Want to learn app development basics, need guidance.

[Cryio]

Hey there. I never coded before but I have a strong desire to learn ! I haven't used Microsoft's platforms before but I heard they are plenty powerful and flexible. (especially for students as me)

Now, I know WP8.1 brings many new APIs to the table for expanded functionality, but I want to start with the basics. If I am to make an app, I want to make it the very best it can be (maybe even pushing the OS? ) for both WP7.8 and WP8.1 platforms, adapting it as much as I can for every memory limit.

Which SDK and Visual Studio should I get to make sure I can fully exploit WP7.8 functionality and WP8.1? So far I only downloaded Visual Studio 2013 Update 2, for WP8.1 development. Actually, what else do I need? I want to make apps/games for 256 MB, 512 MB, 1GB and 2GB devices ^_^.

I have a Windows 8.1 Pro x64 PC, 8 GB ram, AMD FX6300 CPU, DX11 GPU.
DirectX runtime up to date
Visual C++ 2005/2008/2010/2012/2013 installed and up to date. (x86 and x64)
Visual Studio 2013 Update 2 to be installed tomorrow.


PS: I have access to a Lumia 820 for WP8.1, a Lumia 900 for WP7.8 and a Lumia 610 for 7.8 256MB.

 

[Nicomario]

I'm new to developing too. As in, I knew nothing 2 weeks ago. I'd start with learning C#. Just enough to be able to read code online. Then learning visual studio(the IDE) get the visual assist extension for it too. Then learning the windows phone 8 app development methods. That's what I'm doing. I'm at that last step. I'm a student too, my .edu email has given me so much software I couldn't otherwise afford. I hope we could work together sometime. I'll post again with some good resources you could use when I get home. Good luck

 

[Nicomario]

you still here friend?

 

[eleshoe]

Welcome to WP development, it is fun and exciting doing app development. Below are 2 video series that can get you started with developing for WP.

C# Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners
C# Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners | Channel 9

Windows Phone 8.1 Development for Absolute Beginners
Windows Phone 8.1 Development for Absolute Beginners | Channel 9

 

[Cryio]

Thank guys, you're the best ^_^. And sorry. Kinda went to sleep after I posted.

I'll check those channels. Also, what do you mean by the IDE?

 

[Nicomario]

The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is Visual Studio and knowing your way around it will make writing code much much easier. With the Visual Assist extension extension available for it you'll be writing code twice as fast.

This Microsoft website: C# / XAML Training Courses - Microsoft Virtual Academy has a very many courses on C# and windows phone development, including links to the courses posted by our friend above.

If you'd rather to read and learn C# instead of watching a video, This website has the most complete and up to date info, its not too hard to follow.

There was a live jump start 3 day video windows phone development event a few weeks ago. I attended and learned much. Those videos should be made available soon on the MVA website.

It can be daunting. I'm stuck in a rut now but don't give up. BTW check out Microsoft Dreamspark if you haven't

Channel9 is the best resource next to microsoft's own website. The video series preceding the windows phone 8.1 series is the windows phone 8.0 series

 

[Cryio]

So I started watching these:

Windows Phone 7 Development for Absolute Beginners | Channel 9
C# Fundamentals: Development for Absolute Beginners | Channel 9
https://www.dreamspark.com/Student/Windows-Phone-7-App-Development.aspx

I also downloaded and installed Visual Studio 2013 Update 2, via an account made with a student code. And I'm completely lost ^_^.

So I should focus first on C# exclusively? At college so far we barely stepped into Classes in CodeBlocks

 

[Nicomario]

Again I'm a beginner. I hope somebody else can join the convo. All programming knowledge is good knowledge. I recommended C# because it's what most windows phone apps are written in. It's maintained by Microsoft and you can find too much samples and questions to help you.