Setting up the Android development environment
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This tutorial explains the steps a developer needs to follow in order to be able to develop and test Android applications. These steps include installing Android Studio and setting the Android SDK.
Prerequisite: As you setup your Android development environment, make sure to also read the Setting up the MobileFirst development environment tutorial.
Support level
MobileFirst SDK is compatible with Android version Ice Cream Sandwich (API level 14) and later.
Android Studio
Follow the steps provided in the Android Developers website website to download and install Android Studio.
Android SDK
The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs required to develop applications on the Android platform, using the Java programming language.
Once you open Android Studio for the first time, you will be able to configure the Android SDK using the SDK Manager.
In the SDK Manager you can install required packages. For more information, visit the Android Developer website.
Android Virtual Devices
You can use an AVD to test your application. For a detailed explanation of all available options, see the Managing Virtual Devices documentation topic in the Android Developers website.
What’s Next
Now that the MobileFirst and Android development environment are set up, continue to Quick Start category to experience MobileFirst, or to All Tutorials to learn specific aspects of MobileFirst development.
▲Inclusive terminology note: The Mobile First Platform team is making changes to support the IBM® initiative to replace racially biased and other discriminatory language in our code and content with more inclusive language. While IBM values the use of inclusive language, terms that are outside of IBM's direct influence are sometimes required for the sake of maintaining user understanding. As other industry leaders join IBM in embracing the use of inclusive language, IBM will continue to update the documentation to reflect those changes.