Apps Organization?

[jetx2x]

Hi... don't know if this is appropriate for this section but basically I am creating an app... I know exactly what the app should do and how to do it... but the problem is I cant put the entire thing together for some reason... any tips for organizing my thoughts and putting them into action would be highly appreciated... from my understanding things like this are taught in college level computer science classes and I'm just a high school student thats trying to explore what it means to be a programmer... just need a little help from those of you with more experience... I'm kind of lost... :-\

 

[jonbonazza]

There is no requirement for programming other than having the right kind of mind for it and, of course, dedication and practice.

Programming requires a mind that thinks a certain way, logically for lack of a better term.

It sounds like you have little programming experience, so assuming that you meet the first prerequisite, it is best that you start by learning a programming language. What language you choose is irrelevant, as the concepts you learn in one language will transfer over to any other language of the same paradigm. Android uses the Java programming language, so if that is your end goal, then I recommend starting there (though I firmly believe that you can never truly master Java until you understand at least an intermediate level of C, but that is neither here, nor there). You will want to become proficient in both the java language as well as the object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm. Once you have reached that level, then you should know where to go next in terms of Android.

 

[jetx2x]

I have started to learn Java and I am getting well acquainted with object oriented programming... I tried learning c a few years before but the concept was too hard for my little 13 year old brain to process... :-\ ... Java was much easier and the concept is pretty simple to me... I can build a basic app easily now... but what I really wanted to know is are there any tips that you guys can give me or any strategies you take when you go about beginning or designing new projects... I have tried just winging it... and my ideas are kind of all over the place and the project has kind of lost direction... :-\

 

[jonbonazza]

Everyone designs differently (some don't even design at all and just go with it, often rewriting code many times before it is satisfactory). The way I tend to do things is start by identifying the problem I am trying to solve, then devise a plan to best solve that problem, from a technical perspective. From there, I generally have a pretty good idea how I need to structure my project (as in what classes will be needed, what will do what, etc...). It can help sometimes to document all of this as well as the occasional UML diagram. After I have a clear understanding of what needs done, I will start by stubbing out classes and then working from the outside in, filling things out, one method/class at a time.

 

[jetx2x]

Ahh... I see... thank you for your input