Application development for Windows Mobile is much closer to traditional desktop programming than it is for other smartphone environments. This is mainly because the same programming tools like Visual Studio can be used to create programs for desktop computers and phones. Let’s take a look at what it takes to be a mobile app developer for Windows-based smartphones.
To get started, get the latest version of Visual Studio. It offers an easy way to build drag-and-drop apps with minimal coding required. Developers can build apps, debug them, and package them for delivery, all using Visual Studio.
Another necessary component is the Windows SDK (Software Development Kit). Contains the necessary APIs and required resource files. Developers will also find many help and support documents in the SDK. Includes sample apps and emulators for testing and debugging without having to connect a real phone.
But to use the emulator, developers will also need ActiveSync. It works as a kind of interface that helps to load the application package developed from Visual Studio on the emulator or device. Vista users won’t need to download it as it has a built-in mobile device center, but XP users will need to download and install ActiveSync.
The process of building a basic app as a learning experience is ridiculously easy, especially for someone who knows how to use Visual Studio. Simply select a new project from the file menu and select ‘Smart Device’ under the project type. Click Smart Device Project in the template panel on the right and choose ‘Device Application’ in the Smart Device Project popup.
Whatever functionality is required, it can be added to the form in design view by dragging and dropping buttons and adding event handlers. Once done, just press F5 to test it on your chosen emulator or device. That’s all you have to do. Developers who need additional help or support can find it online at Microsoft’s MSDN (Developer Network). There’s a virtual lab, video demos and webcasts, code samples, and blogs where developers can interact and ask questions.
Of course, this is just a very basic procedure for developing Windows mobile apps. Useful applications that can be bought in the market are much more complex and need much more talent and experience to develop. A company that needs to build a powerful application has two options.
First, find someone on staff who has the experience to dive into Microsoft’s phone operating system. Please note that Windows Mobile 6.5 is the latest operating system in the series and has been superseded by Phone 7. Therefore, the developer should be someone who can develop apps for both and provide updates for any future versions that Microsoft may release.
The second option is to outsource the development of Windows mobile apps to a consultant or an expert third-party developer. These companies specialize in developing custom apps that deliver value to a company’s customers when they use the app on their smartphones. The application will be professional, functional and easy to promote and/or sell.