Android Studio Introduction to Android Studio Estimated reading: 5 minutes 357 views Introduction to Android StudioWelcome to Mastering QA! In this guide, we’ll start by introducing you to Android Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android app development. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, understanding Android Studio is crucial for building and testing Android applications.What is Android Studio?Android Studio is the official IDE for Android app development, based on IntelliJ IDEA. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing and debugging Android applications, including a robust code editor, emulator, and more.Key FeaturesHere are some features of Android Studio: Intelligent Code Editor: Offers code completion, refactoring, and analysis. Visual Layout Editor: Design your app visually with drag-and-drop functionality. Flexible Build System: Powered by Gradle, it allows for custom build configurations. Real-time Profiler: Monitor your app's CPU, memory, and network activity in real-time.How To Install Android StudioTo begin the installation process for Android Studio, first, proceed to the official website by selecting this link: Download Android Studio. As of the creation of this document, the most current version of Android Studio is Hedgehog To download this version, click on the Download Android Studio Hedgehog button. Doing so will direct you to the Terms and Conditions page. Android Studio - Hedgehog Version Carefully examine the details outlined in the Terms and Conditions and ensure to mark the checkbox indicating your acknowledgment and agreement with the stated terms. Depending on the specific chip architecture of your Mac, select the appropriate download option to initiate the download of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). For instance, as I am utilizing a Mac equipped with an Apple chip, I will proceed by selecting the corresponding option designated for Apple silicon Choose A Download Version Compatible For Your MachineSelect a destination for the file to be saved, and upon completion, the file will be located in your designated folder. To initiate the installation process of Android Studio, double-click the file. This action will launch the Android Studio Installer. Proceed by dragging the application into the Applications folder, ensuring it is accessible from the Launchpad for your convenience. Find The DMG File & Add It to Your Applications FolderAfter transferring the Android Studio application to the Applications folder, proceed to double-click the Android Studio icon. You will then be prompted by Apple to verify trust for the application. Upon confirmation, Android Studio will initiate, first presenting tips for optimal usage, followed by the Welcome screen to begin your development journey. Android Studio Welcome ScreenConfiguring The SDKTo configure the SDK on a Mac, ensure that the Android Studio application is active and in the foreground. Next, navigate to the top left corner of your screen, click on Android Studio, and from the dropdown menu, select Settings… Navigating to the Settings Screen in Android StudioUpon accessing the Settings screen, please proceed to the Languages and Frameworks section. Languages & Frameworks via the SettingsPlease proceed to expand the dropdown menu in order to access the Android SDK Settings. Should you encounter a notification indicating “The Android SDK location cannot be at the file system root” kindly select the Edit option to proceed to SDK Components Setup screen. Android SDK & Add The SDK Path Installing The Android SDK PlatformIn this scenario, the screen indicates the presence of an existing Android SDK, which is beneficial. Please proceed by clicking Next Following this, we will be directed to the Verify Settings screen for further confirmation. Verify Settings ScreenGiven that Android Studio has already identified the SDK’s location, we may proceed by selecting Next to advance further in the process. Click Finish To Complete The SDK SetupSince that the SDK is already up to date, we may proceed by selecting Finish This action will redirect us back to the SDK Tools and Platforms screen. View The Different Android Platform Versions Available to DownloadNext, we will select and download various Android platforms, which will be essential for building an Android emulator later on. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of Android versions, allowing you to precisely choose the version you wish to utilize for your application’s development. A Comprehensive List of Android VersionsI have opted to select Android Studio version 13.0, corresponding to API version 34. Adjacent to this option, a download icon is displayed, signifying that this specific version will be downloaded. Select Android Studio Version 13.0Subsequently, proceed to select the SDK Tools tab, then carefully choose all the components listed in Step 2 below. Once completed, click on Apply to proceed with the installation. Click Apply To Download The VersionA confirmation screen will be displayed, enumerating all selected Android platforms and SDK Tools. Please click OK to initiate the download process. Confirm Changes & Click OkUpon completing all necessary steps, please click on Finish to conclude the process. Android SDK Component Setup Is Complete After completing this step, you will be redirected to the Android SDK screen. Please proceed by simply clicking OK To verify that all processes have executed as expected, it is recommended that you close and then reopen Android Studio. This measure ensures the smooth integration of any changes.ConclusionAndroid Studio is a powerful tool that lays the foundation for Android development. In the next guide, we’ll walk you through setting up your first Android emulator, a crucial step for testing your applications. Continue to Setting Up Your First Android Emulator to learn more.Tagged:Android Studio Next - Android Studio Setting Up Your First Android Emulator
