Develop in Windows Mobile - what do I need?

**voodooflux** · 27 May 2009, 14:53

Originally posted by Grinder View Post

I've been looking into iphone & android development, but I have a Windows Mobile (Tilt / Tytn 2) so maybe I should start with that. I have worked in VB and VBA in the past so I know my way around.

So do I need a copy of VB Studio 2005 to start developing for the mobile, or is there some free variant I can play with?

My aim is to develop a couple of simple apps, then expand them a bit and see if it goes anywhere. Basically a hobby, possibly leading to something usable by others.

VB.NET and the .NET Compact Framework sounds like a logical route for you given your background in VB. If memory services the Express editions of Visual Studio don't support mobile developent, so you will need to grab a copy of the Standard/Professional edition from somewhere - latest release is 2008.

**Durbs** · 27 May 2009, 14:55

As far as i know, mobile development is not available in VS free Express versions. You'd need full-fat Visual Studio. 2008 is the latest version, not 2005.

Getting hold of a cheap copy of this is easy though. Action Pack subscription is the best route as you get other goodies too but you can get cheap academic copies from Fleabay if you dont mind that sort of thing.

Download 2008 Express for free beforehand to see if the interface clicks with you.

**Grinder** · 27 May 2009, 15:02

Great thanks guys. I'll download the free one to see if its agreeable.

I'm OK with educational - I have 2 kids at school... Action Pack is an option when I get back into work.

**Durbs** · 27 May 2009, 15:07

Originally posted by Grinder View Post

Great thanks guys. I'll download the free one to see if its agreeable.

It is very agreeable. VS has a sublime interface. Especially if you've worked with the Xcode IDE - Bleeeeargh.

**voodooflux** · 27 May 2009, 15:07

Originally posted by Durbs View Post

Getting hold of a cheap copy of this is easy though. Action Pack subscription is the best route as you get other goodies too but you can get cheap academic copies from Fleabay if you dont mind that sort of thing.

I'm not sure that the Action Pack includes Visual Studio?

**ribble** · 27 May 2009, 15:11

Originally posted by voodooflux View Post

I'm not sure that the Action Pack includes Visual Studio?

It does if you sit a short online test.... You then get the web developer toolkit which includes VS 2008.

Dan

**voodooflux** · 27 May 2009, 15:13

Originally posted by dandcg View Post

It does if you sit a short online test.... You then get the web developer toolkit which includes VS 2008.

Dan

Oh righty - must have a look at that, cheers.

EDIT: looks to be Visual Studio 2008 Standard Edition included with that - alas I often need to develop Windows Services so require the Professional Edition. And according to this the 2008 Standard Edition isn't sufficient for managed mobile development?

**Durbs** · 27 May 2009, 15:13

Originally posted by dandcg View Post

It does if you sit a short online test.... You then get the web developer toolkit which includes VS 2008.

Dan

Yup, i got VS2008 and also their web/graphic/silverlight design apps Expression Design, Expression Web, Expression Blend, Expression Encoder, Expression Media.

Which was nice.

**voodooflux** · 27 May 2009, 15:34

Originally posted by Durbs View Post

Yup, i got VS2008 and also their web/graphic/silverlight design apps Expression Design, Expression Web, Expression Blend, Expression Encoder, Expression Media.

Which was nice.

Sounds like the VS2008 Standard Edition that you get with the Action Pack Web Dev Tools isn't sufficient for Managed (.NET) Mobile Development - can you confirm?

Develop in Windows Mobile - what do I need?