It’s relatively easy to get started with the Java development for Android applications, and here are a short guide to how to set up the development environment.
- Download the program Eclipse, which is an open source development platform for Java and other programming languages. Preferable version is the IDE for Java developers or the Classic, and it should just be to unzip it in a desired program folder.
- Make sure you have the Java development kit (JDK) installed.
- Start up Eclipse and do the rest of installations from within the program.
- Start the installation manager inside Eclipse. Its located under Help -> Install new software…
- Install the Android ADT plugin by adding https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/ to the Eclipse repository. Simply click Add and give it a pretty name. Mark all of the Android Developer Tools for installation and move through the installation wizard with Next.
- After the installation you will be prompted to restart the program. When starting up the default values for Android SDK location and version can be used. More specific versions can be added afterwards by launching the Android SDK Manager inside Eclipse from Window ->Android SDK Manager. Find the platform versions you want to develop for, and install the related packages. The samples can come in handy too.
- Create your Virtual Device to run code on by launching Window -> AVD Manager. A new device only needs a name and a target (desired android version), as the rest can be left to default values. The new device can then be started from the manager, but will also do that automatically when running code.
- Create yourself a new Android project with File -> New -> Project… and choose type Android project. Just follow the wizard and choose the desired version to develop for.
- Voila! Create and run your first Hello World app and you will soon be out on the market.