Warning: Outdated Content

This MP is from a previous version of CS 125. Click here to access the latest version.

Android Studio Setup

To complete the Android CS 125 labs and 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.

1. Android Studio

Android Studio is the integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development. This semester all CS 125 lab programming assignments and MPs will be done using Android Studio.

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 2019 we are using Android Studio version 3.3, which is the latest available as of January 2019. 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. Android Studio Plugins

Once you have installed Android Studio, continue by installing two Android Studio plugins:

The checkstyle IntelliJ plugin
Our official CS 125 IntelliJ plugin

2.1. `checkstyle` Plugin

We use checkstyle to help you learn how to write beautiful and maintainable code by requiring you to adhere to a coding standard. There are points on each MP for checkstyle, so you want to get the plugin installed so that you can check your style in Android Studio.

Installing this plugin is straightforward:

Open the Android Studio plugins menu
Click on "Browse repositories…"
Search for "checkstyle" and install the "Checkstyle-IDEA" plugin that appears
Restart Android Studio to complete the installation

You should install the latest version of the checkstyle plugin, currently 5.23.0. checkstyle plugin updates that are released during the semester should be safe to install.

2.2. CS 125 IntelliJ Plugin

Our official CS 125 IntelliJ plugin will both simplify your MP development process and help us ensure that you are making satisfactory progress on each assignment. You can read more about it here.

Installing our plugin is straightforward and similar to installing the checkstyle plugin.

Open the Android Studio plugins menu
Click on "Browse repositories…"
Search for "CS 125" and install the "CS 125 @ Illinois" plugin that appears
Restart Android Studio to complete the installation

You should install the latest version of our plugin, currently 0.2.1, and any updates we release during the semester.

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. Going through the Android "Hello, World!" tutorial is also a great way to get started familiarizing yourself with app development.

4. Running on Real Devices

If you have an Android phone you can also install and run your apps on your own device, which will be faster and more fun that using the emulator. Follow this tutorial for instructions on how to configure your device properly to run your apps during development.