Of course, the best way to get started writing webOS applications is to continue reading this book, but you should also go to Palm’s developer site, http://developer.palm.com, and download the Mojo Software Developer Kit (SDK). The SDK includes the development tools, sample code, and the Mojo Framework, along with access to tutorial and reference documentation. Palm also hosts a webOS discussion forum for registered developers, where they can share ideas and ask questions in an environment that is monitored by Palm staff.
Palm makes the Mojo SDK and tools available for Linux, Windows (XP/Vista), and Mac OS X. The tools allow you to create a new webOS application project using sample code and framework defaults, search reference documentation, debug your application in the emulator or an attached Palm device, and publish an application. Chapter 2 includes more details about the tools in the SDK and third-party tools, but you’ll find a brief summary in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1. Palm developer tools
Tools | Major features |
|---|---|
SDK installer | Installs all webOS tools & SDK |
Emulator | Desktop-hosted device emulator |
Command-line tools | Create new project Install and launch in desktop emulator or device Package and sign application |
The tools can be installed and accessed as command-line tools on every platform. They include a plug-in to Eclipse as well as Aptana Studio, a popular JavaScript/HTML/CSS editor for Eclipse.
The Mojo SDK includes the Mojo framework and sample code to help you design and implement your application. Unlike most JavaScript frameworks, you won’t need to include the Mojo framework with your application code, since Palm includes the framework in every webOS device. The framework code included in the SDK is for reference purposes to help you debug your applications.
The sample code is also for reference. There are samples for most of the significant framework functions, including application lifecycle functions, UI widgets, and each of the services. Simple applications are included to get you started. You can review and leverage these applications as you choose.
Your main entry point to Palm’s developer program is http://developer.palm.com/, which is where Palm hosts webOSdev, the developer web community. This site provides everything that you might need to build webOS applications, including access to the SDK, all development tools, and documentation and training materials, as well as developer forums and a blog specifically for the developer audience.
webOSdev is also the source for your application signing services and access to the Application Catalog. This is an application store that is published and promoted with every webOS device through a built-in Application Catalog application. Applications need to be signed for installation on a webOS device, and at webOSdev, you can get all the information you need to use the signing tools and to upload your application to the catalog, once they are made available.
You can find more information on the Palm developer program in Appendix A of this book and online at http://developer.palm.com.