May 2013 Update: How to Install Android Development Environment
I was so happy of the news that I will be working with Google Android Development. Its cool, now I can use my knowledge in Java Programming. I took up one Java Programming course (one semester) when I was in college. So here it is, I wanna share with you my Java comeback experience – with Google Android.
Android is an open-source software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications.
If you’re a windows user, follow the these steps (you can at least have an idea here even if you’re not a windows user):
Step 1: Check the system and software requirements for developing Android applications – http://developer.android.com/sdk/requirements.html. If you think your system submits to Android system requirements, proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Download the Following:
- Java Development Kit (JDK) – http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html (Choose “Download JDK” button and not “Download JRE” because Android requires more than just JRE )
- Eclipse – http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/ (Choose Eclipse IDE for Java Developers which is the first in the list, as of this time, version name to be downloaded is “Eclipse Helios“)
- Android SDK – http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html (Choose the latest version installer_r10-windows.exe which is recommended). The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications on the Android platform using the Java programming language.
- Android Development Tools (ADT) – http://developer.android.com/sdk/eclipse-adt.html#installing (I prefer downloading the zip file first (which is ADT-10.0.1.zip as of now), than installing it in default or via URL, it offers less errors). ADT is a plugin for the Eclipse IDE that is designed to give you a powerful, integrated environment in which to build Android applications. ADT extends the capabilities of Eclipse to help you quickly develop new Android projects
Step 3: Install
- JDK – I got this file after downloading: jdk-6u24-windows-i586.exe. This is the first one to be installed
- Unzip Eclipse Helios to your desired location. I placed mine in C:, then create a shortcut of eclipse.exe to desktop so that it will be easy to find and run on next start up of your computer.
- I got installer_r10-windows.exe for Android SDK. I installed mine in C:ANDROID-SDK. Close Android SDK and AVD manager first if it pops out.
Step 4: Run your eclipse.exe, when you run it for the first time, workspace launcher will pop out for you to select a workspace directory, I had C:JAVA-WS as my workspace directory then tick the checkbox “Use this as my default workspace” if you want so that workspace launcher won’t pop up on next eclipse start up.
Step 5: Install ADT Plugin.
- On eclipse, go to Help > Install New Software then click the Add Button on the pop up.
- On the Add Repository pop up, click the Archive Button then browse the ADT Plugin (ADT-10.0.1.zip) we have downloaded earlier, specify a local name (i.e. Android Plugin) then click OK.
- You can now see the Developer Tools check box, tick it and click the Next Button. Wait for several minutes while it loads.
- Click on Next > Accept the terms of license agreement > Finish > Eclipse will install the software OR you have to Tick Always run in background check box > Click Run in background button.
- Wait for eclipse to load/install new software (see the status on the lower right corner). After that it will prompt you to restart eclipse, please restart eclipse.
Step 6: Use the android SDK and AVD manager.
- Set Up android SDK location: Window > Preferences > Browse your SDK Location. Mine is C:ANDROID-SDK since this is where I installed my SDK (third bullet of Step 3).
Step 7: Install Android Platform
- On eclipse, go to Window > Android SDK and AVD manager > Select Available Packages on the left bar > Explode Android Repository > Tick the platform that you want to use (I ticked SDK Platform Android 1.6, API 4, revision 3 for now) > Click Install selected > Accept Radio button > Install button > Wait for the platform to be downloaded.
My next blog could be the undying “Hello World” example — in Android and I’m gonna try to make it more simple.
If you think I missed something in this post, you can ask about it by leaving a comment below.
Resources:
2 responses to “Getting Started with Google Android Development”
hey there, thanks for the links…been there. only problem is, my internet connection doesnt allow me to download from that server :(
was wondering if u can post some other links to pull the ADT and the SDK from.
THANKS in advance!! :D :D
Hi, thanks for commenting. Hmm I’m afraid but I think the best links to download the Android ADT and SDK are the links stated above. They are provided by Google so they are the updated and genuine installers.
Maybe you could find some other way to download them. How about renting a computer with a fine internet connection?