Group Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: Catwell
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Views 543 views
  • Likes 1 like
  • Comments 2 comments
Related
Recommended

Anyone Can Develop Android Apps with Google/MIT "App Inventor"

Catwell

imageimage

(Left) Software interface. (via Google) App Inventor book by David Wolber (via Amazon)

 

Not being able to find an app, that can perform a specific task, can be frustrating. The only option is to develop it yourself. Google and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) joined forces to help you get started.  The two came up with the "App Inventor" for android software toolset. The software allows your imagination to go wild in the Android app world as quick as possible.

 

If you have an idea for an app, but not very code savvy, don't sweat it. The App Inventor was invented for the pure purpose for users that have no prior knowledge of programming. They created easy to use developing app software for everyone.

 

Do not start whipping out your wallets yet, App Inventor is, according to MIT’s website. However, they said they will one day accept contributions for the software. The MIT team explained the goal, "[We] hope to nurture a robust and active open-source project but for now we don't want to distract the MIT developers from their efforts to complete and deploy the large-scale public server. In the meantime, we'll update the code periodically to match what's running at the latest MIT experimental system."

 

Google decided to shut down their App Inventor service due to recent service call, but the MIT team is still in full force. Download the App Inventor initial free (open-source) release at the project's main page. Not much support is available at the moment, but expect a deluge of examples and help to come in the next few months.

 

App Inventor uses the Apache License 2.0, which does allow for the selling of apps created with the software. Other restrictions may apply. Despite all this, App Inventor looks like an easy way to get started in the app-creation world.

 

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

  • in reply to DAB

    Apple is so closed with their software, I doubt they will get on board. Even the iPhone jailbreaking is still a taboo.

     

    Now I can get my friends who say "I have a killer app idea, just wish I could make it" to attempt creating their dream.

     

    Cabe

  • Hi Cabe,

     

    Google and MIT have the right idea.  Open your system and give people the tools and they will take your systems to new applications.  Even if only one idea in a hundred is a hit, you get so much good will and aspiring talent applied that everyone wins.

     

    Apple should consider this model.  It's what made the Apple I and II so successful in their early days.

     

    DAB