Topic: Learning to write a widget
Hey all,
I just got my chumby on Monday, he doesn't even have a name yet lol Anyway, I think he's just great, waking up to the bugle every morning really makes me smile. (and I know I'll smile bigger when I'm not woken up on Saturday lol)
But I'd really, really like to learn to program him. I can do some programming, like MS Access/Excel, html/javascript, and that sort of thing, but I have never done any graphical programming or anything like flash.
My goal, because I know it helps to have a goal, is to learn to eventually create a widget to be able to see my ReplayTVs on my Chumby. I think it might be possible simply because DVArchive (a server built specially for ReplayTV) has xml files, and even if I had to have my pc/NAS on, it would be a great idea. I know I have to start with something easier, but eventually I'd like to get to this point.
But first I need to get started learning to program widgets, just basic ones.
What do I need to start in terms of software? Obviously, not having done this before, I don't have hundreds to buy an expensive program, but there are always alternatives, no?
Then once I have the tools, where can I find a tutorial to lead me through the first one (or two)?
I have read the wiki which has ideas and such, but there doesn't seem to be a quick and clear way to go about learning for the first time. I really don't want to go down hundreds of false paths using the wrong tools and following instructions that won't get me from here to there and making me super-frustrated in the process and not wanting to even try, so I was hoping that people here might help with a newbie guide for programming your first widget, or something like that.
Ideas, anyone?
TIA!
Cecilia
http://forum.chumby.com/viewtopic.php?id=2565