Developing Software for Symbian OS: An Introduction to Creating Smartphone Applications in C++ (Symbian Press) [Paperback]

Steve Babin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470018453 | ISBN-13: 978-0470018453 | Publication Date: December 8, 2005 | Edition: 1

The overall goal of this book is to provide introductory coverage of Symbian OS and get developers who have little or no knowledge of Symbian OS developing as quickly as possible.

• A clear and concise text on how Symbian OS architecture works and the core programming techniques and concepts needed to be a solid, competent Symbian programmer
• Shows how Symbian OS architecture and programming compares with other mobile operating systems (to help transition and for better understanding)
• Provides multiple examples and extra descriptions for areas most difficult for new programmers who are unfamiliar to the unique OS architecture
• Contains many tips and techniques documented only, up until now, by scattered white papers and newsgroup threads
• Describes many details of inner operations of Symbian OS, focusing specifically on those needed to become a competent programmer

The book will cover development ranging from low-level system programming to end user GUI applications. It also covers the development and packaging tools, as well as providing some detailed reference and examples for key APIs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Symbian OS is the advanced, customizable operating system licensed by the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers. It is designed for the specific requirements of advanced 2.5G and 3G mobile phones.

Essential guide to successful programming in Symbian OS.

Symbian OS is already used in more than 32 million mobile phones worldwide yet there are few people with long-term programming experience in Symbian OS within the software development community. As demand grows and Symbian becomes more a globally prominent operating system, it is paramount that any programmer involved in creating software products for Symbian OS devices understands the technology.

Whether you're new to the world of Symbian and want to get developing as quickly as possible, or a seasoned developer requiring a solid base of information for creating great Symbian software, this invaluable resource will give you what you need.

Steve Babin's clear approach introduces many challenges and helps you through the problematic areas of the Object Oriented architecture, providing many examples with effective solutions.

This must-have book covers all aspects of development ranging from low-level programming to end-user GUI applications.

Key highlights include:

• Development and packaging tools
• Detailed reference and examples for key APLs
• Series 60, series 80 and UIQ Platforms
• Includes network programming using TCP/IP
• Real-world examples from an expert in the field.

About the Author

Steve Babin works at IBM developing embedded enterprise software for smartphones based on Symbian OS. He has a BSEE from Louisiana State University and over 19 years' software leadership and development experience on a variety of products - including medical devices, Java accelerators, avionics, Internet appliances, and system-on-chip silicon devices - suing numerous embedded operating systems. Steve is married to Sharon and has a daughter named Hillary. They live in Austin, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470018453
• ISBN-13: 978-0470018453
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,174,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, September 29, 2006

By 

G. Tek (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Developing Software for Symbian OS: An Introduction to Creating Smartphone Applications in C++ (Symbian Press) (Paperback)

If you are a proficient C++ programmer, this book is perfect for you as a introduction to writing C++ on Symbian OS. It describes how Symbian OS works and show what differences exist between normal C++ and the one used while writing applications for Symbian OS.

However this is a mostly OS and C++ book. So it won't teach you how you can do specific things except the information it gives about socket usage to communicate via TCP/IP & GUI Design & Programming. It will teach you the OS and language specification so you'll understand when you see a code excerpt somewhere. Later you can read additional books or SDK documentation to learn about special classes os provides to do specific things. Also it point out the differences between different platforms (S60, S80, UIQ) where applicable by giving individual explanations & examples for each platform.

I strongly recommend reading this book before trying to write anything for Symbian OS. It'll help you greatly in the beginning.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good choice for beginners, April 6, 2007

By 

Roberto Breccia "Sbreccius" (Rome, Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Developing Software for Symbian OS: An Introduction to Creating Smartphone Applications in C++ (Symbian Press) (Paperback)

I'm an absolute beginner into Symbian OS programming and I find this book very perfect in order to let you start writing applications for Symbian Devices (there are many examples that make concepts intelligible).
It explains how Symbian OS architecture works and give many tips you can found only by search on newsgroups.