When it comes to developing mobile apps, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task. As a developer, I recently found myself at a crossroads, deciding between two popular options: Android and Windows Phone 7 (WP7). In this article, we'll explore my experience with both platforms, highlighting the pros and cons of each.

The Journey Begins

As a mobile app enthusiast, I started my development journey last year by publishing a few tools for the Windows Mobile 6.5 platform. I quickly fell in love with the low barrier to entry and the ability to create small projects quickly. With the platform handling distribution and transactions, I could focus on what matters most – coding.

However, as Microsoft announced WP7, I realized that my beloved Windows Mobile 6.x was lagging behind its competitors. The choice for my next mobile operating system was no longer a given. Android, the rising star from Google, and WP7, Microsoft's new venture, were vying for my attention.

A Tale of Two Platforms

I had already ruled out Apple iOS, so my choice boiled down to Android and WP7. Microsoft seemed serious about WP7, with high-ranking officials touting its awesomeness at conventions and in the media. Meanwhile, developers on the WM6.x platform like me were given extra attention and information, including the opportunity to get a physical WP7 phone before the official release.

On the other hand, Android was quickly gaining popularity, offering a sleek look and feel that enticed geeks like myself. My friend had even bought an HTC Hero phone, which I found quite cool.

The App Development Process

I decided to create a simple game on both platforms: a flag and country quiz. This would allow me to test the frameworks and IDEs while keeping the project manageable.

The app, called "Flags and Capital Quiz," features five game modes:

  • Guess country name from the picture of a flag
  • Guess the flag from the name of a country
  • Guess the capital from the country name
  • Guess the country name from the capital
  • A mixed mode that alternates randomly between the four above

The IDEs: A Comparison

In this chapter, we'll explore the differences in extended IDEs for Android and WP7.

Android

For developers familiar with Java, Eclipse is the preferred IDE. You can download it for free at www.eclipse.org. In addition, you'll need the Android SDK from Google, which acts as a plug-in in Eclipse. This provides you with the Android emulator to test your software without a physical device.

The installation process was smooth, and Eclipse itself is a pretty impressive IDE. It has semi-advanced features like code inspection reporting instantly of non-used variables, syntax errors, and more. The debugger also has all the functions you'd expect, although I do have some complaints about usability here.

WP7

For developers familiar with C# or .NET, Microsoft Visual Studio Express is a great choice. You can download it for free at www.microsoft.com/express. This IDE provides a comprehensive development environment for WP7 apps.

The installation process was also smooth, and Visual Studio Express offers many of the same features as Eclipse, including code inspection reporting and syntax highlighting. The debugger has all the functions you'd expect, although I do have some complaints about usability here.

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored my experience with developing a mobile app on both Android and WP7 platforms. While there are pros and cons to each platform, the ultimate decision comes down to your personal preferences and goals as a developer.

By choosing the right platform for your needs, you can create innovative apps that captivate users worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, mobile app development is an exciting field with endless possibilities.