Getting Started with Android Studio on Windows 7 – A Guide For Complete Newbs
3 June 2013
For a couple years now, I’ve had a hankering to build an Android App for funzies and a couple times attempted to get started. Each time however, I got stymied by not being able to simply install the base set of tools needed to begin work. You see, often enough, ‘getting started’ tutorials in the development world assume you know what they heck they’re talking about when they start throwing around TLA’s (three letter accronyms). I’ve run into basic gaps that get me stuck, frustrated and have me move on to something more fruitful.
At this year’s Google I/O, one of the highlights was a new set of development tools for Android Apps. Now that there was a new set of tools, I thought I’d give the installation process another try and this time I was successful. Here’s the steps I took to get the new Android Studio up and running on my Widows 7 PC.
Basic Development Terms
Some basic definitions to help you out.
- API - Application Programming Interface – in the android world, these are the different versions of android. While we typically call things by their code name (i.e., gingerbread, ice cream sandwich, jelly bean). In actuality, each version has a number associated with it. When creating apps, you tell your app what minimum and what target version of android to work on.
- APK - Application Package File – file format / package used to combine all the files needed for an Android App.
- AVD - Android Virtual Device – test device that can run on your computer that allows you to click through and test your app.
- JDK - Java Developer Kit – bunch of software and code libraries that need to be installed to allow other software to run on your computer.
- SDK - Software Developer Kit – the set of tools and code that companies distribute to help people build apps and software.
- XML – Extensible Markup Language – language used to define all sorts of stuff within your app like Layout, etc.
Software Setup
The new Android Studio software package includes lots of stuff that got real developers really happy. This got me happy because I found the previous SDK confusing and was hoping this would make my goal of making an app easier! This release however is targeted at developers who most likely already are building apps so I found there were a couple gaps I needed to overcome.
Getting Java Installed
In order to run the new Android Studio software, you’re going to need to have Java stuff installed on your machine. This is more than whatever browser java plug-in you might have. I find the Oracle/Java site a nightmare to understand and am often overcome w/ fear when I see a list of like 30 potential packages to download. Head over here: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk7-downloads-1880260.html and download the “Windows x64″ version. I’m on Windows 7 and it worked for me. When installing it, don’t make any fancy changes, just go with the defaults.
Installing Android Studio
Download it from this page: http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing/studio.html. Good thing is that there are a bunch of instructions. The video below also has some good tips.
One thing to note is that I had to add a new system variable like it says on the install instructions. I followed the instructions exactly and it worked just fine. Start menu > Computer > System Properties > Advanced System Properties. Then open Advanced tab > Environment Variables and add a new system variable JAVA_HOME that points to your JDK folder, for example C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_21.
Starting a Project
I followed the video above and the tutorial for the previous Eclipse based Android SDK to setup my first instance/app.
Previewing Your App – Device Emulation
The last hurdle I needed to overcome was getting the new set of tools to emulate an android device. You can hook up real devices, but I haven’t got that far yet. I wanted to see the test app I created in a device emulated on my Win 7 pc. After getting some errors when attempting to see the app on a Nexus 7 device, I checked out Managing AVDs with AVD Manager which got me pointed in the right direction. Be sure to set the RAM size lower than default to get it to launch. My PC has plenty of RAM but there was a notice to not set above like 768MB which worked for me. The cool thing about these emulators is that they basically run a full version of Android right in a window on your computer. So when testing things out, be sure to give it some time to boot up just like you need to do when booting up a real device.
What’s Next?
I’m going to run through the Building Your First App and see if I can’t get something a little more complex than Hello World up and running!
Finding My Happy Place In A Porsche 911 YouTube Video
24 April 2013
Since the day I recognized there was a discernible difference between a cool car and my Mom’s station wagon, I’ve admired the Porsche 911. As I matured and my peers dreamed of Ferraris, DeLoreans and Lambos, my attention held fast to arguably Deutchland’s greatest export. I’d often dream of someday being rich enough to buy one of of my own.
About a year ago, I started perusing the web for classic cars and every couple weeks I find myself on eBay or similar sites looking for a perfect buy. I’m drawn to the 1978-1983 911 SC model. It’s probably the model I first saw as a kid on Miami Vice or something.
In my search for a classic Porsche 911 SC, I’ve gone as far as emailing a seller and in hindsight the deal was one I should have taken. I haven’t seen a similar 911SC for anything near the price of that one. I’ve also actually bid on a few through eBay, but each time it appears I’m up against some sort of bidding-bot because seconds after I place my bid, I’m told I’ve been outbid.
So when I’m in need of a little pick me up, I turn to the web and search for Porsche 911 videos. I came across this one a few months back. Enjoy.
Here’s A Good Reason Why There Should Continue To Be Reluctance For Increased Oil Drilling & Transport
1 April 2013
This past weekend, an oil transportation pipeline burst in Mayflower, Arkansas spilling thousands of gallons of oil and forcing the evacuation of a couple dozen homes. (Fox Business).
From YouTube user: Sheilaaliens.
From ABC News
UPDATE: photos from the affected area posted to Quartz: http://qz.com/69450/photos-what-an-oil-spill-looks-like-in-your-backyard/
Seven
28 March 2013
I’ve been sober seven years today. One little step at a time I’ve learned to love life and appreciate those who make it so very special. #w00t
Miami Dolphins New Logo Is Fugly
27 March 2013
I’m alarmed by the revelation that the logo that leaked a few weeks back is for real rather than the creation of a fan with a copy of illustrator.
I don’t want to offer any snap judgements or appear as though I am a hyper conservative when it comes to change, but this new logo is revolutionary when what the phins had was perfectly adequate.
I’ll follow up with a historical rundown and hopefully update with some background from the firm that carried out the redesign.
Flipper is rolling his grave.
VW Welcomes 2015 Golf MKVII to NYC – Video
27 March 2013
PS – the GTI version could very well have a home at casa rubinoff :)
Miami Hurricanes Vault Into Sweet 16 – Having Fun The Whole Way
Sport
/ basketball, miami-hurricanes, photobomb
25 March 2013
The University of Miami men’s basketball team reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Div 1 championships last evening – making history and having fun the whole way. The canes overcame a talented Illinois team in a close game that had multiple lead changes and significant swings in momentum.
Through it all, Coach Larrañaga managed to help this team keep its poise and earn a University of Miami first – a trip to the Sweet 16!!
During an on-court interview with Shane Larkin following the game, Senior power forward, Julian Gamble, did a little national-TV level Photobombing to the delight of the Rubinoff clan.
Back in the lockeroom – the TV cameras got a unique look into the culture that permeates this Hurricanes squad…
FIU Golden Panthers’ Beach Themed Basketball Court Will NOT Fix Sucking
Sport
/ basketball, miami-hurricanes, sports branding
22 March 2013
Miami Florida’s second team, the FIU Golden Panters, have a history of stunts in the hopes of earning respect. Leave it to the little guy with a chip on his shoulder to pick the start of March Madness to attempt to steal a little attention away from Miami’s real team – the University of Miami Hurricanes.
As the Canes literally make their way to the arena to begin their NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament journey, FIU releases this joke of a basketball court design.
Rob lives and works in the town of Jackson, MS where he leads the interactive department at an awesome advertising and branding agency. Life is slower than most places in Mississippi, and Rob tends to like it that way. Some of his favorite life experiences include sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in a 44ft sloop, learning to speak Swahili while living along the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and zipping along the curviest of Mississippi country roads in his VW Rabbit.