Now, create a project called Countdown either using Eclipse, or from the command line. If you already have Eclipse, or wish to use another IDE, you can set it up for Android as described here. You’ll also need JDK 6 (not just JRE) note that Android is not compatible with gcj. The quickest way to get your dev environment set up is to download the Android Bundle. The code here should work on either 4.0 or 2.3. You’re better off coding for one or both of 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or 2.3 (Gingerbread), especially as Android is entirely forwards-compatible (so your 2.3 code will run on 4.2) but not always backwards-compatible. This tutorial assumes some basic familiarity with Java, XML, and programming concepts, but even if you’re shaky on those, feel free to follow along! Dev environment and getting startedĪ note on versions: the most recent version of Android is 4.2 (Jelly Bean), but as you can see from this Wikipedia chart, there aren’t many people using it yet. In the first of this two-part intro to Android coding, get a basic timer app up and running and start learning about the Android API. You don’t even need a phone at first, because you can write and test code in an emulator on your Linux PC.

And it’s a great platform to code for - the API is largely well-documented and easy to use, and it’s just fun to write something that you can run on your own phone.

With Android phones and tablets making their way into more and more pockets and bags, dipping a toe into Android coding is becoming more popular too.

Android studio linux tutorial