I am happy with programming with java
But never done anything with a phone.
1.
Is there an API to follow (different for different phones?)
2.
How would I then upload the program?
3.
Can I change current programs?
4.
Can I write games for my phone?
5.
Where do I start? Are there any tutorials?
Why bother ? Who wants to play (or even pay ? ) for dull games on their mobile phone ? I think that business will never sell good.
It's like a mobile phone with a built-in digital camera. Who wants to buy that ? Someone who is interested in photography just buys a real digital cam. And someone who is interested in games, plays games on his PC or Playstation, ...
jpwinne
>
> I am happy with programming with java
then keep well away from java on phones.
>
> But never done anything with a phone.
your the lucky 1
>
> 1.
> Is there an API to follow (different for different
> phones?)
the most official api for mobiles is J2ME CLDC/MIDP (coming in 2 flavours, MIDP1.0 and the more recent MIDP2.0)
however, there are lots of other apis around, (that are not compatible with MIDP)
Also, every single mobile manufacturer has made its own additions to the apis, to either add features, or improve performance.
>
> 2.
> How would I then upload the program?
depends on the phone :-
some phones have a data cable,
some phones have use IR,
others only allow you to download them (hence costing you money) (most nokia phones use this method >:( )
>
> 3.
> Can I change current programs?
don't know what you mean.
You can download new programs (assuming there is space on the phone)
But i think you mean, can 1 MIDlet(thats what java programs that conform to the MIDP spec, are called) invoke another
>
> 4.
> Can I write games for my phone?
if it supports a java api, then yes
>
> 5.
> Where do I start? Are there any tutorials?
wireless.java.sun.com is a good starting place
download the wireless toolkit, and the apis - and your off.
(then in 6 months time, you'll realise what an utter waste of time it was,
trying to develop for such a disorganised market)
rob,
> Rob, don't you work in this area? What do you think of
> v2? Is it still as ****?
for the second time of writing this post - IE crashed 1st time >:(
I used to work in that area, but luckily I got out before MIDP2.0 was made available.
I honestly can't comment on the MIDP2.0 api, as I have only had a quick browse of it - however, the root problem with MIDP1.0 was not the api itself (even though it was incredibly restrictive), but rather the appauling implementations that were done.
IMHO, Sun handed out the MIDP1.0 Compliant label FAR to ezily, and as a consequence has damaged developer support in the area.
> for the second time of writing this post - IE crashed
> 1st time >:(
/comfort Abuse.
> though it was incredibly restrictive), but rather the
> appauling implementations that were done.
Ahh, well they is always hope that MIDP2 will be better ;)
Thou. <i>hardware acceleration may be used for all Sprites, for certain sizes of Sprites, or not at all</i> does not fill me with joy & hope.
thanks.
Mike
