Using Eclipse for Android Development

How to Set up the Workspace and Start a New Project Using ‘Eclipse’ 

Creating Android apps creates all the hype these days. With some above-average knowledge in Java programming, practically anyone can set up and launch a designated Android application and earn money.

With a couple of really good development environments available out there, Eclipse seems to be most handy and easy-to-wield. In this article, you’ll learn how to draw up a new project and then how to tune up your workspace to show the best results. 

As far as Eclipse goes, it’s a potent Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with open source which helps create both desktop and mobile apps. Another great thing is that you can install plug-ins to write code in PHP, Ruby or C++, and not only in Java required for Android. Many of the goodies usually come straight from the package. 

Your workspace is your fortress 

First and foremost, Eclipse is quite well-thought took based on multiple workspaces concept. Every workspace is a set of folders containing different app resources and assets used in one particular project. For instance, when you shift from writing PHP to coding in Java which most mobile app development firms use, a workspace with its libraries and snippets will change to a more appropriate setup. 

Run Eclipse and see The Workspace Launcher dialog window. It will ask you what kind of workspace are you eager to use by default. Default (or last used) workspace is always displayed in the dialog window, so you could kickstart your coding efforts at once.

Note that Eclipse is built around an idea a programmer will work on one and the same machine all the time, so if you’re going to work on any other work station, make sure you’ve saved workspace presets on either a flash or cloud drive. 

It’s alive…ALIVE!

In the case of Eclipse, all Android applications are developed in the framework of a project. Creating your first app implies creating a new project, no second option given. As a matter of fact, tuning up a new project in Eclipse is all about going through a couple of dialog windows providing basic info about the future app. File > New > Android Application Project. Else will be easy to figure out by yourself. 

Note that you’ll also have to set up the Minimum Required SDK (Software Development Kit). Basically, it’s a collection of instruments, code snippets and libraries to be used for writing code for a particular platform. SDK will determine the type of API (Application Programming Interface), as well as devices an app could run on. As a rule, fetching ‘Froyo API 8’ kit will serve as a basic starting ground for your development efforts, making sure an app will launch on more than 90% mobiles worldwide.

Target SDK parameter should also be set up with info regarding the latest version of Android you’ll be working with. Later on, you’ll have to come back and update this parameter each time a new version of Google’s operating system will be released. 

Finally, you’ll have to configure the Activity Window of your project. In fact, Activity is the arch of every Android-powered app. Activities are what takes place on the screen as users interact with components and modules, so make sure you’ve paid a visit to Create Activity window. Note that every Activity owns its designated layout file. 

As you’ve just seen, Eclipse is a very useful instrument that lets you create both simple and enterprise-level apps with your own hands. Yes, with Eclipse you can develop an app all by yourself without any third party involved. Plus, apart from coding in Java, it will also let you do magic in other programming languages, increasing the area of implementation sky high.