Anybody can start building simple apps for the Android platform & this book will show you how! Android Apps for Absolute Beginners takes you through the process of getting your first Android applications up & running using plain English & practical examples. It cuts through the fog of jargon & mystery that surrounds Android application development & gives you simple step-by-step instructions to get you started. * Teaches Android application development in language anyone can understand giving you the best possible start in Android development * Provides simple step-by-step examples that make learning easy allowing you to pick up the concepts without fuss * Offers clear code descriptions & layout so that you can get your apps running as soon as possible What youll learn * Get yourself & your computer set up for Android apps development * Use the Eclipse programming environment to make your Android development efficient & straightforward * Follow steps in plain English to build simple apps & get them working immediately * Style your application so that it appeals to potential users * Make use of the Androids touch screen * Use shortcuts & cheat sheets to create apps the easy way * Use the basics of Java & XML to move onto more advanced apps Who this book is for If you have a great idea for an Android app but have never programmed before then this book is for you. You dont need to have any previous computer programming skills--as long as you have a desire to learn & you know which end of the mouse is which the world of Android apps development awaits! Table of Contents * Preliminary Information: Before We Get Started * Whats Next? Our Road Ahead * Setting Up an Open Source Android Development Environment * An Introduction to Java XML & How Android Works * An Overview of the Android Application Framework * Screen Layout Design: Views View Groups & Layout Types * User Interface Design: Buttons Menus Dialogs & Alerts * Designing Graphics for Android: 2D Images & Animation * Adding Interactivity: Handling UI Events * Understanding Content Providers * Understanding Intents & Intent Filters * The Future: 3D Widgets Bluetooth Maps Search & More