This page documents creating and deploying a simple BlackBerry Application, as needed for CS492.
Setting up the Development Environment
To build a Blackberry application on a Win32 machine, you first need to set up a development environment. I followed these steps to get a working environment up and running:
- Install the Java JDK 1.5 if not already installed
- Modify the PATH environment variable to include the jdk/bin directory
Download the BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE); at this time the newest version is 4.1
- Run the setup program to install to the JDE
Download the appropriate BlackBerry device simulator. The 7510 simulator is listed under the version 4.0 downloads (bottom of the page). Run the installation program after downloading.
This is enough to get a working development environment installed.
Creating a Simple Project
Running/Debugging your Project in the Simulator
Within the JDE you have the ability to build and run your application within the simulator. Right-click the project icon and select Properties to set parameters such as default simulated device, etc.
When running an application that requires HTTP or network access, run the MDS Simulator before starting your application. This can be found under the Research in Motion program group on the Start menu, and emulates the corporate server that BlackBerry applications normally proxy through when making network requests.
Transferring your App to the Phone
There are two steps required to run your application on the phone directly. First you must install the desktop tools necessary for syncing the BlackBerry with your desktop, and then you must generate an ALX installable bundle.
Download and install the BlackBerry Desktop Software. At this time the latest release is 4.1. During the installation procedure you will be prompted for your syncronization method. (XXX find my notes)
Connect the BlackBerry to your computer using the USB cable included. During the initial connection the handheld will syncronize information regarding its installed applications, etc.
Generate the ALX bundle for your application; from the JDE select the Build menu and click Create ALX