Setting up Eclipse on Ubuntu 12.04


2012-10-04

This guide will show you how to set up Eclipse for Android development on Ubuntu 12.04.

1. Install Eclipse: Go to the Eclipse download page and choose either 32 or 64-bit Linux (based on your Linux version) for the Eclipse IDE for Java EE Developers. Download the proper version to your computer and extract it.

2. Install a Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Open a terminal and type sudo apt-get install default-jre You will need this runtime to use Eclipse.

3. Add the ADT plugin to Eclipse: Google says "Android Development Tools (ADT) is a plugin for the Eclipse IDE that is designed to give you a powerful, integrated environment in which to build Android applications." To install it, open Eclipse then use the program menu (Help>Install New Software...) to add the plugin. When the "Install" window opens, enter https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/ in the "Work with:" field and click "Add...". Next give the repository a name by entering "ADT Plugin" in the "Name:" field of the popup window that comes up. Click "OK", then check the checkbox next to "Developer Tools" in the window that is visible now. Click "Next" and allow the plugin to install.

4. Install the Android SDK: After adding the ADT Plugin, Eclipse will want to restart. Let it do so, then when it starts again it should ask you if to install the Android SDK (Software Development Kit). Check the boxes to install the SDKs and click "Next". Follow the prompts to finish the installation.

5. Create a new AVD: Next, you will want to create a new AVD (Android Virtual Device). To do this, select the AVD Manager (Window>AVD Manager) from Eclipse's menu. Next, click "New...", name it, then pick a "Target:" from the dropdown.

6. Create a new Android project: To create a new Android project, simply select File >> New >> Project >> Android >> Android Application Project. Then follow the prompts to create the project.