WidSets QuickStart
WidSets Scripting Language and WidSets platform – rapid development and delivery
WidSets is a powerful framework, built on top of Mobile Java (Java™ ME), making many Java ME features available for developers. Additionally, many Java ME features have been wrapped in a more developer-friendly way, requiring fewer lines of code to do the same thing than in Java.
Because the WidSets client is a Java application, it can be run in any mobile device supporting MIDP 2.0. WidSets is currently verified to support more than 300 different phone models.
With WidSets you can get your favourite Web content directly to your mobile phone. You can share your preferred content with other users or publish it on the Web. Widgets with useful functionality can be developed, deployed, and updated very quickly.
WidSets widgets are small mobile applications written in WidSets Scripting Language (WSL), tailored and optimized for the WidSets service. WSL is a strongly typed, Java-like language, designed to be light-weight but powerful.
The service and developer tools are free: no need for certificates, no fee for development tools, and no payment needed for accessing developer programs.
What you should already know
You should have a certain level of software programming experience, preferably in Java ME and Web programming. Without Java or at worst not even any other programming language experience, you could consider basic Java training first.
Start here
Before you begin writing code, get an overview of the WidSets service. And if you already haven't, take a quick peek at the WidSets technology landing page.
There are loads of resources available to start with and it is possible to follow alternative paths, based on your preference. However, here the idea is to first get something simple but concrete done quickly — in other words, a quick start, and only after that start studying WidSets development in more detail. Ready to proceed?
First just play with the tools
Get the development tools
To develop WidSets widgets, you will need the WidSets Software Development Kit (SDK). This SDK contains required tools; example widgets, their documentation, API documentation, and a WidSets phone emulator to test the applications on a PC.
- If you are not a WidSets user yet, please register for a user account on the WidSets Web site. Full use of the SDK requires you to be connected with the WidSets service. You will need your account username and password to be able to login.
- Download and install the SDK for WidSets
Though an integrated development environment (IDE) is not required for programming, you may want to get a proper editor for creating and editing the souce code files, for example UltraEdit, EditPlus, or Emacs.
Create your first WidSets widget
- Simply follow the instructions in the WidSets Getting Started documentation in the Forum Nokia Wiki to understand how the development process goes. The article also describes the contents of a typical WidSets widget.
Scan through the documentation
Please consult the WidSets developer documentation in the Forum Nokia Wiki. It is the main source for the documentation.
Examine the code examples
Widget example code is bundled with the SDK. For additional examples and code snippets, check out the WidSets section in the Forum Nokia Wiki.
Discuss with your peers
Want to make money with it?
The business model WidSets will implement for 3rd party developers will be based on revenue share from banner advertisements. Nokia's global advertisement sales organisation as well as the Nokia Interactive advertisement service for running campaigns and targeting banners will be utilized as the core part of the ecosystem where developers are vital players with reasonable earning opportunities. Naturally, the delivery capacity of WidSets is the key asset in reaching the audience of millions of mobile users as eyeballs for targeted advertising. To put it simple, the best revenues will be generated by widgets that are addictive, easy to use, and access the most important stuff on the Web.
More information of how the business model is implemented in practice will be given out throughout the year, so stay tuned to the WidSets site Announcements section to keep yourself updated.
Go to market
Forum Nokia can offer plenty of advice about promoting your applications. Whether your application has global, regional, or local appeal, Forum Nokia can help you find the right channels.
