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Should I Learn To Program iOS Or Android Devices?

Posted by timothy on from the go-straight-for-neural-implants dept.

HW_Hack writes "In my early career in the '90s I had a hardware tech degree, but also a strong interest in software. I completed software courses in assembly, Pascal, HTML, and C as I prepped for a CS degree. I then got my chance to do hardware design for a major US firm and went that direction for a good 18-year career. I now work in a good sized school district doing IT support work at a large high school. I plan to revive my programming skills this winter so I can write apps for the flood of mobile devices. I am very much platform / OS agnostic and I support on any one day OS X, XP, Win 7, Linux servers, and now iOS as we pilot iPads in our school. My question focuses on three topics: Which programming environment (iOS or Android) is easier to jump into from a technical perspective / number of languages needed to master? Which one has a better SDK ecosystem of documentation, programmer support, and developer community(s)? Where is the market and the money going? I do not expect to get rich doing this, but with my insights into K12 needs I hope I can write effective apps for that market."

4 of 403 comments (clear)

  1. Sencha touch by heratech · · Score: 0, Troll

    You should use Sencha Touch and program for both!

  2. Yes, iOS and Android and WebOs and Blackberry... by the_cosmocat · · Score: 0, Troll

    and Windows Phone and Symbian..... NO. Just learn HTML, javascrpit and css and use PhoneGap!!!! http://www.phonegap.com/

  3. Re:I wouldn't invest in iOS development by MogNuts · · Score: 0, Troll

    Maybe you forgot a little bit of history. Apple DID fail.

    The only reason they didn't go bankrupt and go *poof* is because MS bailed them out.

  4. Learn HTML/CSS/Javascript by DustDevil · · Score: 0, Troll

    If you learn HTML/CSS/Javascript you can target Android/IOS and the Web.

    Tools you can use include:
    Appcelerator
    Sencha Touch plus Phonegap

    You can read this article for more information and other options.