Apps Android Development - Where to start?

[martinio1]

Hi all, I hope this is the right place to post this. I am basically looking for help as to where would be the best place to start learning app/game development for android. I came across this: Android Developers which is jammed packed with information, but would this be the right place to start considering I have very little Java/programming experience (A part from web based languages)? I have been searching through Google and things just seem more confusing jumping from one article to the next, which is why I posted this here.

I am also wondering what tools are essential? And others that make things that bit easier.

I am mainly looking into creating my own games, more out of an interest/hobbie than anything else. Creating the graphic elements is not a problem, but having a static image doing nothing doesn't really offer much interaction.

Any advice/help with this is really appreciated.

 

[intsurfer]

Any advice/help with this is really appreciated.

hi!
I'd like to recommend 2 useful books for beginners: "Beginning Android" by Mark L. Murphy & "Unlocking Android" by Frank Ableson.

As for tools: You need the android emulator & Android plugin for Eclipse.

 

[MattThing]

Java is absolutely essential, particularly with little programming experience. I would recommend Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive: International Version: Amazon.co.uk: Y. Daniel Liang: Books to get a good grounding.

It's a massive book, but excellent for teaching yourself.

 

[martinio1]

Thanks for the advice. I will look into those books that you both suggested! Hopefully in a year or 2 you will see me posting my first proper game.