How to install Android SDK v1.0 - Step by Step

[Jorsher]

I felt Google's installation instructions were a bit convoluted, and there weren't any pictures (which we all love), so decided to write an updated one. Also, the URL they have listed on the site does not seem to work with the latest version of Eclipse. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to getting Android SDK installed and running:

1. Choose a location to put all of your Android development files. I chose "D:\Android\" to keep all my files in a centralized location. You can skip this step, but it will be a place for you to extract your Android SDK, Eclipse IDE, and keep your projects in one organized place. Add a folder named "workspace" by right-clicking and choosing "New," then "Folder." This is where you will save your projects.

2. You will need to download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK). Even if you have a 64-bit computer and operating system -- download the 32-bit version. The Eclipse IDE does not seem to work with the 64-bit JDK, possibly because it's a 32-bit IDE. Java SE Development Kit 6 Update 10 can be downloaded here:

http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp

3. Download the Eclipse IDE, then extract it to wherever you please. I chose to extract it into my "D:\Android\" directory to keep everything organized. Eclipse 3.4.1 Classic can be downloaded here:

http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

4. Open the "eclipse" folder where it was extracted, right click "eclipse.exe," choose "Send To," and then "Desktop (create shortcut)." This will, obviously, create an icon on the desktop so you can easily get to the development environment.

5. Download the Android SDK, and extract it to wherever you want. Be sure to take note down the location. Again, I chose "D:\Android\SDK\" to keep things organized. It can downloaded found here:

http://code.google.com/android/download.html



6. The next step is different depending on your operating system:

• Windows XP: Right-click on "My Computer," choose properties, and go to the Advanced tab.

• Windows Vista: Right-click on "My Computer," choose properties, click "Advanced system settings," then the Advanced tab.

7. Click the button "Environment Variables."



8. Under system variables, scroll down and double-click "Path."



9. Edit the path and append the location of your Tools directory. This will help Windows know where to find the SDK tools. In my case, I added ";D:\Android\SDK" which is where I extracted the SDK in step 5.



10. Open Eclipse. If you copied the shortcut to the Desktop, it will be easy to find. It will ask you where to save your workspace the first time you open it. I chose "D:\Android\workspace\" which was created in step 1. You can also check-mark "Use this as the default and do not ask again" so you don't get bothered by this any more.



11. With Eclipse IDE open, go to Help > Software Updates and choose the "Available Software" tab.



12. Click the "Add Site..." button and paste the following URL:

http://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/

13. You should see a new item appear on the list of available software with the URL above. Click the check-box beside it, then click install. When the installation window opens, click next, accept the agreement, and click "Finish" to install ADT.



14. Your SDK is completely set up! In the future, I will have various tutorials on different aspects of Android development.

[KanedaSyndrome]

I think you made it a bit complicated.

What I did was:

#1: Download The newest Eclipse IDE 3.4.1. Ganymedes.

#2: Download the Android SDK as provided by google.

You need to unzip both Eclipse and the Android SDK when you download them

#3: Run Eclipse, go to updates, select add site, input:

"https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/"

It will then find the plugin and you simply select all the android updates that pops up and you select install.

Next what you need to do is to go to window menu I think it is, select preferences, go to Android and here you input in the empty path field the path for where you downloaded and unzipped the Android SDK.

Now it should be working.

[Jorsher]

I think you made it a bit complicated.

What I did was:

#1: Download The newest Eclipse IDE 3.4.1. Ganymedes.

#2: Download the Android SDK as provided by google.

You need to unzip both Eclipse and the Android SDK when you download them

#3: Run Eclipse, go to updates, select add site, input:

"https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/"

It will then find the plugin and you simply select all the android updates that pops up and you select install.

Next what you need to do is to go to window menu I think it is, select preferences, go to Android and here you input in the empty path field the path for where you downloaded and unzipped the Android SDK.

Now it should be working.

Yeah, I guess mine would be shorter if I didn't include the links on where to find the software, and skipped the entire installation of JDK (which IS important).

I could sum it up even more: Download the JDK, Eclipse IDE, Android SDK, and install it.

Or even:
Google "install Android SDK"

But thanks for the advice

Please point out which instruction is complicated and I will simplify it for you and others!

[FlashGameMaker]

Hi,
noob question here, do I download the JEE version of eclipse? or just the java version?

[Jorsher]

Hi,
noob question here, do I download the JEE version of eclipse? or just the java version?

Neither

You want Eclipse 3.4.1 Classic at the bottom.

[FlashGameMaker]

Neither

You want Eclipse 3.4.1 Classic at the bottom.

oh ok, I've downloaded/installed the latest version of the java one, someone else on the forums said the newer ones are usually better. Why the classic?

[mikeyrokschicago]

>>Sidenote:

Nice PC specs!

[KanedaSyndrome]

Hehe good question about which IDE, I just took the biggest one lol, the one on 168mb, I guess anyone can be used? I had no problem using the one in the top, but am going to give the classic one a try as well today.

And the OP about which can be complicated, it's mostly the environmental variables thing you alter, I haven't found a need to do so yet.

[Jorsher]

oh ok, I've downloaded/installed the latest version of the java one, someone else on the forums said the newer ones are usually better. Why the classic?

I guess "Classic" is a bit misleading, but it's the newest version. It just means, the typical version. Like, Classic Coke is the "normal" Coca Cola.

It is the newest version, but doesn't include extra stuff you won't need.

[Jorsher]

>>Sidenote:

Nice PC specs!

Thanks Refreshed the Vista Experience score and got a 5.9 rating after overclocking the q6600. Great processors for the price, especially when overclocked.

2 more DIMMs of 2gb gskill 4-4-4-12 ram coming soon

Oh, and the PC I had a month ago was a 2gb ram, overclocked AMD 2400+, and a Radeon 9550.

BIG jump from that