Introduction to bada: A Developer's Guide - (draft preview, July 2010)

Part 1: About bada

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Introduction to bada: A Developer's Guide - (draft preview, July 2010)

Chapter 1: The mobile difference
In this chapter we present detailed information about what the ‘difference’ of mobile software is made up of and we describe the essential characteristics as opposed to ‘conventional’ fixed software for desktops or web applications. We also summarise some recommended mobile software development bestpractices. Where appropriate we give forward references to later chapters where we deal with specific topics and how bada implements or supports the various aspects of development.

1.1 The mobile context
Some 20 years from the birth of mobile, hardware and telecoms have changed out of recognition – mobile usage has changed the way people behave. But the exploitation of mobile services has hardly begun. The apps revolution of last few years, dominated by iPhone, is a signpost – but the real revolution will be the arrival of apps and services for the mass market. bada could be the game changer. With the bada platform and the accompanying ecosystem we pick up the characteristics of mobile app development as you will see in this chapter and throughout the book. By using bada, you will be equipped with a proper environment and tools that lay the ideal foundations for your successful mobile applications. Mobile hardware is different from desktop hardware. It’s not just that mobile phones fit in your pocket. The relentless drive to fit more and more functionality into tinier and tinier physical packages has led to almost continuous innovation. Mobile storage (memory), mobile display, and mobile power technologies are different from their big brothers on the desktop. When you are developing for mobile, it is essential to understand how these differences can impact the way you design your apps and the way you write your code. But to some extent these differences are