A promising, but not ready for primetime, system is Scripting Layer for
Android (SL4A): http://code.google.com/p/android-scripting/

SL4A interfaces interpreters for languages such as Python, PHP, Lua,
Scheme, Javascript, and Rhino (scriptable Java), to the underlaying
Java/Android API using JSON and facades as a transfer mechanism. Once
installed (which is a bit of work), applications are as simple as:

-------------------------
import android

droid =3D android.Android()

droid.ttsSpeak("Hello World.")
-------------------------

Web, dialog/popup and native user interfaces are available for front ends.

It's alpha software and installation is a bit complicated. But there are a
variety of languages, a ton of API interfaces, different UI interfaces, an
extremely active and helpful user community, and the ability to develop
both on the device and remotely on your desktop.

There are also a couple of books out on the platform too.

Hope this helps,

BAJ



On Wed, Feb 08, 2012 at 08:20:56PM +1300, RussellMc wrote:
> I'm sure Mr Gargoyle has lots to say on this subject but the answer
> can be subtly complex.
> I'm hoping Mr PICList has more distilled wisdom.
>=20
> I'm looking for an entry method  to Android "smartphone" programming
> which requires the minimum possible
>=20
> MUST be Android.
>=20
>  - learning
>  - effort
>  - time to "hello world" level programming  involved
>=20
> Take it home this evening, be running programs by bedtime* ... would
> be acceptable.
> (* today!)
>=20
> for
>=20
>        (i) An intelligent person with minimal exposure to computer
> languages or programming
>            (Maybe a Doctor, Lawyer, Artist, Mechanic, ...)
>=20
>        (ii) An intelligent person with good genera programming
> concepts but with
>             no language knowledge assumptions made.
>             (eg they may be a genius in System 360 assembler but have no
>                   other programming exposure)
>=20
> (So it's "EASY", it's just like C/C++/Java/BASIC/Forth/ ... is meaningles=
s)
>=20
> Being free is not essential but is highly desirable.
> The solution  can obviously  sacrifice functionality and speed of
> execution for simplicity.
>=20
>=20
>         Russell
> --=20
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist

--=20
Byron A. Jeff
Department Chair: IT/CS/CNET
College of Information and Mathematical Sciences
Clayton State University
http://cims.clayton.edu/bjeff
--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.