Developing Series 60 Applications: A Guide for Symbian OS C++ Developers: A Guide for Symbian OS C++ Developers

Covering all of the essential components of two Series 60 projects in detail, plus using other key development tools to build, deploy and run the example applications

This chapter focuses on the project structure, files and the required build tools. The chapter has two parts . The first part is a tutorial on the definition of sophisticated projects and the use of the build tools in more depth. The second part, beginning with the Additional Development Tools section, is intended mainly for reference. You may want to skim through it, though, because it describes more developer tools, advance project information, and build and application deployment issues. (Chapter 4 discusses the application design, structure and the source code.)

The tutorial is a guide to the more advanced features of the build process ”you should refer to Chapter 1 to remind yourself of the basic procedures and syntax. The contents of each of the key files in three example projects are described, with emphasis on the composition and syntax of .mmp and bld.inf files introduced in Chapter 1.

A GUI application illustrates the details and composition of more complex Series 60 projects. Two variants of this project are described, the second one showing how to create localized application project.

Also described is an example console application. Typically you will use this simple type of executable as the basis for testing other code modules ”for example, to test components such as application engines.

You will be introduced to some of the more commonly used SDK tools, such as those used for building application resources and for generating bitmaps and icons, and even wizards for generating the files and code for basic Series 60 applications.

Localization of applications ”that is, designing and coding applications for use in multiple locales and languages ”is vital to maximize the size of the market for an application. There is excellent support for this in Symbian OS, and the key elements of this part of the development process are described from a project and building perspective.

Application deployment is covered in more depth, and the production of more sophisticated installation packages is addressed, including an installation package for a localized application.

Detailed links to information on SDK and emulator configuration are provided, including an overview of the test and debugging facilities, information about the emulator hot keys and details of how you can use infrared and Bluetooth-enabled devices to add communications capability to the emulator.

Topics covered are:

• SDK Versions and Selection ” Information on installing and using different versions of the SDKs that are now available. How to set the value of EPOCROOT and use the devices command, with tips on setting up the system path correctly.

• The HelloWorld GUI Application ” A detailed description of the two Symbian OS generic project files. Building and running an application, plus a description of the runtime files produced. Discussion of the structure of the project folders and the source files. Application UI resource file and the resource compiler, application information files, icons, captions.

• Coverage of application localization is demonstrated by a variant of the HelloWorld example, called HelloWorldLoc. English, French and German variants of the example application are shown.

• Console Applications ” A detailed description of the two generic project files, and the differences between console and GUI project files. Building and running the application, plus a description of the executable and source files.

• Symbian Installation System ” How to package up all of the components of an application for installation on a real Series 60 device. Running executables during installation and localized application installation.

• Additional Development Tools ” Symbian OS bitmap files, the application creation wizard, plus coverage of a wide range of other tools and utilities for developers.

• Installation Tips for Series 60 SDKs and IDEs ” Information about configuring the emulator and using its many facilities.

• Advanced Application Deployment and Build Guide ” Series 60 Platform UIDs to avoid installation of software on an incompatible device. Some essential Series 60 Platform differences to be aware of, and where build differences exist between the emulator and target hardware.

All the information needed to build and run the three example projects is provided within this chapter. All the project files, source files and deployment information associated with the example are available online, as noted in the Preface. If you have not already obtained the source materials, you are advised to download and install them ”they will be helpful for reference as you read through this chapter.