Welcome to Part 1 of this review of the Pluralsight course Android for .NET Developers: 1 Getting Started by Jim Wilson

Jim has over 30 years of software engineering experience, with the past 15 years heavily focused on creating mobile device and location-based solutions. He has co-founded multiple software-related startups and has served in a consulting role at several more.

After nearly a decade as a Microsoft Device Application Development MVP, Jim now focuses on developing Android and iOS device applications. Jim’s passion is mentoring software developers. He blogs at hedgehogjim.wordpress.com.

Also in this series:
Part 1 – Series Overview
Part 2 – Setting up your environment
Part 3 – Android Toolset Fundamentals
Part 4 – Dalvik Debug Monitor Server
Part 5 – Understanding Android Projects
Part 6 – Android Studio
Part 7 – Understanding Android Versioning

Android for .NET Developers: Series Overview

Assumptions

This course assumes:

– You have experience creating applications in .NET
– You are familiar with using Visual Studio as your development environment
– You are interested in developing apps for Android in an Android way

It does NOT assume any:

– prior knowledge of Java programming
– experience with Android
– mobile development experience

Philosophy

Embraces your knowledge and experience as a .NET developer

Embraces the tools and techniques of the Android platform

Uses Eclipse as the development environment
Work in Java
Use the Android SDK

Approach

Jim says there is a four phase approach to moving from your current set of skills to the skills required to develop effectively in a new platform:

1. Tools
Gain familiarity in the tools of Android development
Understand the natural workflow of the tools

2. Translate
Translate existing .NET skills to the Android platform
Focus is on “how do I do the things I do ‘here’ over there”

3. Understand
Develop an understanding of the function and behavior of Android
Use your existing skills in an Android way

4. Embrace
Fully embrace the features and development style of Android
Think like an Android developer
Work as an Android developer

Continue to Part Two – Setting up your environment