Hello world!

Well I’ve decided to take the plunge a start a blog like millions of people do every day.  I’m currently writing apps for the Android platform, and my first app has been in the Android Market since August last year.  I want to use this blog to share some programming techniques and tricks I’ve found useful over the years.

I plan on posting code snippets for Android in an effort to help people get through their programming challenges.  Some of these code snippets are my own and some will be from other sources.  I want to have a place where I can go and find the code I need, rather than continuing to search the net for them.  If anyone wants to contribute to this blog, I’d be very appreciative.

The first app I wrote is called “On The Level” and its a digital bubble level and inclinometer.  So far its in its up to version 3.0 and the feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive.  I’ve received only three emails from customers with issues using the app, and I’ve been able to work through their problems quickly.  A few people have even suggestions and I’ve done my best to implement them.

I hope this blog is something people will come back to from time to time.  I’m still learning how to be a better programmer, so I hope readers will be able to share thoughts and code snippets as well.

On the Level

This application is a combination digital inclinometer and bubble level.  I wanted to make this app as simple and straightforward to use as their real life counterparts.

I also tried to make this as precise as the hardware will allow.  The measurements are calibrated to a hundredths of a degree accuracy.  Because of the fine level of precision and the uncertainty of the hardware its running on, the numerical display may not completely stop but bounce around a bit. A special filtering technique is used to keep the readings from getting too erratic. If you find that you are experiencing any problem with this app, please feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to fix any problems that I can.

NEW in version 2.0 Support for larger display sizes. This application should work on Android devices with higher resolution displays like the Motorola Droid.

NEW in version 3.0 * Better support for different display resolutions. Tested on a Motorola Droid and the G1 phone.
Added the Dering Spirit level
Enhanced the graphics
Optimized the code to run more efficiently
Smoothed out the filtering for better accuracy

Some people have been having a hard time finding this app in the Android Market, so he is a link to it in the AndroLib. http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-onthelevel-qzpm.aspx