[Head First Series 01] • Head First · Android Development

Android devices are stealing market share from the iPhone with dramatic speed, and you have a killer app idea. Where to begin? Head First Android Development will help you get your first application up and running in no time with the Android SDK and Eclipse plug-in. You'll learn how to design for devices with a variety of different screen sizes and resolutions, along with mastering core programming and design principles that will make your app stand out.

Whether you're a seasoned iPhone developer who wants to jump into the the Android Market, or someone with previous programming skills but no mobile apps in your resume, this book offers a complete learning experience for creating eye-catching, top-selling Android applications.

You'll learn how to:

Install the Android SDK and Eclipse plug-in and get started building apps

Add buttons, edit text fields, and build your own navigation options in the Android menu

Customize the look of your app with theming and adding image resources

Use Android's content provider mechanism to add images and contact information to an app, and establish permissions for their use

Work with the Android devices' camera, GPS, and accelerometer

Experiment with different Android emulator configurations to simulate different devices with a variety of screen sizes

Optimize, test, and distribute your application in the Android MarketWe think your time is too valuable to waste struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First Android Development uses a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.