introducing android app inventor
DESCRIPTION
Android App Inventor makes it possible for people who are not computer programmers to build Android mobile applications. The App Inventor interface is designed to function like a puzzle where the designer clicks and drags blocks of information and connects them to other blocks. Plus the app can be tested in real-time using a USB-connected Android device before packaging it for the masses! Watch as Chad builds an Android application live and discusses some of the issues involved in creating a mobile application when using App Inventor. Chad will also start a conversation on the future possibilities of app development in order to determine its place in the growing mobile environment.TRANSCRIPT
Chad Mairn, M.L.I.S.St. Petersburg College
slideshare.net/chadmairn
Presented February 23, 2011 at HandheldLibrarian.org
Native Apps vs. Web AppsIssues Native apps Web apps
Internet access Not required Required, except for apps written in HTML5 (offline capabilities)
Shareable content (Twitter etc.) Only if it is built in to the app Web links can be shared. Social API’s allow 1-click posting
Access to hardware sensors Yes: camera, gyroscope, microphone, compass, accelerometer, GPS
Access thru browser is limited. Geolocation works!
Development Build app for target platform (Android, iOS etc.)
Write once, publish once, view it anywhere.
Distribution Most app stores require approval. No hassles.
Source: http://www.webmonkey.com/2010/08/how-do-native-apps-and-web-apps-compare/Shortened URL: http://goo.gl/PyvJ
What is App Inventor?
A web-based app development tool that allows non-developers to create Android apps.
Using it is like putting a puzzle together.
App Inventor resembles …
ScratchLEGO MINDSTORMS
Image source: http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/learn/whatis/index.html
Designer – add components (e.g., buttons, labels, sounds, text fields, accelerometer etc.)
Block Editor – adjust the app’s layout using drag-and-drop functionality in order to define the behavior of your app.
Getting Started with App Inventor using Windows. Sorry Mac and Linux users.
Install current version of Java in order to run the Block Editor
Find and install drivers if your phone’s USB drivers aren’t pre-packaged
Locate your phone’s model number behind the battery. (e.g., SGH-T959ZKATMB) and search the manufacturer’s web site for an appropriate USB driver.
Extract USB driver to C:\Program\Android\appinventor- extras\usb_driver_samsunga
You may need to install the drivers via Device Manager [USB, Android Debug Bridge (ADB Interface), and CDC Abstract Control Model (ACM)]
Phone settings:
Tap Menu >>> Settings >>> Applications.
o Unknown Sources box should be checked.o On Development screen, place checks next to USB Debugging and Stay Awake.o On Sound & Display screen make sure Orientation is not checked. o USB connected and USB debugging connected icons should display on your phone.
Live Demonstration
Select Resources
• Android App Inventor Tutorials: http://www.appinventor.org/
• Google Labs: http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/learn/
• Blocks Reference: http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/learn/reference/blocks/
• FAQ’s: http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/learn/userfaq.html
• Stark, J. (2010). Building Android apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Sebastopol, CA:
O'Reilly.
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