Shifting Focus

It has taken me some time, but I have finally found my way. I have decided that I am going to begin to focus on mobile app development. It is an area of software development that has kept my interest. It is something I can do away from whatever job I have to pay the bills and, should I become very strong in the area, can open me up to the quickly increasing number of mobile app developer positions available.

Currently, I am working my way through learning the basics of developing for Android. I started there because I have an Android phone, but I intend to also learn how to develop for Windows Phone as it will also help me learn Silverlight in the process. Luckily, I have a few resources to help me get started with both.

I am very excited about this and I hope to share things I learn.

Following the TDD Road

Like many people, I have not yet made my way down the TDD path. My current job does not use it and I don’t think it will any time soon and I have yet figured out how to get started on my own.  Luckily, I have found someone to show me the ropes and get me started. I am pretty excited about it. I will finally be making the jump into more current development techniques.  From what everyone tells me, once I get started with TDD I won’t be able to design/develop any other way. I’m psyched.

An App Idea? Brilliant!

I think I actually have an idea for an app to write. I'm not ready to share what it is yet because I need to completely wrap my head around what it is I want to do with it, but after the funk I've been in I wanted to share that I am starting to dig my way out. It has been a while since my creative juices have been flowing so it is nice to have this feeling again.

Windows Phone 7 Development

I recently went to a WP7 talk by Chris Koenig at the Fort Worth .NET User Group. It really piqued my interest as he went through some simple examples of creating apps for the Windows Phone 7 OS. I have dabbled in doing a little Android development and I have to say that Microsoft made the task of creating apps much easier than in Android. If you haven’t had a chance to give WP7 a look, I suggest you give it a try. History has shown that there isn’t much money to be made in the current market-based mobile app development, but it can provide a nice break from the monotonous work of the 9 to 5 job.

WP7 Resources Links
Chris Koenig WP7 Resources
AppHub
Blankenblog - 31 Days Of Windows Phone 7

What’s Next?

I have to admit I have come to a bit of crossroads when it comes to this blog and my journey in software development. I think I am in need of some sort of change. When you begin to feel like you are doing routine things over and over it means it is time to try something different. That is where I currently find myself. I have been doing normal Java development since the early 2000’s with only a few small detours. I think it is time for me to truly branch out and start learning the principles and practices of other technologies. Now I just need to decide what those technologies are… Any suggestions???