Ask Slashdot: Where Can I Find Resources On Programming For Palm OS 5? 170
First time accepted submitter baka_toroi (1194359) writes I got a Tungsten E2 from a friend and I wanted to give it some life by programming for it a little bit. The main problem I'm bumping up against is that HP thought it would be awesome to just shut down every single thing related to Palm OS development. After Googling a lot I found out CodeWarrior was the de facto IDE for Palm OS development... but I was soon disappointed as I learned that Palm moved from the 68K architecture to ARM, and of course, CodeWarrior was just focused on Palm OS 4 development.
Now, I realize Palm OS 4 software can be run on Palm OS 5, but I'm looking to use some of the 'newer' APIs. Also, I have the Wi-fi add-on card so I wanted to create something that uses it. I thought what I needed was PODS (Palm OS Development Suite) but not only I can't find it anywhere but also it seems it was deprecated during Palm OS's lifetime. It really doesn't help the fact that I'm a beginner, but I really want to give this platform some life. Any general tip, book, working link or even anecdotes related to all this will be greatly appreciated.
Now, I realize Palm OS 4 software can be run on Palm OS 5, but I'm looking to use some of the 'newer' APIs. Also, I have the Wi-fi add-on card so I wanted to create something that uses it. I thought what I needed was PODS (Palm OS Development Suite) but not only I can't find it anywhere but also it seems it was deprecated during Palm OS's lifetime. It really doesn't help the fact that I'm a beginner, but I really want to give this platform some life. Any general tip, book, working link or even anecdotes related to all this will be greatly appreciated.
Not worth it (Score:5, Insightful)
Don't waste your time. Learn iOS, Android or some other platform that isn't dead.
Be ready for a lot of frustration (Score:5, Insightful)
PalmOS is a rather antiquated system. No memory protection, no native multitasking, clunky APIs...
Depending on your personality type and the coding experience you have, it's either going to be a TON of fun, or you're going to want to smash and break things on the very first night.
Or maybe both. :) I don't have any pointers, but as a former Palm OS user, godspeed.
(Palm IIIxe from 2000-2005, Palm Treo 650 from 2005 to 2009)
Where Can I learn (Score:2, Insightful)
Where can I learn how to send smoke signals?
Why? (Score:4, Insightful)
It's hideously slow and limited by today's standards, the standards are horribly out of date (802.11b anyone?) the ten year old battery is surely shot, and the platform is dead, dead, dead.
If you're looking for a cheap hackable device, get a no-frills Android tablet. If you're looking to get into mobile development, get any decent smartphone.
Still, if you really want to work on that old Palm, you should still be able to find the Garnet OS Development Suite.
Re:Not worth it (Score:5, Insightful)
Yes this. Especially Android. Since it is Java based you can use that knowledge to program server side apps as well.
Programming for an OS without memory protection is a nightmare.
Re:Dear Slashdot (Score:4, Insightful)
Many times I've seen pieces of news about Amigas and usually they're warmly received (are they not outdated?).
The Amigas are outdated. However the stories are warmly recieved, because Amiga has been popular, and lots of people still have one in their basement. Palm OS wasn't this popular. People love their Amigas, Amiga became a part of culture. This has many reasons, not just popularity. The fanboy group for Palm OS is smaller but I doubt it doesn't exist. Its not mainstream culture though.
I don't know why you shouldn't "waste" your time learning about a dead platform. As long as you see it as your hobby. Some people like reenactments, and dress in historic uniforms to "play" historic battles. Others know every part of the steam engines used from 1860 to 1892 by Santa Fe. So why not Palm OS?