Before You Start

The Symbian platform provides a developer platform for mobile devices. The platform is implemented in a range of devices and provides application developers with a set of libraries, applications, and technologies.

The following introduction to mobile application development with the C++ programming language for the Symbian platform allows you to develop and run your first two applications with the Carbide.c++ Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

What you need to know

Although you do not need prior information about the Symbian platform, you should have some knowledge about the following:

  • C++ programming

  • Basic principles of object-oriented design

For more information on Symbian projects, see Tutorial 5: Symbian Project Contents.

What you need to develop your first Symbian application

  • You need the following hardware and software to develop applications and test them on a PC:

    • A PC that meets the hardware and software requirements listed in the SDK release notes.

    • Symbian Platform Software Development Kit (SDK)

      Before you begin to develop applications for mobile devices, choose the target devices best suited for your application and then choose the corresponding development platforms. This allows you to install an appropriate SDK.

      Note:

      The tutorials in Getting Started tell you how to use the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK and Carbide.c++ v2.3.0 for application development.

    • Carbide.c++ Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which contains the WINSCW compiler for building Symbian applications for the emulator

    • ActivePerl

      Check the Perl version required by the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK from the release notes. For example, the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK requires Perl version 5.6.1 build 635 for the SDK build tools. Newer or older versions may not be fully compatible with the Symbian tool chain.

    • Java Runtime

      Check the Java Runtime version required by the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK from release notes. For example, the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK requires Java Runtime version 1.6.0_xx.

  • You need the following hardware and software to test applications on a mobile device:

    • A mobile device based on the Symbian platform edition that is compatible with your development SDKs

    • A connection between your PC and mobile device, such as a USB or Bluetooth connection.

      For information on how to create the connection, see the documentation that accompanies the device. For example, use the version of Nokia PC Suite that is compatible with the device.

For more information on:

To install Carbide.c++ IDE

  1. On the Tool Details (Carbide.c++) page click Download now.

  2. Start the installation by running the file. You can also save the file to your hard drive first.

If you encounter any problems, see How do I start programming for Symbian OS? on the Forum Nokia Wiki. You can also ask questions about SDK related problems (installation, tools configuration, emulator issues, and so on) on the Symbian Tools & SDKs discussion board on Forum Nokia.

To download SDK installation instructions

  1. Go to the Tool Details (Symbian Platform SDKs) page.

  2. Download and read the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK release notes.

  3. Select the latest Symbian SDK version and click Download now.

  4. Save and extract the zip file.

  5. In the root directory, open the Nokia Symbian^3 SDK Installation Guide.

Parent topic: Getting Started
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