Say Hello Android & Win a Chance To Learn How to Make Android Apps for FREE

Posted by Joe on January 28, 2009 | 85 comments | Filed under : Applications

Ed Burnette of ZDNet is offering a Google And Blog reader a free copy of his Hello, Android book so you can get started programming Android Apps.

The recent version of Hello, Android was updated in December 2008 so it is currently up to date with the Android 1.0 SDK, Release 2 and future updates can be acquired online as a PDF.

Hello, Android is a very easy to read 200 page book that I would personally recommend for the novice programmer trying to get started with Android.

You don’t need to have any prior experience programming for mobile devices as its actually recommended to forget anything you previously learned as Android is so different.

I previously provided a GAB reader with free access to Mark Murphy‘s The Busy Coder’s Guide to Android Development as this is geared toward the more advanced programmer.

Hello, Android is actually made for someone that has only basic programming knowledge in Java or similar object-orientated language, such as C#.

The book explains Android in very understandable terminology and steps you through how to setup the Android emulator on your computer so you can get started.

The great mind exercise game of Sudoku is often used as an example for Android programming tutorials while the book spaces out well the directions among pictures and trivia.

Ed Burnette was gracious enough to provide a Google And Blog reader a FREE copy of Hello, Android (including shipping) that normally retails for $32.95 and here is how:

In the comments below provide what you would find most useful for Google And Blog to post about as well what you don’t like – constructive criticism is much appreciated.

I will then randomly select a commenter on Monday February 16th to receive the FREE copy of Hello, Android.

*** The contest winner is Bara Kathawa! CONGRATULATIONS!!! – Thank you to the 60+ submissions, keep checking up on GAB as there will be future free giveaway contests! ***

1 wirbly January 28, 2009 at 11:52 am: Awesome. I’m in the process of learning plain java right now to get a decent background for android programming. I was wondering what the next book for me would be.
2 Brian Bowker January 28, 2009 at 12:15 pm: Wow! What a cool opportunity! I was just hoping to find a good beginner level book too!

What would I find most useful from Google and Blog? I find the news about updates and new phones very interesting, but I would also like to hear more about useful new applications that come out.

The user contributed apps give Android so much potential, but there is also a lot of less useful apps to weed through. Knowing that you guys are keeping an eye open for the good ones is a very nice service.

As for constructive criticism, I don’t really have any right now. If I think of something I’ll post again, but at the moment I’m just enjoying your content!
3 seveng January 28, 2009 at 12:21 pm: Dev tips! I’m with wirbly, and have more than a few ideas for some mobile apps. How much of Java is implemented? Is JCE available in android? All burning questions I haven’t had time to fully research >_<
4 RNDM January 28, 2009 at 12:27 pm: choose me!
5 zak January 28, 2009 at 12:33 pm: Can you change the title of this, its deceiving. It falls in line with “click bait”. It should say “Win a copy of How to Make Google Android Apps”. I hate click baiting…
6 radio_babylon January 28, 2009 at 12:39 pm: hello, android!

did i win?
7 radio_babylon January 28, 2009 at 12:41 pm: oh and before i forget, please lean on the author/publisher to release a kindle version of the book. id buy it right away…
8 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 1:11 pm: @zak,

I can see your point although its not a deceitful doorway page, for proper clarity I will reword the title with this understanding.

Thank You
9 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 1:13 pm: @zak,

Changed the title to:

Say Hello Android & Win a Chance To Learn How to Make Android Apps for FREE
10 Lallo January 28, 2009 at 1:26 pm: I would like to see more reviews of apps. Maybe even interview from the creator of these apps.

I would not like to see rumors or products that don’t have anything to do with Android.
11 Doug January 28, 2009 at 1:41 pm: I like the idea about more stories about the current Android community, rather than speculation pieces about possible future phones/release dates for cupcake. Who is out there making applications? What are they working on and what are they looking forward to?
12 Bara Kathawa January 28, 2009 at 1:44 pm: What Google And Blog should post about:
More articles that aren’t geared towards news or the latest breakthrough in Android development, and more towards general discussions on various aspects of Android or the Marketplace. Articles such as comparisons, interviews, or previews of upcoming Marketplace apps are a few ideas that I’m specifically thinking of. For example, why not have a browser showdown for all of the currently available browsers on Android (and possibly even for other mobile OS’s, such as Fennec). Reviews of major Marketplace releases would also be welcome.

What Google And Blog could change:
A better design. At the moment, the front page is a mess of links, text, and pictures. I’d recommend looking into the “web 2.0″ design trends and creating something that is simple, creative, and has a lot of white space for easy reading. Being a news-oriented blog, making it easy to read the news should be top priority. Most other Android sites do not have a good design either, so you can trump them in that regard if you do it well.

Recently started doing Android development myself, so having a good book by my side should help speed things up a bit and bring some of my ideas to market faster.

-Bara
13 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm: @Bara Kathawa,

Great Points!
14 Nathan Colquhoun January 28, 2009 at 3:00 pm: i’d love a free copy of this book, i’ve been struggling where to start with some of my android app ideas for a while and most things online are assuming you already know what you are doing with mobile languages and programming. this books sounds like a great place to start.

i guess it would be nice if something like this was made available online as an e-book of sorts, i’d rather read it on my computer than in my hand.
15 Nathan Colquhoun January 28, 2009 at 3:03 pm: looks like i completely misread the competition.

Things I like. The content overall, the personality behind the posts, it doesn’t feel like a newspaper but real people.

Things I don’t like. The Design and layout, so many css errors and just not very appealing.
16 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 3:05 pm: @Nathan Colquhoun,

What browser are you getting the CSS errors in?

As well, any design layout suggestions?

Thank You
17 hertzel January 28, 2009 at 3:45 pm: Write about, that’s a tough question… Right now you’re putting all or most of your efforts on advertising cupcake, that’s cool but, is just increasing the anxiety for it without delivering alternatives on how to fill the gaps that we have with 1.0.

There’s a lot of great software out there that is filling many of those gaps… loom at chomp, SMS popup, atrackdog, steel, phonebooks
and those are just examples of things that are making 1.0 a great experience…. (despite the lag of the phone some times).

Constructive, please change the theme of the page as its fugly. moe than that great job… and pack my book hehe

hertzels last blog post..SNoW — sakasama no cho
18 alex January 28, 2009 at 4:34 pm: im in. i wana win
19 DeusInvictus January 28, 2009 at 4:51 pm: any thing specific I need to put here?
20 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 4:56 pm: @DeusInvictus,

Just what you think the site should provide and any changes it should make.

Thank You
21 Aaron Hill January 28, 2009 at 5:38 pm: Wow, I was just thinking about trying to learn how to write Android apps.

Thanks for the informative blog. I think you’ve done a great job covering the T-Mobile rumor mill and disucssing software and application updates. It really fills in the gaps, since so many other blogs just cover upcoming handsets and hardware.
22 Graham January 28, 2009 at 5:53 pm: Pick me to win I want to learn how to make android apps
23 Chris January 28, 2009 at 6:58 pm: I think a redesigned logo (the GAB one with lines through it) would be nice and also make the site have a flexible width instead of a fixed width.

I want that book Please?
24 Rich January 28, 2009 at 7:04 pm: Hello Android!
I just became an Android developer, so I can use all the help I can get.

Richs last blog post..Testing Windows 7. This is not Vista OR is it?
25 Zee Chua January 28, 2009 at 7:14 pm: I want the book =) I cant wait to code for android!
26 alex January 28, 2009 at 7:45 pm: o.o i wont win
27 D January 28, 2009 at 8:00 pm: I would love to see more news (accurate)about Abobe Flash for android and SlingPlayer mobile.I would like to see less news about anything pertaining to root access because seeing how its at out own risk then its kinda promoting the damaging of your phone.Its common sense not to use root without knowledge of it but lets face it,there are people out there who will still use root and then complain to GAB or who ever provided the link of instructions when their G1 goes down the drain.
28 Ashwani January 28, 2009 at 9:13 pm: Hi,

Thanks for this.
I hope i get this book.
29 nathan colquhoun January 28, 2009 at 9:31 pm: @Michael Martin,

Hey Michael, I’m using firefox, and all the comments look very messy, random tables everywhere, small little boxes with the following css code

.chalt {
background-color:#E2E2E2;
}
.comment-childs {
background-color:white;
border:1px solid #999999;
margin:5px 2px 2px 4px;
padding:4px 2px 2px 4px;
}

which i think is really making it messy, not sure if that has to do with your avatars or not.

You’re sidebar is just too big. Either shrink your entire site and have a smaller sidebar or go to two sidebar columns. Try to make your posts stand up and look consistent instead of having your sidebar be just as wide and just as much text. It’s hard to know where the real content of the site really is.

Your header is messy, the advertising stands out and looks hundred times better than your own header design.

If you could clean up the header and the sidebar you’ll have a much easier to read and more pleasant site to visit for your readers.

nathan colquhouns last blog post..Links for January 27, 2009
30 Michael Martin January 28, 2009 at 9:32 pm: @D,

I share those thoughts exactly – which is why the actual instructions to root are simply linked to and not directly provided here
31 Sven Griep-Raming January 29, 2009 at 2:36 am: Hey,
not following your blog so long so can’t really say much.
Love to get little tips about the android plattform and maybe kind of series on how to programm for it.

btw, are europeans allowed to enter ?
32 Arthur January 29, 2009 at 6:11 am: What should post about:

More stories, articles, news and updates about Android development.

What could change:

Web design. =)
33 AndroidTapp.com January 29, 2009 at 6:12 am: I think the book giveaway promotion is a great idea, maybe spark a good Android Developer producing good Android Apps (as the Market really needs them).

I like the criticism as well, I will have to use this for user feedback. Keep it up Michael!

AndroidTapp.coms last blog post..25 Awesome Google Android Websites You Should Follow
34 Sam January 29, 2009 at 6:54 am: I think this is a great opportunity to advance some new jack’s skills, and I’m hoping that guy can be me. I started into the Android tutorials online and I’d really like to learn more.

Re: GAB, maybe some sort of weekly Android app tutorial or something related to Android development. The marketplace could really use some more innovation, and aside from the lack of handsets available (which I personally consider the major hold up), what’s really missing behind Android taking off is more dev interest.

Please pick me!
35 Colin Dean January 29, 2009 at 7:11 am: I like Google And Blog for its updated news on the Android world, especially development news.

I’d like to see more articles advocating and instructing users how to manually upgrade their firmware to the open source version.
36 Michael Maitlen January 29, 2009 at 8:10 am: I also recommend Hello Android, among other things, it is the first book I’ve seen which discusses externalizing the menu to an XML resource file instead of hard coding.
37 nak January 29, 2009 at 8:27 am: awesome
38 raja January 29, 2009 at 9:05 am: I was looking for a start to get into android. Hope it would be nice to have a serious of articles like “Lesson 1 – Kick start” to “Lesson n – Advance Tips”. This would be a useful for start-up developers like me
39 Simon Proctor January 29, 2009 at 10:11 am: Well… after putting all this in the wrong form I’ll try again.

Personally I love more news about Android but I really am looking for coding tips.

As a long term functional/scripting language guy (Perl/Python/Ruby/Javscript and so on) who’s using his new G1 as a final impetus to learn Java the more tips the better!
40 D January 29, 2009 at 10:56 am: @Michael Martin,
True but some G1 fans just don’t care when their phones down.They will still look to blame GAB as a part of this because the story is posted on just about one the most popular blog/info sites there is.Based on how they comment in the AM apps they seem to have no sense sometimes(no offense to anyone).I really hope i win this book cuzz i would love to create apps.
41 Michael Martin January 29, 2009 at 11:37 am: @Sven Griep-Raming,

I have confirmation from the publisher that Europeans (UK & Continental) can win this contest along with the free shipping associated.
42 Loren January 29, 2009 at 5:35 pm: I hope this book is a good one. I have een looking forward to doing some Android development, but need a good starting-point.
43 Scott Pettersen January 29, 2009 at 5:38 pm: I would love to be able to take some time and learn to write Apps for Android. I will have my G1 for 2yrs.(contract) and would love to be able to personalize it with something I did myself.
I would love to see an Application for Google Docs (Create/Edit) for the Android.
44 Michael Angelo Rivera January 29, 2009 at 9:32 pm: For me i just want Google And Blog to post, updates, news, android development, android phones, android jobs and ofcourse some android stuff like t-shirts and others.

I don’t like about Google And BLog hmm i think they get only 1 person to win the book they are setting as a prize they should pick many or more than 1 at least eheheh

overall im a stay in from this site!

Michael Angelo Riveras last blog post..Why sell your Android Dev Phone?
45 Sergey January 30, 2009 at 3:39 am: I’m developing a game application for android right now. but sdk and android tutorial is useful but not complete for me. so i wanna win this book:)
46 samnai January 30, 2009 at 3:53 am: Hello Android !!!
47 Farhan January 30, 2009 at 9:22 am: I would love to kickstart developing on Android apps with “Hello Android”
48 Hanson January 31, 2009 at 11:47 am: Your site has some of the most useful and current information for Android and the G1 that I have seen. I would love a copy of the book.
49 samnai February 2, 2009 at 2:49 am: hello Mikem,

In my first comment I was just joking, you say “Say Hello Android & Win a Chance To Learn How to Make Android Apps for FREE” so I did !!!
And for my actual comment , I would first of all thank you for your effort, and I will really appreciate it , if you make for us more technical tutorial.

Thanks a lot.
50 Michael Martin February 2, 2009 at 9:19 am: @samnai,

I got it…clever
51 J. Pablo Fernandez February 2, 2009 at 11:21 am: Hello Android!
52 Juanjo February 2, 2009 at 4:20 pm: I’d like a copy of the book. I am new at this site, but now I’ll visit it often.

Juanjos last blog post..me on twitter
53 samnai February 3, 2009 at 2:25 am: Oh Amigo !!!

It’s just said !!! you can tray another one

your friend Samnai !
54 Kuldeep February 4, 2009 at 2:47 am: Its a great site. Free books being the best part of it
55 pritesh February 4, 2009 at 2:55 am: the postings on this webpage are really cool.
i am gearing my self for serious android hacking .
Looking forward to get the “Hello Android” book.
56 Ernest February 5, 2009 at 10:39 am: I like everything about GAB, it’s always fun to read about android stuff and GAB touches on stuff that other Android sites don’t bother with.

I can’t say there is anything i don’t like here. I figure if something shows up that doesn’t interest me I simply wont read it, who am I to say no one else will want to read what I don’t.

(sorry for e-mailing you, I accidently filled in the wrong box)
57 Michael Martin February 5, 2009 at 10:59 am: The writer of this book has a GREAT article on ZDNet regarding the whole Cupcake saga & does call out, justifiably, GAB within it.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=731
58 GlaDOS February 5, 2009 at 11:57 am: A free copy of the book would be nice, but I’d be glad to buy one NOW. Did I miss where it said if it’s published yet?
59 Michael Martin February 5, 2009 at 11:59 am: You can purchase the book directly at http://www.pragprog.com/titles/eband/hello-android
60 Sarp February 6, 2009 at 3:50 am: It will be great to have this valuable book while coding.
61 Kevin Williams February 6, 2009 at 10:20 pm: I would love to win a copy of this book. I would definately make good use of it.

What would I like to see… I hear a lot of talk about Android, G1, G2 phones, and even Android on NetBooks. How would an Android noob outside of the USA be able to strategically develop applications to run well on each of these devices given their different obvious differences in form factor and capabilites and the number of optional features (GPS,Orientation,etc..) portions of the Android SDK.
62 Mervyn Alamgir February 6, 2009 at 10:49 pm: My New Year’s resolution was to build an android app and this will definitely help me get there.
63 manoj February 7, 2009 at 9:38 am: Hi

I would like develop some cilent and server related apps.i would do sync related.I think this book will help me!!
64 Owain February 8, 2009 at 1:25 pm: I look forward to the chance of winning
65 victor February 9, 2009 at 7:32 am: Hi,
Book seems great, as soon as G2 will be available in France (in March) I will developp for it !
66 VukiDam February 9, 2009 at 3:13 pm: I Hope I can have this right here !!
So i’ll try to improve the G1 & beat the Iphone
of course im ownin a G1 that why im iphone hater !!!
note: im owin iphone too but it old i wanna try the new thing.

please let me have this app right here !
67 Maikel Neris February 9, 2009 at 8:15 pm: Hello, Android!!! (give it to me!!!)
68 Tam February 12, 2009 at 4:04 pm: Here goes my luck
69 ecs February 16, 2009 at 3:00 am: i just want the book to keep my current job, i must learn android in 3 months.
70 rafa fm February 16, 2009 at 9:29 am: pick me!!! if not ill jsut buy the book i guess?!
71 AmbyR00 February 17, 2009 at 1:38 am: Hello ADP, I want my Dalvik skills! Send the book to me.
72 Michael Martin February 17, 2009 at 10:50 am: Congratulations Bara as your have won the free Hello, Android book, please reply to my email by the end of the week or a new winner will be selected.

Thank You and congratulations!
73 Michael Martin February 17, 2009 at 10:51 am: The contest winner is Bara Kathawa!

Thank you for the 60+ submissions, keep checking up on GAB as there will be future free giveaway contests!
74 AndroidTapp.com February 20, 2009 at 12:06 pm: Contrats Bara!

AndroidTapp.coms last blog post..TED Talks for Android
75 Muzibour Rehman April 14, 2009 at 2:40 am: Hello Android
76 Jaganlal April 19, 2009 at 8:27 pm: can i get a copy of this book
77 Lal April 19, 2009 at 9:00 pm: Hello Android
78 Michael Martin April 19, 2009 at 9:05 pm: I will be having another Android book giveaway soon – please check back again and often.

Thank You!
79 Rick November 23, 2009 at 8:58 pm: I am not a programmer, but have over 20 years graphic artist experience, I need help getting started programming for android, – a free quality book on the subject would be amazing!
80 expert witness December 17, 2009 at 10:56 am: As a mid-market business owner what are you looking for in a chief financial officer?Expert Witness Even though you may not have the revenues to hire one on full time it does not mean you do not need the help of an experienced chief financial officer. B2B CFO had been around for over 20 years. You can hire them on part time to help you with your financial needs. Even though they are only working for you part time they will help to create a long-term business relationship with you. Their goals are your goals. Let them help you keep your business growing.How can a part time chief financial officer help your business? One way it can help you is you get an experienced chief financial officer for your business without having to pay a full time salary. B2B CFO’s partners average 25 years of experience. They are not interim CFO’s for you company. They are with you for as long as you need them. And with their experience it is very unlikely you will present a problem or ask a question that their experienced partners can not solve for you. Visit their website at http://www.b2bcfo.com and see how they can help you.Are you a mid-market business owner with the need of a part time chief financial officer? Forensic Accounting Look no further then B2B CFO for experienced part time chief financial officer services. Let their seasoned professional partners help you with your businesses financial needs. They will be happy to work with you on an as needed affordable basis. You will find their costs at a fraction of what you would pay a full time CFO or even an interim CFO. Best of all there is no contract needed to engage the B2B CFO partners. They work for you and not against you.
81 Jason December 31, 2009 at 1:56 am: I need one!!!!
82 raj kiran July 10, 2010 at 2:13 am: hi all there, i am new to android programming it.I really appreciate such kind of tips and wish that u keep doing the same in future.
83 Vendroid September 10, 2010 at 7:24 am: Hello, I am new to Android. Please send me a copy of the book. 10x
84 Vendroid September 13, 2010 at 6:07 pm: Hi, Any help on Custom fast scroll over a listview ? And I do not want to sort it Alphabetically, but it needs to sort numerically
85 Greg Whisler September 14, 2010 at 4:21 pm: A free book on android programing. Wow! If only I have a little luck. I really hope there is some good information on tapping into the google advertising network as this is where the android will overtake the iphone and window 7 phone when it shows up.