The Basics of Java Mobile Development

Every time we purchase a smartphone, one of the first things we try to do is find which games and applications were included in the phone we bought. There is a definite level of excitement in discovering these micro applications. However if you're interested in software development, this enthusiasm level multiplies with the understanding that you can also build your own custom applications for these phones.

One of the most accepted programming languages for mobile development is Java. Specifically Java Micro Edition, JME, and Java ME make developing for small devices into a quick and somewhat simple process. First of all, nearly all the tools required for building these applications are open source. Although Java ME can also be used to construct applications for set top boxes and a lot of other small devices, this article focuses only on Smart Phone development.

First off, you should know the basics of Java development before even thinking of creating your own Java ME application. If we do a search in any search engine and you'll find thousands of articles on programming with Java or just go directly to Sun's website where you'll find dozens of starter courses.

If we assume that you're already a good developer and you just want to start writing your application as soon as possible. The secondary step requires you to go to Sun's Site Go to the JME section. You'll see a lot of acronyms thrown around. We focus only on 'CLDC' and 'MIDP'. These codes basically mean that we're focusing on smartphone development as opposed to other mobile devices. If we now look for a tool called Wireless Toolkit for CLDC and download it.

This tool is essentially the nucleus of JME development with this you can code, compile and test your software application. You can even see your code running on a phone emulator. This phone emulator displays a smartphone image with your application running on it. It’s extremely helpful, since you don't need to move your program over to your smartphone each time you desire to see your changes this is very useful when coding for devices with small screens. If you would like to pursue a tutorial from the sun site, We suggest you look for a tutorial called Wireless Development Tutorial Part I This small but extremely useful and fun tutorial will get you up and running in no time. It is exceptionally well written and easy to understand and follow.

One final thing to mention, Java development for Smartphones needs a utility called a Java Virtual Machine installed on the phone where you will install your application. Formerly, only high end smart phones came with this utility included. Luckily this is no longer the case and it is now installed on almost all smartphones. Most of the time there will be some type of 'Java compatible' warning on the smartphone box. If your smartphone is Java compatible, all you have to to do now is move the newly created Java ME application over to your phone and impress your friends with your master Java application.