Learning How to Code for Fenix/Epix - Too Difficult For a Layperson?

It's up to you to decide. Download the SDK, and take a look (see the "Extra, Extra.." sticky post here as to where to start), and look in the docs in the SDK as to how to get things set up.

I'm willing to spend time reading how to learn to code to develop (mostly) watchfaces but also maybe an app or two.
1. Where do I start to learn the language(s)?
2. Is it too time intensive for a layperson to learn just for the occasional watchface, etc?

Your advice is greatly appreciated.
John

I think this also depends on what you know about programming. If you've never programmed even a hello world, this might be a difficult start. If this is the case I would recommend you to do some java tutorials first and then come back to get the SDK and go through the examples. You will absolutely be able to learn these things in a short amount of time.

MonkeyC is more like JavaScript than Java. The big difference is that Java uses a strong type system that is enforced at compile time, whereas JavaScript uses duck typing.

If you are just starting out with programming, I think JavaScript would be a good place to start. Of course you could just start with MonkeyC, the big disadvantage being the lack of documentation of the core language.

MonkeyC is more like JavaScript than Java. The big difference is that Java uses a strong type system that is enforced at compile time, whereas JavaScript uses duck typing.

If you are just starting out with programming, I think JavaScript would be a good place to start. Of course you could just start with MonkeyC, the big disadvantage being the lack of documentation of the core language.

I think it is just a mixture of concepts from Java and JavaScript. JavaScript doesn't know inheritance, which is somewhat important in MonkeyC. I think if you understood the core concepts of Java you'll be ready to code some MonkeyC. If you know JavaScript you'll have to add some extra lessons to get to code MonkeyC.

Well, I'm in medical so I've never programmed before so I have to start from scratch. I always did want to take a crse in college but my electives were always filled with something else.
Thanks again for the great advice.

JavaScript doesn't know inheritance, which is somewhat important in MonkeyC.

JavaScript definitely supports inheritance. The syntax is mostly the same.

JavaScript definitely supports inheritance. The syntax is mostly the same.

That standard isn't out in the wild yet? At any rate the javascript I grew up with did not support inheritance natively, the main reason why frameworks such as prototype popped up. In JS you cannot extend, but you can copy a class and then add behaviours to the clone at runtime to achieve the same result.

You'll also need to learn XML for modifying the resources and manifest files.

As for tips for a starter, the best way to go is to download a copy of eclipse for java developers, and then install the connectiq plugin per the "Installing and Configuring the plugin" on this page.

Then, take small steps. Start off by importing a project from the samples folder in the SDK. Modify a line, run it, modify another line, run again. See what works and what doesn't

I find the whole process a bit infuriating as I'm used to strongly typed, compile-time languages, but to fresh eyes it's probably quite a fun process seeing something come to life. Good luck

JavaScript definitely supports inheritance. The syntax is mostly the same.

Seems like your right. Appearantly my JavaScript knowladge is not really up to date ;-)

You can find some "full example" watchfaces here:

https://github.com/worksasdesigned

not very structured code, but with copy&past and a bit of experiments you can pretty easy develop your own watchface.

cheers