converting app for smartphone, including android

[jschuchert]

I have been away for awhile but received excellent help in the past. I have an application created in b4ppc targeted for mobile devices but did not include smartphones. Will it be possible to convert that app without a lot of re-coding?

 

[agraham]

You might be able to retain some of the pure logic of the program but the UI will need to be completely rewritten as will any code that relies on any library, including the official Basic4ppc libraries. Better to regard it as a new program and re-structure it optimally for the Android environment.

 

[jschuchert]

Thank you for your reply. So porting code is not really an option, huh? Is there a significant learning curve for a "less than expert" b4p programmer? Is there separate development software for non-android smartphone devices? I need to get out of the pocket pc software market and focus on the newer technology. I remember you as one of the very helpful "gurus" from before when I was developing an app.

 

[agraham]

Basic4 android is "different" not "more difficult". If you managed OK with Basic4ppc then you should be OK with Basic4android. Just don't assume that things are necessarily done in the same way - but equivalent ways usually (but not always) exist.

 

[jschuchert]

A couple of questions

Hi Agraham,

Thanks for your reply earlier. I am now getting started and able to accomplish some little things but probably only advanced a foot with a mile to go. Right now I can't figure how to delete controls from the emulator. I thought right clicking would do the job but it doesn't nor does removing the values in properties. It has to be simple.

My application will have many separate procedures, each with its own window and controls. How do I go from window to window. I assume each one is an activity with a separate layout #. Maybe a short snippet of code can get me on the right path.

I have viewed the tutorials but it looks like they are self contained and don't answer the above question. I found the keyword explanations and that helped a lot. I really like the option of entering angles by degrees rather than having to convert radians.

After an app is completed how is it deployed to a device?

Thanks for your patience. I see Klaus is still around also. Both of you have helped me immensely a year or so ago.

Jim Schuchert

 

[klaus]

Right now I can't figure how to delete controls from the emulator.

In the Designer, menu Tools/Remove selected view.

My application will have many separate procedures, each with its own window and controls.

You have several possibilities,
have a look at Different examples with two layouts. The examples are written for 2 layouts but the principles are valid for more layouts.

How do I go from window to window. I assume each one is an activity with a separate layout #. Maybe a short snippet of code can get me on the right path.

You have also different possibilities depending on how you want or need to navigate between the different wondows:
- a main window with Buttons to select the desired window.
- a main window with one Butoon for the first subwindow and then buttons for next, previos and back to main.
- a main window with a menu instead of Buttons

After an app is completed how is it deployed to a device?

In the Emulator, as soon as you have compiled the program it is in the Emulator. If I remember well it is the same with a device connected to the IDE. I don't have a device yet.

Best regards.

 

[mjcoon]

I think this is becoming an Android discussion!

Mike.

 

[jschuchert]

Thanks, Klaus. I will study what you sent. I believe it is just what I need to continue on the learning curve. I saw 'remove view' before but I didn't equate the term 'view' with control so I ignored it. I'm grateful to have you experts here.

The original post was in the B4a forum.

Jim Schuchert