====== Android - Install Android Development Studio ======

===== How do I become an Android developer on Linux? =====

This lesson describes the basic steps you need to follow in order to start up as an Android developer using a PC with the Linux operating system.

System configuration information and screen captures are provided.

==== Introduction ====

The steps are set out in chronological order, first determining the software requirements and then setting up your system.


=== Software Requirements ===

You will need a PC that has the following software installed:

  • 32-bit installation, or a 64-bit linux distribution that has a 32-bit compatibility layer 
  • 2.4.x or later kernel 
  • glibc 2.3.2 or later X11R5 capable Xserver running locally on a 24-bit display 
  • compositing window manager (optional - required for alpha-blended window shapes) 
  • gtk/gdk/glib (optional - required for native theme support) 
  • pango/xft (optional - required for pdf printing, anti-aliased text and unicode font support) 
  • lcms (optional - required for color profile support in JPEGs and PNGs) 
  • gksu (optional - required for elevate process support) 
  • mplayer (optional - required for video playback) 
  • esd (optional - required for audio playback)  


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===== Downloading and Install Java SDK (JDK) =====
 
The easiest way to install the Java SDK is through the terminal.  Open a new terminal window and type the following command:

<code bash>
sudo apt-get install openjdk-7-jdk
</code>

Now press return. 

<WRAP info>
**NOTE:**  During the installation it may ask you for your password.

This is perfectly normal and part of the installation process.

</WRAP>

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===== Downloading the Android SDK =====
 
If you do not have the Android SDK installed, then you can download it from: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html. 

<WRAP info>
**NOTE:**  It is recommended to select the "SDK Tools" only download option.
</WRAP>

Navigate to the download link that is specific to your hardware platform.

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===== Installing the Android SDK =====
 
Extract the contents of the downloaded Android SDK to a directory of your choosing.

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===== Run the Android SDK Manager =====

Navigate to your Android SDK Directory and then to the 'Tools Directory'.

Run the item named **android**.

This launches Android SDK and AVD Manager

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===== Installing the Android SDK Packages =====
 
The Android Package Installer lets you select the packages you would like to install in your Android development environment.

<WRAP info>
**NOTE:**  Very old versions of Android are not supported and the very latest versions of Android may not be supported.
</WRAP>
 
Ensure that you install the SDK Platform Android 2.2, API 8 with revision 2 (or later revision) package.

<WRAP info>
**NOTE:**  There is a known "black screen" issue when deploying certain stacks to a simulator running Android 2.2, API 8 with revision 2.

If you experience this issue please create and use an newer Android revision AVD (e.g. 4.1)

</WRAP>

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===== Verifying the Android SDK and AVD Manager Package Installation =====
 
After the Android SDK and AVD Manager has completed installing the selected packages, you should find that the status of packages has changed from **Not Installed** to **Installed**.

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===== Configuring a Virtual Device =====
 
Once you have installed the required packages, you can use the Android SDK and AVD Manager to set up a virtual device that can be used in your development environment.

This allows you to test your applications without requiring a physical Android device.

You can set up a virtual device as follows:

  - Select Manage AVDs from the Androids SDK Manages Tools window
  - Choose "New" from the  AVD Device manager window
  - Choose the Name for your virtual device.
  - Set the Target an installed Android API other than 8.
  - Fill in the SD Card Size.
  - Optionally enable Snapshot. This speeds up the launch of the emulator.
  - Select Create AVD.

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===== Starting the Virtual Device Simulator =====

You can launch the emulator by highlighting the virtual device you created and selecting Start... .

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===== Configuring a Physical Device =====

In addition to setting up virtual devices, it is possible to set up physical devices.

These devices can be accessed after they have been appropriately configured for debugging.

Install the appropriate device drivers for the devices you would like to use.  Details of how to do this can be found at the Android Developer Website.

The relevant device must be set to debug mode, once the necessary drivers are installed:

  - Go to the home screen, and select MENU.
  - Select Applications -> Development and enable USB debugging.
  - Connect the device via USB to your development machine.
  - The device should now be available and accessible from the **Development -> Test Target menu**.

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===== References =====

http://lessons.runrev.com/m/2571/l/80751-how-do-i-become-an-android-developer-on-linux

http://lessons.livecode.com/m/2571/l/80751-how-do-i-become-an-android-developer-on-linux