Easiest way to setup Android Development Environment

In my previous post I showed you how to set up an Android development environment using existing IDE. In this post I will show you how you can setup the Android development environment in easy way and start creating apps.

All you need to do is download the ADT Bundle that's it. The ADT Bundle is incorporated with all the things you required to start developing Android apps. It includes a version of the Eclipse IDE with build in Android Developer Tools generally called ADT.

After downloading the ADT Bundle which is a .zip file you need to install the SDK and Eclipse IDE. Follow the below steps to do so.

• Unpzip the ZIP file (named adt-bundle-.zip) and save it to an appropriate location, such as a "Android_Development" directory in your home directory.
• Then open the adt-bundle-/eclipse/ directory and click on eclipse.exe to launch eclipse.

Please keep in mind that Never ever try to shift any of the files or directories from the adt-bundle directory. If you do so, the ADT will not be able to locate the SDK and you will have to manually update the ADT from preferences.

Great! Now the IDE is already loaded with the Android Developer Tools plugin and the SDK is ready to go. In my next blog I will show how to develop your first Android app.

How to setup a development environment for Android?

It is very easy to setup a development environment for Android. All you need is computer and Internet connection. Below steps will be helpful if you want to use your existing IDE for Android development.

1. As we know, Eclipse is the best and evergreen tool for JAVA developer. I personally suggest Eclipse for Android development. Download and install Eclipse.
2. Now, its time to download the Android Development Tools (ADT) plugin for eclipse. ADT is a powerful integrated environment provided by the Android. By using this plugin you can expand the capabilities of Eclipse to let you quickly set up a new Android project, debug app, build an app User Interface and export signed or unsigned app packages generally called APK file for distribution. Below are the steps for setting up the ADT.
1. Start Eclipse, then select Help > Install New Software.
2. Click on Add button, at the top-right corner.
3. There is a Add Repository dialog that appears, enter "ADT Plugin" or any other name for the Name and the below URL as Location. Click ok.
   
   https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/
   

   
4. Some user run into trouble while downloading the ADT, if this is the case with you then try using "http" in the Location URL, instead of using "https".
5. In the Available Software dialog, select the checkbox next to Developer Tools and click Next.
6. In the next window, you'll see a list of the tools to be downloaded. Click Next.
7. Read and accept the license agreements, then click Finish. If you get a security warning saying that the authenticity or validity of the software can't be established, click OK.
8. On completion of ADT plugin installation, you need to restart the Eclipse.
3. Now its time to configure the ADT Plugin. You have to specify the Android SDK directory location once Eclipse restart.
• In the "Welcome to Android Development" window that appears, select Use existing SDKs.
• Browse and select the location of the Android SDK directory you recently downloaded and unpacked.
• Click on Next.

That's it, Your Eclipse IDE is now set up to develop Android apps, but you need to add the latest SDK platform tools and an Android platform to your environment.

In my next post I will show you the much more easy way for setting up the Android development environment.