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This guide is from a previous version of CS 125. Click here to access the latest version.
Android Studio Setup
To complete the Android CS 125 machine problems (MPs) you’ll write your Java code using the Android Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and test your apps using the Android Emulator. This guide will help you install and configure this important and powerful development tool.
Note that if have not installed Java you should do that first. Return here when you’re done. Also note that you only need Android Studio for the last few Android-based MPs.
1. Android Studio
Android Studio is the integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development. Happily, Android Studio is based on IntelliJ, which you are have already been using for previous MPs.
Follow the instructions below that are appropriate for your machine. But keep in mind that installing new software can be challenging, so don’t be discouraged if you get stuck. We’re here to help! Come to office hours or post on the forum in the Android Studio category.
1.1. Version
For Spring 2018 we are using Android Studio version 3.0, which is the latest available as of March 2018. Please install this version of Android Studio and continue using it throughout the semester. Minor upgrades are probably safe to install. If a major upgrade is released, the course staff will let you if it is safe to use.
1.2. Installation
Begin by downloading the version of Android Studio appropriate for your machine using this link. Next, follow these excellent installation instructions. Please follow them carefully.
2. checkstyle Plugin
Once you have installed Android Studio, continue by installing the Checkstyle-IDEA IntelliJ plugin. It’s the same one that you used for your Java assignments using IntelliJ, but should also work on Android Studio.
Installing this plugin is straightforward:
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Download the latest version from this page.
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Open the Android Studio preferences dialog and choose the Plugins option. On this page there is an option to install a plugin from disk. Choose the file that you downloaded in Step 1, Restart Android Studio, and you are done.
3. Android Emulator
An important part of Android development is to be able to test your work. If you have an Android device, you can configure Android Studio to install your test app onto it. However, if you don’t have an Android device, or want to test on devices other than ones that you own, you’ll need to utilize the Android Emulator.
The easiest way to get a virtual device set up is to start a project, build it, and then try to run it. That will launch a dialog allowing you to configure a virtual device. Follow the screencast above for a complete description.