One frequently posted question is simply "how do I get started?"

Like any environment, programming the PalmPilot requires learning some things - the tools, application programming interfaces (APIs), the operating system (PalmOS), and so on. The step between "where do I start" and getting that first program running can be daunting.

In this and future articles, I'll explore all aspects of PalmPilot program development - looking at the tools and development environments available, exploring what goes on within a program, using the PalmOS APIs, building HackMaster Hacks, and more.

Let's start by looking at what you'll need to begin that first program.

What platforms?
Your choice of tools will partially be dictated by your development platform. Most likely, you're using a Macintosh, Linux or Unix, or Windows (95 or NT).

Macintosh users are cursed and blessed - the "official" development environment is a Macintosh with Metrowerks CodeWarrior. At the same time, this is the only Mac-hosted compiler which could be a problem because it can be costly (hence, cursed). The most mature of all the PalmPilot development tools, CodeWarrior on Macintosh was used to develop the built-in applications, and is the only environment capable of running "Gremlins" - an automated testing tool required for Platinum certification by Palm/3Com. So if you're developing on a Macintosh, your choice of tools is already decided: buy the Metrowerks compiler.

Unix/Linux users are twice blessed and cursed, as they have two choices: the GCC compiler, and the Pila assembler. More about both of these in a moment.

Windows users are most-blessed (though some would argue we're cursed just by using Windows) - CodeWarrior, GCC, Pila, and a number of other development tools run under Windows. Many of the alternative tools are only supported on Windows.

Unless you are planning for Platinum certification, there is no clear "best" development platform. This certification requires extensive testing with Gremlins, so your only choice is CodeWarrior on a Macintosh. Most developers will simply use their favorite platform - all are quite suitable.

Finally, you can develop directly on the PalmPilot itself. There are a number of PalmPilot-hosted tools, although for the most part, these aren't suitable for "real" development; they don't have the range of accessories necessary for building a standalone shippable application. They can be useful for quick tasks or to try out some ideas before committing to full-scale development.