Palm OS Programming Bible, Second Edition [Paperback]

Lonnon R. Foster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764549618 | ISBN-13: 978-0764549618 | Publication Date: October 18, 2002 | Edition: 2

* Examines new Palm OS handheld models and new tools for developing Palm OS programs.
* Includes new working code samples for developing conduits, which synchronize data between handhelds and PCs.
* Contains a new chapter on the Virtual File System, which allows for handling of data on removable memory cards in the newest Palm devices.
* Covers the new graphic and sound capabilities available in OS 5.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"The most complete Palm OS 5 reference available - don't write a line of code without reading it!"
-JB Parrett, Principal Software Developer, PalmSource, Inc.
* Capture the capabilities of Palm OS 5, VFS, and DeveloperStudio
* Master the revolutionary features of today's hot new handhelds
* Unlock the secrets of synchronization, networking, and wireless transfer

If the Palm OS can do it, you can do it too . . .

Unleash the full power of the Palm OS with the newest tools, code, and applications! This fully revised and updated volume lets you command the enhanced capabilities of Palm OS versions 4 and 5. You'll learn to transfer data via Bluetooth and SMS as well as infrared beaming, unravel the mysteries of TCP/IP communication through the Palm OS net library, gain skill in handling user input through the increasingly popular one-handed navigation hardware, and create applications using the highly acclaimed Falch.net DeveloperStudio. Whether you're new to Palm OS programming or a veteran seeking the latest options for your customers, this definitive guide covers everything you need to know for programming Palm OS handhelds.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Palm OS programming
* Create applications with DeveloperStudio, CodeWarrior, and PRC-Tools
* Manage data on removable memory cards with Virtual File System
* Program third-party handhelds and resolve hardware differences
* Develop conduits using new code samples
* Master new methods of wireless data transfer
* Explore navigation wheels, sampled sound, and high-resolution displays
* Exterminate bugs with Palm OS Simulator and Palm Reporter
* Adapt older apps with PACE

About the Author

LONNON R. FOSTER is a programmer and writer who has spent the past nine years creating desktop applications, database front ends, web sites, communications software, technical documentation, and handheld applications. He has been developing Palm OS applications almost as long as the Platform has existed, starting with his first Pilot 5000 and progressing to more complicated wireless software for Symbol's 1700 series. Lonnon fills his sparse free time with tactical tabletop gaming, recreational Perl coding, and reading everything he can get his hands on.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1008 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (October 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764549618
• ISBN-13: 978-0764549618
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,592,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good primary reference, November 20, 2002

By 

Scott D Gauss (Winfield, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palm OS Programming Bible, Second Edition (Paperback)

This book is considered a standard reference by many Palm OS developers. The other reference to consider is "Palm Programming" by Neil Rhodes (OReilly), although that book doesn't have the depth and needs to be updated as of November 2002. The second edition adds details on topics including communications and Palm OS 5. It focuses on development using CodeWarrior/Constructor, but includes info on Gcc/PilRC and FalchNet Developer Studio. If you own the first edition, monitor newsgroups and work on Palms regularly I wouldn't automatically update your copy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable, December 3, 2004

By 

Richard Coutts "buttonsrtoys" (Halifax, Nova Scotia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Palm OS Programming Bible, Second Edition (Paperback)

I've been a programmer for 10 years but was new to the Palm OS development environment when I bought this book. It shaved weeks off of my development time. While there is a huge amount of free Palm OS development information online, the online information is geared towards those that are already experienced in the field. There is a paucity of comprehensive, introductory information. This book serves that function excellently. Each topic is introduced in a very understandable manner, while also being discussed in great depth. When embarking on a new area of Palm Programming, this is a great place to start.

Regarding the review beating up this book for lacking more examples and reference information, this type of information is amply supplied by PalmSource.com, user groups, and other sources, all for free and all in digital format. PalmSource.com alone released several reference volumes in searchable PDF format that are a great compliment. It would be a waste of paper to put it in this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be on your bookshelf,, January 13, 2004

By 

W. J. Vovil "Wayne" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palm OS Programming Bible, Second Edition (Paperback)

Along with "Palm OS Programming: The Developers' Guide", this is a must have addition to your bookshelf if you wish to be proficient in devloping Palm applications. It is more up to date than the other book; but is complemtary to it. With the two books together, all aspects of Palm programming for the serious developer are handled. But beware, this is not a trivial beginners book.