Beginning BlackBerry 7 Development

Are you interested in creating BlackBerry apps using the latest BlackBerry 7 and BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse? Then this is the book for you. Beginning BlackBerry 7 Development offers a hands-on approach to learning how to build and deploy sophisticated BlackBerry apps using the latest tools and techniques available.

Assuming only some programming background in Java or a similar language, this book starts with the basics, offering step-by-step tutorials that take you through downloading and installing the BlackBerry development environment, creating your first apps, and exploring the BlackBerry APIs. You’ll be introduced to the latest features available in the latest BlackBerry 7 using BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse, including BlackBerry Application Platform Services, techniques for using multimedia with the BlackBerry, and tools for increasing app performance.

To round out the complete development process, you’ll also discover the different ways you can package and distribute your apps, from deploying apps on your own website to listing your apps for sale in the BlackBerry App World.

What you’ll learn

• How to obtain and set up the tools you’ll need to develop BlackBerry applications
• How to develop Java-based BlackBerry applications
• How to integrate BlackBerry Application Platform Services into your app
• Advanced techniques for user interface design
• Information on the latest APIs available to BlackBerry developers
• How to use networking, location-based services, and many other features of the BlackBerry platform in your application

Who this book is for

This book is for those interested in developing native apps for the BlackBerry family of devices and smartphones. BlackBerry development experience is not required, but readers should have some experience with Java and Web programming.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Setting the Stage
Chapter 2. Hello World
Chapter 3. What Makes a BlackBerry Application?
Chapter 4. User Interface Basics
Chapter 5. Beyond the Basics of User Interfaces
Chapter 6. Storing Data
Chapter 7. Hello Out There! Making a Network-Enabled Application
Chapter 8. Where Am I? Using Location-Based Services
Chapter 9. Getting Your App Out There: Packaging and Publishing
Chapter 10. Next Steps