Android Development

Ok... I am feeling like the Android API makes things way harder than they need to be (in some cases). For instance, can someone please tell me how to make a button? I can't figure out how to do it...

I've tried this code but Eclipse says it can't find the variable 'id' in R.java. And, I don't understand how to instantiate a new button using Contexts. Help?

Code :

---

public class AppLauncher extends Activity {
    /** Called when the activity is first created. */
    @Override
    public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.main);
        Button b = (Button)findViewById(R.id.button);
    }
}

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Note: Using this.findViewById doesn't work either.