Book Reviews

Publisher:

Apress

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This book is my first close encounter with programming using Android SDK, although I had some idea about the scope of possibilities with Android prior to that.

The book is based on Android versions 1.0 SDK and 1.1 SDK, with an appendix relating to differences and changes with respect to Android 1.5 SDK. At the time of writing this review, NexusOne is available on the market, and the latest version of Android is 2.1 SDK.

From my point of view, as a Java developer, I find the book quite good as an introduction to Android. It is easy to read and follow, it contains a lot of information, and it has a large number of chapters dealing with a wide range of different aspects of Android. As regards myself, however, I only skimmed those chapters which deal with details of creation of specific Swing-like functionality, like advanced scrolling lists. But, I know now where to find that information, in case I will need it.

In conclusion, it is my opinion that the book is a good introduction to Android for the novice, and it is well written. I certainly also admire the author, as I also do admire the authors of other books on system development, and on any other subjects as well, for that matter, for all work that must have been carried out to gather the knowledge to assemble an appreciable amount of useful information.

Of particular interest to me were the following parts:

Part 1 - Core Concepts

An interesting introduction to Android development, to obtain a general view.

Part 2 - Activities

Here I read most carefully Chapter 4 to 7, relating to general application development, and Chapter 13, relating to the WebKit Browser.

Part 3 - Data Stores, Network Services, and APIs

All Chapters here were highly interesting to me, covering: Working with Resources, Managing and Accessing Local Databases, Leveraging Java Libraries, and Communicating via the Internet.

Part 4 - Intents

Chapter 25, about Launching Activities and Sub-Activities attracted me here.

Part 5 - Content Providers and Services

Most interesting here where Chapter 29: Requesting and Requiring Permissions, Chapter 30: Creating a Service, and Chapter 32: Alerting Users via Notifications

Part 6 - Other Android Capabilities

Here, I liked to read, in particular, Chapters 33-37, relating to: Accessing Location-Based Services, Mapping with MapView and MapActivity, Handling Telephone Calls, Searching with SearchManager, and finally, Development Tools.

Täby, 2010-02-14

Runo Barrdahl, Chem. Eng., Lic. Techn.

System Developer at Tieto Sweden AB

CEO of Esar Bolo AB, operating Esar Bolo Web Shop - Chinese Genuine Silk Pyjamases

CEO of RB Konsult AB, Täby, Sweden.