Created by the Canadian firm Research In Motion, the BlackBerry was one of the earliest smartphones. This mobile device combines the technology of a media player and a wireless Internet platform in a single pocket-size package. Applications for the BlackBerry, commonly called "apps," are software that enables the smartphone to perform specialized tasks (access a bank account or radio station, identify songs). The second-most popular smartphone in the world as of 2010, the BlackBerry is particularly ubiquitous among business owners, so that is one area where new apps are always used. BlackBerry offers resources to developers of apps at the Developer Zone on its website.
Instructions
1. Register as a developer at the BlackBerry Developer Zone (see References for link). This allow you to access special developer resources.
2. Research the already-available applications in your area of interest (Internet apps, music apps) in the BlackBerry App World. Discover what the general opinion of those apps are and whether you can make an easier-to-use or more powerful app to replace it.
3. Design your app. The app should combine the interests of BlackBerry users with fresh innovations. Make sure that the app design does not frustrate or confuse new users.
4. Write the code for your new app. BlackBerry uses Java programming, and numerous books are available for learning Java in detail. Writing code can take years to master, though, so hiring a qualified technician to write it for you might be advised.
5. Test the app on a BlackBerry. Have people that are not tech-savvy try using the app. Work out any bugs in the code before moving on. If you recognize design or conceptual flaws, it might be best to return to the earlier steps of the process and rethink your app.
6. Submit your app to the BlackBerry Developer Zone. The support department will consider the app and contact you within two weeks. If your app is accepted, publicize it by encouraging review sites and message boards to write about it. Stay tuned to the reviews and opinions of the users of your app. With feedback, consider developing future variations of your app.
Tags: Developer Zone, BlackBerry Developer, BlackBerry Developer Zone, your BlackBerry