[birmingham-jug] Book review: Pro Android 2

[Mark Freeman]

Pro Android 2, from Apress.
http://apress.com/book/view/1430226595

It shouldn't be the only Android book on your shelf, but your
collection should not be without it.

Pro Android 2 is aimed at developers who want to take Android to the
next level. This large book serves as a manual for how to do almost
anything on Android. The book starts by giving a refresher of the
platform, and then quickly dives into explaining XML files, GUI
layout and Views, and working with mapping. Building and consuming
services are explained, giving the first example of working with
Apache's HttpClient libs that I have seen in an Android book. Examples
of working with the Telephony API, searching, using gestures, you name
it. The book even offers an alternative way of creating applications
using Titanium Mobile. Finally time is spent explaining the Android
Marketplace and things you should know before making your application
public.

The information contained in this book is at the same time
enlightening and overwhelming. In just the first few chapters, I had
already found better ways to handle several things in my own Android
applications. That alone was worth the time spent reading this book.

Although the book was written by three different authors, I found the
writing style and flow of the book well done and congruous.

The book explains that the intended audience should have previous
exposure to developing on the Android platform and to Java, and they
mean it. While an introduction is given to the various parts of an
Android application, a new developer wouldn't be able to get enough
understanding to use this book as a starting point for developing
Android applications. Previous exposure to any number of beginning
Android books is recommended before you attempt to tackle this one.
The publisher suggest you start with Beginning Android 2.

If you are an Android developer, do yourself a favor and pick up this
book. If you spend 2 minutes flipping through the various chapters, I
promise you will walk out of the book store with Pro Android 2 in
hand. My rating, 5 stars. The book delivers exactly what it
advertises and does so in a manner that is enjoyable to read and very
helpful.

--
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