What is Android Studio?

There are many tools to develop Android, but now the most powerful and official tool is Android Studio. This is the official IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for the Android platform, developed by Google and used to create the majority of applications that you can use on a daily basis.

1. The best tools for Android developers

Android Studio was first announced at the Google I / O conference in 2013 and was released to the public in 2014 after many different beta versions. Before being released, Android developers often use tools like Eclipse IDE, a generic Java IDE that also supports many other programming languages.

Android Studio makes it easier to create applications than non-specialized software. For starters, there are many things to learn and lots of information available, even through official channels, but they may be outdated or too much information that makes them feel overwhelmed. This article will explain briefly but in detail some of its basic functions so you can capture the first step in your Android development.

What is Android Studio?

The function of Android Studio is to provide an interface to create applications and handle most of the complex file management tools behind the scenes. The programming language used here is Java and is installed separately on your device. Android Studio is very simple, you just need to write, edit and save your projects and files in that project. At the same time, Android Studio will grant access to the Android SDK.

1. Instructions for installing Android SDK - Software Development Kit

Think of it as a tail for Java code that allows it to run smoothly on Android devices and take advantage of the original hardware. You need to use the Java programming language to write programs, Android SDK is responsible for connecting these parts together. At the same time, Android Studio activates to run code, via emulator or through a hardware connected to the device. You can then 'debug' the program when it runs and get an explanation of the problem, etc. so you can quickly resolve the problem.

Google has put in a lot of effort to make Android Studio as powerful and useful as possible. It provides direct suggestions while writing code and often proposes the necessary changes to fix bugs or make code more efficient. For example, if you don't use a variable, that variable will be highlighted in gray. And when you start typing a line of code, Android Studio will provide a list of self-completion suggestions to help you complete that line of code. This function is useful when you cannot remember the exact syntax or save time.

Install Android Studio

Setting up Android Studio is easier and easier than ever thanks to its installer. When downloading Android Studio, in addition to Android Studio, you will get Android SDK, SDK manager and many other accompanying tools. The only tool you need is the Java Development Kit, you can download it here. Note, Android Studio and SDK are quite heavy, so make sure you have enough free space in the C: drive before downloading.

Follow the simple instructions during installation and it also sets up an Android platform that you can develop best. Be sure to check the checkbox to let the installer know that you also want to use the Android SDK and notes about Android Studio location and SDK being installed.

Select the directory for the SDK with no spaces in it. Note that the AppData folder that Android Studio has selected here is a hidden folder in Windows. That means you will need to select 'Show Hidden Folders' if you want to browse to Explorer.

I wish you all success!

See more:

1. How to become an Android application developer?
2. The best tools for Android developers
3. 11 things that programmers need to remember when they want to develop mobile applications