Hands-on Labs at the BlackBerry Developer Conference are a great way to try out the latest developer tools, get a running
start on a first project, or ramp up your expertise. In a classroom setting, participants work through problems and exercises
with knowledgeable instructors nearby. Work at your own pace and broaden your understanding of what the BlackBerry® solution
can do. All classrooms are equipped with desktop computers, but attendees can download the exercises in advance and bring
their own laptops.
Access to the Hands-on Labs are included as part of a BlackBerry DEVCON conference pass. Visit the Hands-on Labs during open hours:
Four quizzes will run from Monday to Wednesday, focused on code optimizations for the BlackBerry platform. The quizzes will follow a similar format as the lab exercises and need to be completed using a custom Plug-in for Eclipse® – you can use the lab computers or your personal laptop; however, quiz solutions must be submitted in the Hands-on Labs. The Coding Challenge Winners will be announced on BlackBerry Developer Day and prizes will be awarded to the top coders.
There are three different labs for attendee to complete:
BlackBerry Java Development
For Java® developers who develop applications using the Eclipse Integrated Development
Environment (IDE), BlackBerry development offers a familiar way to develop and test
rich mobile applications that are optimized for BlackBerry smartphones. Learn how
to create rich Java applications for the BlackBerry wireless platform with assistance
from BlackBerry developers at Research In Motion® (RIM®). Topics range from the
basic Hello BlackBerry application and user interface components, to embedding interactive
maps in your application and building your own multi-media player. New 6.0 APIs
are also highlighted, such as Universal Search, Command Framework and Pane Manager.
Whether you’re new to BlackBerry Java development or a master coder, this is a great
way to learn from BlackBerry experts and see how BlackBerry development with Eclipse
will improve your coding experience.
Examples include:
- Using SQLite® within your application
- Using the enhanced MapField API for LBS applications
- Improving the UI with Titlebar, Adjustment Listener and Trackpad Gestures
- Using the Accelerometer API to respond to device motion
BlackBerry Web Application Development
Get hands-on with the latest version of the BlackBerry web tooling for both Microsoft®
Visual Studio® and Eclipse. Learn how to leverage Visual Studio and Eclipse, and
take advantage of the features of BlackBerry Web technology to rapidly build compelling
applications and content. Topics range from how to write and debug a simple BlackBerry
App, to leveraging existing on-device applications including location information.
Learn how to create rich applications and web sites for the BlackBerry wireless
platform with assistance from BlackBerry developers at Research In Motion® (RIM®).
Examples include:
- Storing local data with HTML5
- How to secure your BlackBerry Application
- Performing data push with your App
- Using Personal Information Manager (PIM) data
- How to debug, and profile, your web page
- Accessing information from the SD Card
- Invoking applications on a BlackBerry smartphone
BlackBerry Theme Creation
Get hands-on with the latest version of the Theming tools for the BlackBerry solution.
Learn how to create rich interactive content as well as how to design themes. You
will also be shown how to take the content and use it within the tooling to create
state of the art themes. Topics range from creating simple animations, creating
interactive content to creating basic themes as well as how to create custom home
screens.
Examples Include:
- Introduction to Themes - Creating a Zen Theme
- Using the Tile Editor
- Using the Meter Preview
- Introduction to Animation
- Intermediate Animation
- Creating Buttons
- Creating Interactive Content
- Intermediate Theming - Creating the L Theme
- Advanced Theming - Creating the Halloween Theme
- Advanced Home Screen Animation Techniques
- Understanding Memory Models and Navigation
- Create Your Own Theme