In this chapter, we evaluated the prices and options offered by Xamarin Studio and we walked through installing Xamarin Studio and the secondary software needed for cross-platform development. Next, we learned how to enroll in the various developer programs available to cross-platform developers. Finally, we discussed how to set up the basic functions of our development environment, including how to set up simulators and emulators for development testing and integrating source control.

In Chapter 2, Learning and Customizing the XS Environment, you will create your first iOS and Android applications. Building and customizing those applications will serve as a context to examine the Xamarin Studio environment in more detail.