MONODROID - A COMPETITION FOR ANDROID ?

What is MonoDroid?

MonoDroid is a product that is used to develop Android based applications using C# and .NET. MonoDroid is developed by Novell as a separate product but works as an add-on to Visual Studio 2010. Right now, MonoDroid is in beta stage but once the final product is ready, you will have to buy it from Novell.

MonoDroid is similar to MonoTouch, a product that is developed by Novell to build iPhone and iPad applications.

You can find latest information and downloads about MonoDroid here:

http://monodroid.net/

Good news for Windows and Visual Studio developers. Unlike, MonoTouch, the MonoDroid works on Windows operating system and Visual Studio 2010 accept the Express version.

Installing MonoDroid for Visual Studio 2010 involves five steps:

1. Install the Java SDK
2. Install the Android SDK
3. Configure your simulator
4. Install the MonoDroid for Visual Studio 2010 Plugin

We cannot stress enough how important it is that you have these two pieces:

• A Windows PC
• Visual Studio 2010 Professional, Premium, or Ultimate. MonoDroid for Visual Studio 2010 will notwork with Visual Studio Express.