I cannot find the debug.keystore file anywhere on my mac....I've got the eclipse/SDK downloaded with all the recommended options...now i'm just trying to get my signing keys/Map APT etc....is there something I missed?

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8508189/where-is-the-debug-keystore-on-mac this may help

Try searching by terminal? cd ~/.android/ ls keystore might be hidden; unsure don't own a MAC

Try searching by terminal? cd ~/.android/ ls keystore might be hidden; unsure don't own a MAC

Hint: don't get debug key for maps. Fred

also the keytool plugin helps with a lot of keystore functions, dont remember if you can get id for maps from it or not, but does everything else, highly recommended! http://keytool.sourceforge.net/

My Buzztouch & Google maps article will help. www.MySkylla.com

Looked in terminal and read the article- if it's hidden I can't find it lol...i'm confused about what the keystore actually is but i'm following directions step by step to set everything up Is there somewhere I can get it other than my computer? maybe it didn't download properly?

It's created by Eclipse. You couldn't use the emulator without it. You need release key for maps, not bebug key. Export app and you'll have release key.

Hi Ashley, The keystore is basically a repository of certificates that identify you as a developer. You use the keystore to sign your apps with information about you, so that people can verify the apps really come from who they say they do. Similar to the Distribution Certificates that you need for Apple apps. For Android, you can use a debug key for testing your apps, and a release key for actually publishing your apps. To be honest, I'm not sure of the argument against using the release key for both testing and publishing, but there must be a reason! Either way, to use an app on a real device, it has to be signed with one of the keys. One way to find the keystore is to install Google Desktop and search for debug.keystore. I absolutely love Google Desktop for searching...finds stuff in seconds. The other thing you can do is create your own. If, in Eclipse, you highlight your project, click Export, and follow the Wizard, it gives you the opportunity to create a keystore. Just fill in the information it asks for! Finally...since the debug keystore is the same for all Android world, I can just send it to you via email, which I will do momentarily! Mark

The other thing you can do is create your own. You can create a debug key And/Or A Release key. If, in Eclipse, you highlight your project, click Export, and follow the Wizard, it gives you the opportunity to create a keystore. Just fill in the information it asks for! By doing so you'll create a Release key. Finally...since the debug keystore is the same for all Android world Not true, each debug key will expire after one year. If you release app (outside Google Play) you'll realise the app won't work after one year.

OK, I stand corrected...the debug key will indeed expire after one year. But for purposes of what Ashley is trying to do now...it'll suffice. If you're using a debug app after a year of development...well, you get what you get! Mark