Mobile/PocketPC Development Jump Start

[brad jones]

The following is an article I wrote as a jump start for mobile development. I plan to do a follow-up article or two as well. There is only a couple of lines of code in C#; however, that is not the core of what is being presented. If you have Visual Studio .NET and haven't done any mobile development, this article is a good starting point -- you don't even need a mobile device:

http://www.developer.com/ws/other/article.php/3378681


Brad!

[Danial]

Nice tutorial Brad.

I did some development for WAB based application, but not for Pocket PC. Seems like it will be very easy to develop Apps for Pocket PC.

I havent gone thrugh your full tutorial, but am I right in saying that the Pocket PC must have .Net Frame Work installed in order for the Apps to work?

Looks like i gotta do some research.

Thanks.

[brad jones]

The answer is yes, you need the .NET Compact Framework to build apps with C#/VB.NET and Visual Studio .NET 2003. VS 2003.
VS 2003 includes this.

Brad!

[Danial]

Originally posted by brad jones
The answer is yes, you need the .NET Compact Framework to build apps with C#/VB.NET and Visual Studio .NET 2003. VS 2003.
VS 2003 includes this.

Brad!

Thanks Brad,
Yep I got it aswell, Yur article inspired me to write my First Pocket PC Contact Management Apps, just as an experiment.

BTW : Would we be able to use DataBase such as Access or we will have to use Flat File for storing information.

See how I am making you answer questions and contributing more as a Forum User apart from your good work as Admin :)

Thanks again.

[brad jones]

I have it on my 'to do' list to write an article on using SQL Server CE to create a Pocket PC Database application. I was going to follow the same format as the current article to do this. Needless to say, this task keeps getting pushed out.

So, the answer to your question is that SQL Server CE is the best database to use. It has its limitations, but it works. Flat files and XML are other options, but you lose database features (obviously) with those. SQL Server CE is a free download (I believe).

I believe there are some third-party options as well.

Brad!

[Danial]

Originally posted by brad jones
I have it on my 'to do' list to write an article on using SQL Server CE to create a Pocket PC Database application. I was going to follow the same format as the current article to do this. Needless to say, this task keeps getting pushed out.

So, the answer to your question is that SQL Server CE is the best database to use. It has its limitations, but it works. Flat files and XML are other options, but you lose database features (obviously) with those. SQL Server CE is a free download (I believe).

I believe there are some third-party options as well.

Brad!

SQL Server CE Sounds great, thats all I need. I hope it does not take up too much resources since we have to be aware of very low resources unlicke a PC.

Looking forward to your tutorial. Even I might start writing tutorials once I get the hang of the new environment :).

Thanks again.

[cnjmorris]

You can also use .mdb files and when they are sync'd they will be changed to .cdb (compact database).

Personally I ordered the Beta DVD for VS 2005 from Microsoft for a whole $8 shipped. I love the design environment. With remote display control I simply deploy to my device, test, and get back to work. Without ever actually picking up my device.

I do, however, suggest SQL Server CE (free download) as stated above. Not only does it offer more power, but getting familiar with it will allow for future developement that allows for SQL server integration.

There is a nice article on it here (http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnroad/html/road05222002.asp)

I'm looking forward to reading posts here =)

[RobDog888]

Yes, that is a good intro article for mobile apps Brad. I too would
like to see an article on using sql server ce.

I also think its good to see this new mobile Development Forum!

:D