I'm writing a book! (Part 1)

Update: You can now pre-order my book here http://bit.ly/mOMIBA - due for release this December, 2011.

A few weeks ago I answered a message on LinkedIn as to whether I was interested in writing a book on Appcelerator's Titanium platform for Packt Publishing.  I have been pretty vocal to anyone that will listen over the last 12-18 months about just how great this platform is, so I lept at the chance. After some back and forth discussion on the book and after the creating of an outline (my vision for its contents), I am just waiting on a final contract with Packt.! So far so good, but it looks like everything will start steaming ahead in the next couple of days. It's to be a 'Cookbook' style book, split into about 12 chapters where each chapter is broken down into various 'recipes' or tutorials on how to accomplish specific tasks.

In particular I am looking forward to approach the book with an 'app driven' approach, that is to say I would like to have the reader follow along with chapter and come out with a useful app built at the end of it. Of course, due to the nature of the layout it can also be used as a reference to perform particular tasks or objectives with Titanium Mobile.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to blog about the experience and even write up a few articles on the site about things I learn throughout the process.

So far I'm about 3000 words in and looking forward to a new blog post about how it's progressing in a few weeks.

 

If you have any suggestions or would like to see any particular aspect of Appcelerator Titanium covered in the book please let me know by email via boydlee -at- gmail.com, or contact me via the contact page or twitter (@boydleep).



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RE: iPad Specific
Posts: 7
Comment
RE: iPad Specific
Reply #7 on : Wed February 08, 2012, 12:03:28
Hi Mac,

Originally the publisher had intentions to release both an iPhone/Android and a separate iPad book by another author, however I don't think that ended up happening.

Feel free to email me what kind of things you'd like in an iPad book directly (http://boydlee.com/contact-and-resume.html) and I will look into it.
Mac
Posts: 7
Comment
IPad Specific
Reply #6 on : Wed February 08, 2012, 12:01:09
Hi,

Another book focused on Ipad will be very helpful. how to create apps using Split windows,non split window apps . There is no much of resource available for ipad development. Expecting one from you after following you first
Boydlee
Posts: 7
Comment
RE: Where to post errors/omissions from book?
Reply #5 on : Sat December 17, 2011, 08:11:59
Hi Lance,

Thanks for your question, firstly to answer it the "className" property is simply an identifier that helps the TableView keep a track of the row object to allocate and re-use when it is rendering the rows.

As an example, if you created row A with a image and a label, then row B with no image, it can cause performance problems. It is a bit of a confusing property - if you come from an OO background you probably expect "className" references some other class somewhere in your application, however in this case, it's just an identifier.

I am going to create a new web page on my site where you can post questions or list any problems and omissions and I will do my best to answer them, provide any updated code samples if required, and provide revised editions of the Cookbook going forward. Going forward of course Titanium will evolve considerably and so changes will be inevitable. I will email everyone on my blog list when this page is available!
Lance Spellman
Posts: 7
Comment
Where to post errors/omissions from book?
Reply #4 on : Sat December 17, 2011, 07:59:09
As I've been going through the book this morning, I've found a few omissions. Where can I provide feedback on these items?

For example, in chapter 2 about custom rows, you discuss using className property, but don't provide where that class is defined (like an app.jss file) nor is it included in code resources.

Thanks!
Bob Monsour
Posts: 7
Comment
Add me to your book notification list
Reply #3 on : Fri May 27, 2011, 22:34:12
Hi,

Can you please add me to your list (or point me where to get on the list) for when the book becomes available (electronic beta, paper, or any other form)?

I look forward to it.

Thanks.
Boydlee
Posts: 7
Comment
RE: Make sure...
Reply #2 on : Mon April 04, 2011, 21:59:21
Hi Spencer,

This is mostly a cookbook style app - meaning while it is OK for beginners the publisher's format means it is not necessarily aimed at them. My only real requirement in this book is you know at least some JavaScript, which is an absolutely necessity. Other than that each chapter delves into building a real app and all the steps involved so I think you will find it useful!

Cheers
Spencer
Posts: 7
Comment
Make sure...
Reply #1 on : Thu March 31, 2011, 12:43:22
I'm tired of getting beginner tutorial books that say "before you start this book you should already know." Make sure you start out with everything you need to know to program in Titanium to make a decent app! I can't wait to buy the book!