Symbian OS C++ for Mobile Phones (Symbian Press)

Richard Harrison?s existing books are the bestsellers in the Symbian Press Portfolio.  His latest book, co-written with Mark Shackman is the successor to `Symbian OS C++ for Mobile Phones` Volumes One and Two. Written in the same style as the two previous volumes, this is set to be another gem in the series. 

The existing material from the volumes will be combined, with explanations and example code updated to reflect the introduction of Symbian OS v9.  New and simplified example application will be introduced, which will be used throughout the book.  The reference and theory section in particular sets this book apart from the competition and complements other books being proposed at this time.

Anyone looking for a thorough insight into Symbian OS C++ before moving onto specialize on particular Symbian OS phones need this book!  It will not teach people how to program in C++, but it will reinforce the techniques behind developing applications in Symbian OS C++, and more.

This innovative new book covers Symbian OS fundamentals, core concepts and UI.

Key highlights include: A quick guide to Kernel Platform security Publishing Applications View Architecture Multi-User games

User review
Good introduction but examples are outdated and index is useless
My title says it all. The book starts relativly good by giving an useful introduction into Symbian Programming and introducing the basic programming paradigms. I also like the chapter about how to avoid common pitfalls and about descriptors.

After the example section the book goes to introduce the basic functionality of some libraries, but stays too much on the surface to deliver some advantage over reading the official documentation.

Some examples (for example in the file system services part) also seem to be outdated.

Not so much work seems to have gone into creating an index - it is overbloated with useless page citings. It seems as if somebody just took a number of keywords searched the document and added them directly to the index, even if the keyword at a page is not relevant at all. For example the keyword `UIDs` points to 19 different pages!

My recommendation: For an introduction take a look at S60 Programming - A Tutorial Guide by Wiley (same publisher). I found that to be organized better for beginners. If you are beyond that stage, use the internet forums or the Symbian documentation.

User review
A good base for UIQ
I ordered this book because I was new to Symbian/UIQ. I found it easier and more convenient to use than the SDK on-line doc.
I appreciate the battleship case-study used to illustrate the basic and intermediate Symbian/UIQ concepts. It helped me a great deal. This book also focuses on UIQ application framework. But surprisingly, I found it very scarce (as much as the SDK) on some aspects of the application framework: embedded application programming, command-line parameters processing.
However still good to have it close at hand for when I need a quick info.

User review
Good Starting Point
Having written software for 15 years for UNIX and Windows platforms, my move to the mobile space has been educational and humbling. Trying to learn to program for Symbian using the SDK and publicly available docs is daunting at best. The SDK docs are sparse, poorly written and provide a terrible search experience.

In contrast, Symbian OS C++ for Mobile Phones provides a solid foundation for learning to program this relatively new breed of devices. It covers a lot of material in a fair amount of depth and will help newbies to ascend the steep learning curve. Without this book, those new to Symbian programming will need to scour the SDK docs, trawl the newsgroups, and rely on kind souls from the UK to help with their inevitable programming questions.

I would have given this book 4 stars had it not been for several disappointing characteristics. First, there are too many authors. The writing style changes and information is repeated unnecessarily and in jarring ways. Second, the book sometimes repeats what's in the SDK docs, albeit in a consolidated form, without adding pragmatic insight and value. Third, it does not delve into some real-world, complex topics in any meaningful way. For example, the text quickly discusses messaging (SMS/MMS) but does not provide a digestible example of programmatically constructing an MMS. Fourth, it does not include Series 60 information, which is a shame given that the Series 60 is a very popular platform.

All in all, this is a good book that provides relevant, helpful information that will flatten the learning curve considerably.

User review
Should've been titled - Programming the Symbian UIQ platform
If you were looking for a deeper discussion of Symbian for Mobile Phones than the `Programming the Series 60 platform and Symbian OS`, you've come to the wrong place. `Different` would be a more accurate word. Part of the problem is that it was put together by agglomerating works from various ( 18 !) authors. The writing style shifts from first to third person and back a lot.

The book rather briefly mentions Series 60 ( still the predominant UI among symbian-based smartphones ) and Series 80 ( Nokia Communicators ), and then moves on. All sample code provided by the authors ( downloadable from the books website ), is targeted strictly towards UIQ.

While the number of subjects covered( UI, file system, memory handling, Bluetooth, communications ) serve their purpose, the book just seems too haphazardly composed to be easily digestable. At least they did provide a few small applets which demonstrate some of the subjects ( strings, simple drawing ) covered, before they present their version of the classic Battleship game ( which in it's favor does implement a communication stack for multiplayer use ).

My ONE strong suggestion to the authors would've been not to ignore the Series 60 platform altogether. The last book for Series 60 left a lot of room for the authors of this book, to have tied the loose ends that the SDK leaves open, together.