environment specific to this purpose. Starting from
the Introduction and Getting Started,
read all the way to the section on Wrapping
Up. This reading provides descriptions of the necessary downloads, overview
of Java and object orientated programming (OOP).
Step 4.
Complete Assignment #1: The Five
Basic Concepts in Programming
Section #2: Using
Java for Android with Eclipse
In this section you will understand
more about how to work with the Eclipse software. Basic components of the
Eclipse UI will be explained. This should set you on your way to creating your
Android project with ease.
Step 1.
This resource offers a step-by-step guide on how to set up
the SDK and Eclipse. With the ADT (Android
Developer Tools) plugin, Eclipse provides an environment in which you can
build, code, design, and run your Android apps.
Step 2.
Complete Assignment #2: Starting a Project Using Java with the Eclipse IDE to
Create Basic Components of an Android App
Section #3: Video
Demonstration on Developing an Understanding of Java
This video tutorial will guide you
through the process of how to link XML to a Java class. You will also determine
how to set up buttons in the Java class. Please pause and review the video, as
necessary, to complete tasks. Transcripts are provided.
Step 1.
SUMMARY
While the Java language and the
concepts behind it may take some time for you to understand and use, the five
concepts presented in this lesson will set you on your way to becoming more
proficient with the language. Now that you know a bit more about basic concepts
in programming and with the Java language in specific, you can determine how to
best develop your Android app using the Eclipse IDE. In the next lesson you
will be introduced to new Java classes as you create a logo for your app.
ASSIGNMENTS
· The Five Basic Concepts in Programming
·
Starting a Project Using Java with the Eclipse
IDE to Create Basic Components of an Android App
