Apple may still be leading the pack when it comes to mobile technologies such as iPhones and iPads, Android-based ones are certainly not lagging behind. They still have a lot of room for growth, and some devices can already give the superior Apple products a good run for their money.
For any developer, therefore, creating apps for Google’s Android is a good way to earn money and position himself as a pro. Thankfully, too, Google has made it easier for one to develop an Android using an SDK.
It works very similarly to Apple’s SDK. The kit contains a set of tools and components that would make an app compatible with the Android system. In the process, it saves developers, especially new ones, the headache of converting and tweaking apps.
How to Install and Use Android’s SDK
1. Check your system requirements.
You will never be able to run the SDK properly if your computer is not compatible with the recommended system requirements. For example, the accepted operating systems as Windows XP and higher, MacOS X 10.5.8 and higher, and Linux systems.
2. Install Eclipse.
One of the most ideal plug-ins in Google app creation is Eclipse. You may be able to download it at http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/ if you have not done so. Moreover, if you are still new in Android app development, it is best if you can stick to Eclipse Classic. You can always modify your app later.
3. Download the starter package.
The SDK may be available in different forms. You can have the zipped file or the executable version. If you have downloaded the latter, just double-click it so you can execute the program. If it is a zipped file, you need to store it in a secured and easily identifiable location in your computer then unzip it. You can then run the installer. Take note that the installer won’t run properly if you have not installed Java SE development package. So you need to download it first.
4. Install ADT for Eclipse.
The ADT plug-in is completely optional since you can always choose to use a different one or directly make use of Eclipse. However, if you want to design apps more smoothly and prevent technical issues such as bugs, it’s advisable you download and complement Eclipse with an ADT plug-in.
5. Download other SDK packages and platforms.
Once you’ve already downloaded the plug-in, you’ll a step closer to starting the creation of apps. What’s left is the SDK manager, which includes tools that will help you with documentation and samples.
You also need to download or install at least one platform. This is one of the things you need so you’ll be able to develop an AVD (Android virtual device) and test your application. As you gain more knowledge about SDK or get the hang of it, you can add more platforms or download more packages.
6. Go to the Hello World page.
The Android SDK can still sometimes be confusing or hard, so make sure you read and check out Hello World. It’s a very helpful wizard, guiding you in creating your first app and eventually testing or running it prior to selling or offering it in Google Play or other Android app marketplaces.
Important Tips
1. Don’t be surprised if you’re not going to get an app running immediately. You can always try over and over. You may even delete the entire Android SDK, but be warned: you may also lose everything you worked hard for.
2. Android SDK is different from other development kits out there. Don’t make the mistake of using the others for Android tools.
3. Learn about Android. After all, your app needs to run in that environment. In fact, study about the types of apps that are found in Google Play. What are their standards? Who are the Android users?
4. Read as much as you can about Android’s SDK. You can actually download the Notepad tutorial or read the documentation available at http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing.htm. This is how you can maximize the kit and the tools that come along with it.
5. Test and retest. It’s better to wait until your app is ripe enough to sell or offer than upload a mediocre creation.
