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The success of newer BlackBerry fashions just like the Pearl, Curve, Daring and Storm have allowed RIM (Analysis in Movement) to penetrate the buyer smartphone market and go head-to-head with the Apple iPhone as an utility platform. Should you’ve been ignoring the BlackBerry platform as a result of it was too Enterprise-focused in your functions, it may be time to particularly goal the BlackBerry. This is the way you get began.
It is Java Time
BlackBerry growth for all latest fashions is completed solely in Java. So for those who’re not a robust Java programmer, now’s the time to brush up in your Java programming abilities. (C# programmers will discover the transition to Java pretty easy, the languages are very shut in most respects.) Do not be taught concerning the latest Java options, nonetheless, as a result of the BlackBerry platform is constructed on high of Java Micro Version (Java ME), which is itself a by-product of Java model 1.3. So neglect all the flamboyant (however helpful) language options launched in Java 1.5 — generics, enumerations, and so forth — you may’t use these in BlackBerry programming. You possibly can’t additionally use a lot of the library courses you are aware of — they’re simply not there. A small subset of the Java Normal Version (Java SE) courses are supported, in addition to quite a few BlackBerry-specific courses.
Java Micro Version?
As soon as you’ve got brushed up in your Java, it’s essential to spend a little bit of time understanding the Java ME platform, which was previously generally known as Java 2 Micro Version, or J2ME for brief. You’ll want to perceive the ideas of configurations and profiles, and particularly the CLDC and MIDP requirements. You may discover a lot of details about these in varied books and on Solar’s Java growth website.
The BlackBerry Platform
After studying about Java ME, it is time to discover the BlackBerry platform. The BlackBerry platform is predicated on the CLDC and contains help for MIDP 2.0. Nevertheless, numerous BlackBerry-specific courses are additionally supplied. Which brings you to the primary query you may face: are you going to write down a BlackBerry utility or a MIDP utility? In a MIDP utility you are constrained to solely use the APIs uncovered by the CLDC and MIDP requirements. Your utility will run on the BlackBerry and on most cellphones, nevertheless it will not have the ability to use any of the BlackBerry’s particular options. You should utilize any MIDP-compatible growth software, such because the Solar Java Wi-fi Toolkit for CLDC (previously generally known as the J2ME Wi-fi Toolkit), to create your functions.
Most utility builders choose to construct BlackBerry-specific functions. This implies studying the BlackBerry-specific APIs — together with new consumer interface courses — and utilizing the BlackBerry Java Growth Surroundings (JDE) to develop your functions. The JDE, which is free to obtain, works with the usual Java Software program Growth Equipment and supplies you with all of the instruments essential to create, package deal, take a look at and debug BlackBerry functions. You do not even want a BlackBerry handheld, as a result of the JDE features a full-featured BlackBerry machine simulator. An entire set of JavaDocs is supplied that describes all of the courses and interfaces obtainable to programmers.
After downloading and putting in the JDE, you may need to learn the developer’s guides that include the JDE and have a look at the pattern functions which are shipped with it. Then begin your growth by writing just a few easy functions to get a really feel for the BlackBerry APIs and the instruments.
Get A BlackBerry Handheld
Though you may develop and take a look at your functions without cost, in some unspecified time in the future you may have to run the appliance on an precise BlackBerry handheld. It will price you cash, in fact, and so it isn’t one thing you may need to do till you are severe about writing BlackBerry functions. On-device testing is essential to making sure that the appliance works accurately, as a result of the simulator shouldn’t be an ideal emulation system.
Should you’re really severe about BlackBerry utility growth, take into account additionally becoming a member of one of many BlackBerry developer applications for added help and early entry to new gadgets and APIs. You also needs to discover RIM’s different BlackBerry developer assets. There are additionally third-party boards and books obtainable that will help you be taught the BlackBerry platform.
Conclusion
BlackBerry programming shouldn’t be onerous if you already know some Java and also you perceive the constraints and limitations of the underlying Java ME platform. It’s a must to be taught a brand new set of APIs and use new growth instruments, however in the long run it is simply one other form of Java programming.
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