While it is possible to use other langs/tools to do development on Zaurus (Java, Python, Perl, Bash), a quick and easy method is to use Qt (Qtopia) and C++. Of course you can always #include <stdio.h> in a Qt C++ program and utilize standard C routines. The Trolltech SDK is available for free if you are doing GPL programming, but you must purchase a license if you are developing commercial applications.
To make life easy, the Qtopia SDK comes with a virtual frame buffer (qvfb) to allow you to compile applications on Linux and test applications using X11 without accessing the Zaurus. Another method is to go ahead and cross-compile the application, and transfer it to your Zaurus with FTP. Once on the Zaurus, you can run it and do your testing. The VNC (Virtual Network Computing) client will greatly assist you in this method, so you can use a full-size keyboard and run the Zaurus the same screen as you are writing the application. These two methods of compiling and testing applications can be seen in the following videos:
Using the example that comes with the Qtopia tools in /opt/Qtopia/examples/application/ the
steps to compile and test the example are as follows:
| X11 Method: | Arm Method: |
| source dev-x86-qpe.sh | source dev-arm-qpe.sh |
| rm -f Makefile | rm -f Makefile |
| tmake -o Makefile example.pro | tmake -o Makefile example.pro |
| make clean; make | make clean; make |
| qvfb& | vncviewer <Zaurus' IP> |
| ./example -qws | Open a terminal on the Zaurus |
| ftp <Development Box's IP> and get example | |
| ./example |