Blackberry Java Application Development  (English, Paperback, Foust Bill)

Build and deploy powerful, useful, and professional Java mobile applications for BlackBerry smartphones, the fast and easy way.

• Develop professional, rich, and smart Java applications using BlackBerry SDK
• Discover the powerful components provided by the SDK to build a powerful user interface with a common look and feel
• Explore the complex, but important, topic of network communications
• Integrate with the standard applications on all BlackBerry Smartphone to make your application even more useful
• Packed with hands-on examples and clear explanations for better understanding

In Detail
BlackBerry Smartphone was once the domain of jet-setting business users with power suits. Now you can hardly go anywhere without seeing someone using a BlackBerry to check their messages or make a call. It's this kind of explosive growth that makes the BlackBerry ecosystem a great place to develop and market applications through the BlackBerry App World store-this book shows you how to do just that!

This step-by-step guide gives you a hands-on experience of developing innovative Java applications for your BlackBerry. With the help of this book, you will learn to build your own applications to illustrate the platform, and the various capabilities that developers can use in their programs. It explores the powers of Blackberry and helps you develop professional and impressive Java applications.

The book teaches how to write rich, interactive, and smart BlackBerry applications in Java. It expects the readers to know Java but not Java Mobile or the BlackBerry APIs. We will learn to build rich, interactive, and smart Java applications for the BlackBerry. The book will cover UI programming, data storage, programming network, and internet API apps. As we move on, we will learn more about the BlackBerry's device features, such as messaging, GPS, multimedia, contacts and calendar, and so on. This book also helps you build your own applications to illustrate the platform, and the various capabilities that developers can use in their programs.

This step-by-step guide to building rich, interactive, and smart Java applications helps you get the most out of BlackBerry smartphones.

What you will learn from this book

• Learn about the two approaches to develop BlackBerry applications
• Understand how the SDK version relates to target devices and learn about the BlackBerry Developer Zone
• Install the Java SDK, which is the foundation using the development environment
• Install Eclipse with the BlackBerry Component Package and configure it with other Component Package versions
• Import the existing HelloWorldDemo supplied with the software and compile and debug the application
• Study PIM, create new PIM Items, and assign values to their fields
• Set up a Screen with fields and create and use menus
• Learn the usage of the Field styles and classes to the fullest
• Study about a Layout Manager and create custom Dialogs on the fly to collect discrete pieces of information
• Get to know the pros and cons for each record-based approach and pick the one that best meets your needs
• Create new Personal Information Management (PIM) items and assign values to their fields
• Understand the basics of HTTP and the correct usage of GET or POST
• Learn the working of Global Position System and the three methods by which a BlackBerry handheld can get location information

Approach
Written with a fast-paced but friendly and engaging approach, this Packt Beginner's Guide is designed to be placed alongside the computer as your guide and mentor. Step-by-step tutorials are boosted by explanations of the reasoning behind what you are doing. You will quickly pick up the necessary skills, tips, and tricks for building BlackBerry applications with Java with practical.

Who this book is written for
If you are a Java programmer who wants to build BlackBerry applications with Java, this book is for you.

About the Author
Bill Foust has been developing soft ware for over fifteen years in a variety of fields and technologies. He began working with BlackBerry devices in 1999--before they even had built-in cellular phones! During that time, he created and sold applications, and helped several companies develop product offerings for BlackBerry.

With the release of the BlackBerry 5810 in 2002, the development environment changed from C++ to Java Micro and Bill started pursuing other opportunities, including .NET, and has continued to do development as a consultant professionally since then.
In 2004, he authored the book Mobile Magazine Guide to BlackBerry with Que Publishing (amazon.com/Mobile-Guide-BlackBerry-Bill-Foust/dp/0789733439). This book was a success and lead to Bill being a founding member of the Mobile Computing Authority podcast with two other book authors.

Bill is currently working with a consulting company in Kansas City and continues to opine about BlackBerry and the mobile computing industry in general through the Mobile Computing Authority blog and podcasts.

Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Introducing BlackBerry Application Development
Chapter 2: Installing the Development Environment
Chapter 3: Getting Familiar with the Development Environment
Chapter 4: Creating your First BlackBerry Project
Chapter 5: Learning the Basics About the UI
Chapter 6: Going Deeper into the UI
Chapter 7: Storing Data
Chapter 8: Interfacing with Applications
Chapter 9: Networking
Chapter 10: Advanced Topics
Chapter 11: Wrapping It All Up
Appendix: Pop Quiz Answers
Index