C++ Learning paths
Getting started
Symbian OS supports a range of runtime languages, including Java, OPL and Python. The native language of Symbian OS, which allows greatest access to APIs, is a proprietary version of C++. To begin programming a Symbian OS smartphone in its native language, an understanding of C++ is a prerequisite. In addition to this a developer must also master the specialised C++ that Symbian OS introduces.
To begin developing Symbian OS C++ applications a developer will require several of pieces of hardware with development tools running on them:
- A PC running Windows XP, 2000 or NT (400+ MHz is recommended).
- The Software Development Kit (SDK) for the smartphone that you wish to develop for. This will be freely available from the phone manufacturer.
- A Windows development package (Win32 development tools with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)) supported by the SDK. The following Windows development systems are currently supported by Symbian OS SDKs (although not all SDKs support all of these). An up-to-date list of tools can be found on the Symbian developer website.
- Carbide C++ instructions on how to use Carbide can be found here.
- A Symbian OS smartphone.
- The PC suite to communicate between the PC and the smartphone.
Becoming an Accredited Symbian Developer
There are several ways to advance from beginner to the level of Accredited Symbian Developer. There is no prescribed path. The following are illustrations of routes that may be taken.
(1) Follow a Symbian Academy Symbian OS C++ application development university course
University courses derived from “Principles of Symbian OS”, the Symbian Academy Symbian OS C++ application development curriculum will cover all of the material included within the ASD test and should give attendees sufficient knowledge to pass the test.
(2) A Symbian OS application development course plus a good knowledge of the relevant Symbian Press literature
If you study an application development course not adhering to the recommended Symbian Academy content it is recommended that you read “Symbian OS Explained” and any available primer books prior to sitting the ASD test. These books should ensure that there are no gaps in your knowledge of Symbian OS C++.
(3) Appropriate Symbian OS Professional Training
The ASD is derived from training courses that Symbian uses internally and has made publicly available. Successful attendees of the “Symbian OS Essentials” and “Symbian OS: Application Engine Development” courses should be well prepared to sit and pass the ASD test.
(4) Appropriate development experience plus a good knowledge of the relevant Symbian Press literature
Some (more than one year) Symbian OS C++ application development experience supplemented by a thorough reading of “Symbian OS Explained” should provide sufficient knowledge to pass the ASD test.
(5) Considerable development experience plus a brief review of the relevant Symbian Press literature
Considerable (more than two years) Symbian OS application development experience should provide sufficient knowledge to pass the ASD test.