Chapter 2. Learning and Customizing the XS Environment

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• The Xamarin Studio IDE
• Creating your first iOS application
• Creating your first Android application
• Solution explorer
• Design and information pads
• Menus
• Solution and project options
• Environment preferences

In feature by feature, it's typically easier (and far less boring) to learn the environment in the context of hands-on demonstrations. In addition, there are certain features we simply can't view outside the context of a working solution. Therefore, let's begin by creating a couple of rudimentary applications. Following this, we will fill in the gaps of our knowledge by reviewing the interface features and then editing some project settings. Finally, we'll examine how we can tweak the workspace to maximize your working efficiency.