Android Question Ok, How does B4A work?

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Reginald Allen

New Member
What I would like to understand is, what is the basic process of creating apps in B4A. I was originally looking for an Android programming language that could actually run on my LG Galaxy 8.3 G-Pad, but, creating apps that run on my G-Pad could work, too. I am considering the purchase of B4A. I'm afraid that I don't find the B4A web site all that informative.

Q. I gather that the app is written on another computer, running Windows, and then would be loaded on to the G-Pad tablet. Is this correct?

Q. I can program in a number of languages. I'm "old school", yes, read 'old', but, have never written an app for Android. I gather that B4A is, essentially, some form of the old Basic language with add-on user interface modules for the tablet. Is this correct?

Q What else should I know about B4A or anything else related to it.?

Jim,
Austin, Tx
 
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somed3v3loper

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1- You write (program) your app on a Windows PC (I think I have seen some threads to install IDE on linux too) then you compile your source code to apk file (with B4a Bridge android app you can debug or run your compiled apk on connected android device)

2 - Personally I see B4A somehow similar to Visual Basic that is targeted to android development.

3- Sometimes you need to know Java to Wrap libraries so it becomes almost limitless (But do not worry it has a lot of already made libraries )

The guy that wrote the first reply has wrapped almost half java libraries
 
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DonManfred

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somed3v3loper said:
almost half java libraries
Click to expand...
i guess it will be a third from me, a third from @Johan Schoeman and a third from the rest
Honestly; there are a lot libs not wrapped by me or Johan. But for the last 1,5 Years the rate of dropping out new libs is much higher for us then for other authors ;-)
 
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somed3v3loper

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I agree .
Thank you and all developers who spent time on releasing great libraries and tools .I appreciate your and their work
 
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Ed Brown

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Hello @Reginald Allen

If you're new to the forums then welcome aboard!

In addition to the great answers already provided I would like to add the following in response to your questions:

  • Yes, the programs are written using another application (B4A - Basic4Android) in a Windows environment. When you're ready to test your app you can either use a virtual device (AVD) or have your app published onto a real device that is either attached to your computer via USB or use the B4A Bridge app (this needs to be installed onto the device you are testing with) and connect via WiFi or Bluetooth. You will then be able to debug your program in 'realtime' between the computer and the device.

  • Old school is cool. The language is VB6 like with some differences. If you're familiar with VB6 then you're pretty well set to write some great apps. It is possible to include 'inline' java code into your apps for the odd occasion where it is required. There are a lot of great libraries already available and more again provided by various members in the forums (@DonManfred has already introduced himself ). More are added all the time.

  • What else you should know? Read the links provided by @DonManfred - there's a tonne of good info in those links.
    In addition, the designer is pretty cool. It's even better when you connect a physical device in conjunction with the designer. With a device connected you can see exactly where controls are on the screen and you can even move the controls (views) directly on the device.
    Also, the forum community is awesome - the best I've come across in all my years (yes, I'm a living coding fossil by today's standards). Never be afraid to ask a question but do first search the forums as you'll find something interesting to read even if it doesn't relate to your question - ie. there's a tonne of good reading in the forums too.
 
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R

Reginald Allen

New Member
Don, somed3v3loper, Ed:

Thanks all. I see what I'd be working with, now. Basically it seems that it is an object oriented language with encapsulated JAVA script that must be debugged and run either under an emulator or on an external device. That should be no problem. I'm a retired EE and senior research tech., (I'm not a damned brick layer, Jim, [programmer]!) My first programming was in machine code, then Fortran and Cobol, (on punch cards, no less). Gawd, I miss good old DOS! My Wife and I have had "smart phones" since the old analog cells were phased out. Just recently, we bought new Android phones and tablets and I was appalled at how worthless they were straight from the Verizon store. You couldn't even print from them without buying an app that ran everything through the "cloud", which I believe is a really bad idea! Anyway, I want to create some simple programs to print to thermal tape and several database programs and this sounds like just the ticket for that.
Again, thanks to everyone for your help. I'm sure that I'll have future questions.

Regards,
Jim
Austin, Tx
regallen@att.net
 
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