What programming language to be used for developing sofware for Mobile Phones?

Question

What language should I use to develop programs for Nokia/Samsung/LG/Sony Ericsson phones? (Both Symbian and Non Symbian) ?

Ofcourse to install the software straight inside the phone.

Thanks.

Answer 1

There are 2 main "classes" of applications for mobile phones - native apps and Java apps.

For Java, most new phones support some version of MIDP, and developing for it is fairly easy. As for installation, however, it's a little more tricky. In general you install applications through links on the internet, but some carriers put limits on which applications can be installed on your phone.

For native apps, it depends on the OS of your phone. For most of them, developing native applications costs a lot of money (for tools and SDKs) and there are also issues with how the applications are distributed. Installation and debugging are, again, different depending on the OS.

Answer 2

java (j2me) is currently the de-facto language.. but probably not for long!

See the mobile sun website

Answer 3

The Samsung i7500 is powered by Android and many seems to jump onto that same train. Android is the shit :) Basically java but compiled into Dalvik executable (.dex format). You develop in e.g. Ellipse.