Welcome to Kilobolt's Android game development tutorial series! I'm James, and I am so glad that you chose to begin this tutorial.
The path to app/game development will be challenging and often frustrating, but it will be an extremely rewarding and satisfying process every step of the way.
So my advice to you is this: persevere and don't feel like you are in this alone. We will try to answer all the questions you may have in our Forums, and there are thousands of other readers who would be happy to help.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful journey.
Lesson #1-0: What is Java?
Java -- everyone's heard of it. But what is it really?
I'm not going to delve too deeply into Java details, as all of that information IS available online and you are here for one thing: app/game development.
All you need to know for now is that Java is both a programming language (that lets you communicate with computers) and a platform (that is driven by a virtual machine that interprets all of your code).
Java was designed to be everywhere -- in phones, cars, computers, and any other object that is computerized. The developers promised that you would be able to write one program that will run on any device that runs the Java platform. This promise kind of fell short, as Java did not proliferate the world's electronics devices at the rate and the extent people expected; however, a few years ago, Android came along, and this open source platform began to do what Java could not. Android devices started making their ways into cars, desktops, tablets, phones, refrigerators, and more recently, Nexus Q's (update: cancelled). Who knows what else in the future?
Well, Java will be the primary language of all Android app/game development that we will cover (at least in the predictable future), so this is why we will start with Java.
If you already know how to do something that I cover in a lesson, feel free to skip it! I will try to make this guide cumulative, yet easy to incorporate into what you already know.
_______________________________________________
Now we setup our development environment. I realize this is the most boring part of app/game development... bear with me here and don't be discouraged! This is important!
*One final note* : The following instructions are for Mac and Windows.
_______________________________________________
Lesson #1-1: Downloading Java and Eclipse.
Before we can do any sort of Java programming, we must first prepare our development machine!
To install Java Development Kit (JDK - it lets you create java programs), follow the following steps:
Mac users: Most likely, Java is pre-installed on your computer. Skip this. Optionally, check out this link:https://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_java_update.xml
1. Here's the link to the download (To people reading this guide in the far future: if the following link no longer functions, search for JDK on Google. If Google no longer exists, I don't know... try Bing??).
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2. Once you are there, look for "Java SE 7uXX (where XX is any current version... it was 21 when I downloaded it in the image below)" , click Download below JDK.
3. Below Java SE Development Kit 7uXX, look for YOUR operating system and version to download the corresponding JDK.
Note: Windows x86 refers to 32-bit, while Windows x64 refers to 64-bit.
You can check this information by right clicking on My Computer (or Computer), properties, and you should see your type next to System type.
The path to app/game development will be challenging and often frustrating, but it will be an extremely rewarding and satisfying process every step of the way.
So my advice to you is this: persevere and don't feel like you are in this alone. We will try to answer all the questions you may have in our Forums, and there are thousands of other readers who would be happy to help.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful journey.
Lesson #1-0: What is Java?
Java -- everyone's heard of it. But what is it really?
I'm not going to delve too deeply into Java details, as all of that information IS available online and you are here for one thing: app/game development.
All you need to know for now is that Java is both a programming language (that lets you communicate with computers) and a platform (that is driven by a virtual machine that interprets all of your code).
Java was designed to be everywhere -- in phones, cars, computers, and any other object that is computerized. The developers promised that you would be able to write one program that will run on any device that runs the Java platform. This promise kind of fell short, as Java did not proliferate the world's electronics devices at the rate and the extent people expected; however, a few years ago, Android came along, and this open source platform began to do what Java could not. Android devices started making their ways into cars, desktops, tablets, phones, refrigerators, and more recently, Nexus Q's (update: cancelled). Who knows what else in the future?
Well, Java will be the primary language of all Android app/game development that we will cover (at least in the predictable future), so this is why we will start with Java.
If you already know how to do something that I cover in a lesson, feel free to skip it! I will try to make this guide cumulative, yet easy to incorporate into what you already know.
_______________________________________________
Now we setup our development environment. I realize this is the most boring part of app/game development... bear with me here and don't be discouraged! This is important!
*One final note* : The following instructions are for Mac and Windows.
_______________________________________________
Lesson #1-1: Downloading Java and Eclipse.
Before we can do any sort of Java programming, we must first prepare our development machine!
To install Java Development Kit (JDK - it lets you create java programs), follow the following steps:
Mac users: Most likely, Java is pre-installed on your computer. Skip this. Optionally, check out this link:https://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_java_update.xml
1. Here's the link to the download (To people reading this guide in the far future: if the following link no longer functions, search for JDK on Google. If Google no longer exists, I don't know... try Bing??).
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2. Once you are there, look for "Java SE 7uXX (where XX is any current version... it was 21 when I downloaded it in the image below)" , click Download below JDK.
3. Below Java SE Development Kit 7uXX, look for YOUR operating system and version to download the corresponding JDK.
Note: Windows x86 refers to 32-bit, while Windows x64 refers to 64-bit.
You can check this information by right clicking on My Computer (or Computer), properties, and you should see your type next to System type.
3. When the download is completed, follow the provided instructions to get the JDK installed!
Now we must download Eclipse, the IDE. Feel free to look up more information on Eclipse, but once you begin programming, you will easily understand what its awesome capabilities are.
Eclipse will compile your code, let you export your code, help you correct your code, organize it, etc.
It's extremely useful and very powerful!
1. Follow this link to the Eclipse.org's download page:
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
2. Download the corresponding version of Eclipse. Eclipse Standard will be fine here.
Now we must download Eclipse, the IDE. Feel free to look up more information on Eclipse, but once you begin programming, you will easily understand what its awesome capabilities are.
Eclipse will compile your code, let you export your code, help you correct your code, organize it, etc.
It's extremely useful and very powerful!
1. Follow this link to the Eclipse.org's download page:
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
2. Download the corresponding version of Eclipse. Eclipse Standard will be fine here.
3. You will get a .zip file containing the Eclipse folder. No installation is needed. Place it where you want to, and open eclipse.exe. I recommend that you pin it to your taskbar, dock, or Start menu.
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Lesson #1-2: Setting up Eclipse:
1. Upon starting Eclipse, it will ask you where you want to place your "workspace."
Your workspace is where all of your resources, code, assets, etc. will be kept.
Choose a location that you will be able to access easily.
2. Once that happens, you will see a welcome screen like so:
_______________________________________________
Lesson #1-2: Setting up Eclipse:
1. Upon starting Eclipse, it will ask you where you want to place your "workspace."
Your workspace is where all of your resources, code, assets, etc. will be kept.
Choose a location that you will be able to access easily.
2. Once that happens, you will see a welcome screen like so:
I will pick up right here from the welcome screen in the next lesson!
_______________________________________________
Day 1: Summarized
Today, we discussed Java and began setting up our developmental computers, installing both the JDK and Eclipse.
Tomorrow, we will write our first Java programs and discuss the meaning of Java jargon.
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Day 1: Summarized
Today, we discussed Java and began setting up our developmental computers, installing both the JDK and Eclipse.
Tomorrow, we will write our first Java programs and discuss the meaning of Java jargon.
_______________________________________________
awesome!
Hello,
First let me say thank you sooo much for offering these free lessons. Absolutely invaluable to those aspiring! I just downloaded eclipse classic 4.2.1 and i also got the java 6. I am operating windows 7 32bit ultimate edition. The eclipse program wont open though, it says "the eclipse executable launcher was unable to locate its companion library". I have tried downloading from several different mirrors, and i have tried unzipping the file. Do you have any advice for this
Refer to:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/10876538/the-eclipse-executable-launcher-was-unable-to-locate-its-companion-launcher-jar
I had same problem, I extracted the eclipse.exe application then opened it and it worked.
This is just what I've been looking for. Thank you so much!!
This is of great help to me :) I just have a question...You said this tutorial included mac, yet i do not find the operating system listed on the java download site. What should I do? I also own a 32-bit windows system, but they only have 64 or 86
Java comes pre-installed on a Mac!
Also, 32 bit is x86 and 64 bit is x64.
Hope that helps :)
That was an amazingly quick response. Yes that helps! :D You're great!
Hey James.
Love your tutorials, just wanted to ask you if I wanted to upload my game to Play Store they ask for $25. Is that a one time fee or do i have to pay everytime i upload an app. Please Reply.
It's a one time fee. Just for registration.
Thanks so much i will definitely donate! i am very eager to learn all things Android!
really i am greatful to u as i am a beginer in android with no knoledge in java and c ......as i study the basics and training 4 game devp..from u...its nw feeling like am reached the right place to get started
James + all the way. This tutorial
Is by far the best one ive seen online.
Im completley a beginner and im understanding.
If i ever have any questions illbe sure to email youu.
Your lessons really good.i decided read all this. already i read day1 i'll read all lessons soon.it is so useful
james ive got a question.Is java 7 jdk good now because java 6 is the older version?
Yep. Java 7 is fine.
So i should get Java 7 sdk instead?
Hi. Just wanted to say thanks and great job on the tutorials. I've gone through several days, and also skipped around and browsed. It's a lot harder to make a good tutorial than most people think - finding the proper balance of avoiding too much info without giving too little info, while at the same time explaining terms that are common to programmers in ways that a total noob can understand. You've done a great job.
Hi, i just started searching for help and a beginners tutorial to improve my android dev knowledge. I Have to say the way you describe this, and the plans for learning are amazing! the best I ever had/seen in ages! i just finished some pages, but i do hope you keep this up for the following! thanks a lot! i'll gladly donate some!
Hi, first of all thank u for the beautiful tutorial.....
I was trying to download java6 from the link given from u bt I coundn't do it properly, its asking to sign up for oracle's... can u pls guild me ... is it compulsory tat I need to sign up?
Just download JDK7.
Thank u James C
Wow! that's great. I looking for this too long :)
hey I JUST COMMENTED TO SO TONS OF THAnK yOu.
You hav don a great job by giving dis free tutorial
god bless YOU
Hi, what is Nexus Q's?
sir,by mistake i have downloaded 64 bit while my laptob is 32 bit is there any problem in this.it feels great seeing people who are willing to give such free tutorials .thank you
@mohit bhandari, try to download the correct version :)
hey i have windows 7 32 bit operating system so which 1 should download
x86
Thanks for sharing these useful information about "Game developer"! Hope that you will continue doing nice article like this. I will be one of your loyal readers if you maintain this kind of post! This is one of the best posts I found so far. The contents are very good and very informative.
they no longer have eclipse classic which should i use?
yea i was also having the same issue but i found it here
--> http://www.filehippo.com/download_eclipse_classic_32/13371/
Note: its 32 bit (x86) .u can also find 64 bit by searching.
잘보고 있습니다. 좋은 내용 감사합니다!
So I wanted to learn these things too and I'm so happy to have found this :D thank you for making this! I do have one question: Is it possible to make games (not big games for pc or something like that) on your own or do you need more people?
I AM SO OVERWHELMED WITH THESE TUTORIALS YOU PROVIDED!!!!!
hey,i downloaded jdk 7u40 ..... can i work with it or i have to download
Java SE Development Kit 7u21 ? !
You're good to go.
hi guys i have download the jdk 7 u40 even 7 u21 but both did not installed i have windows 8 32 bit ...so after trying lots of version i finally drop down to jdk 6 and it works fine ..does it matter ?? please guide i know the updated version may include many new features
At the recommended url http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html it shows Java SE 7u45 but there are 3 packages to choose from.
JDK - JDK 7 Docs - Server JRE - JRE 7 Docs
I need the 32-bits but cannot see the options list anywhere.
Can you please advise what I need to do?
Thanks in advance!
Look for x86 JDK!
Hi James...
Thanks for your quick response - it's appreciated.
I knew that would be your reply and regretably I have to say that having looked through the options I must be blind because there is absolutely no reference to anything remotely like x86 JDK. I have checked and followed every tab and link on the page in question.
I even ran a search for "x86 JDK" but was redirected to an Oracle problem page for the same.
The image you show above does make the choice simple, however, the image you show and the list on the image does not show.
I wish I could have uploaded the image that is available to me at my end, and I am using the same url you posted above.
I daresay, the fault is mine somehow, but what exactly I don't have a clue.
I have spent hours trying to find the list (above), to no avail :(
I'm sorry to type the above response, because you have done a great job creating the tutorial for us and it truly is appreciated, and of course you are not responsible for who shows what on their pages, (pages do get changed).
After surfing for the aforementioned "x86 JDK" I did find the "Android SDK Bundle (Eclipse)" for Windows at this url:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html - that includes the Eclipse software, but didn't download it as it isn't the way you show above.
Don't stress out man. Here, try this
http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/7u45-b18/jdk-7u45-windows-i586.exe
@ PacMan13x
*lol* Thanks for your reply :)
It wasn't a case of stressing out from my end - it was more a case of being thorough so you could see that I had read and followed the instuctions and to show my request for help was not a lame "do it for me" stunt ;)
Anyway - that url did the trick so at least I'm off the bench,
Cheers!
The ECLIPSE link doesn't contain the classic version anymore
it has the standard version
evry time i try to download , it gives a very slow downoad speed and shows error in download after downloading only 11 mb
thre is no problem wid my network
i downloaded th java JDK mentioned above in only 3 mins
http://www.filehippo.com/download_eclipse_classic_32/download/e36e4f14dd6eba2cf4fd31da5f6efffa/ try this for eclipse classic
i downloaded jdk 7u45... can i work with it or i have to download
Java SE Development Kit 7u21 ???
Hey, I have a question, can i use the ADT bundle for this tutorial? Im a begginer in Android development, and i have just (before finding this great tutorial) set up the ADT and JDK... can i follow the tutorial if I use the Eclipse that comes in the Android sdk bundle?
Thanks a lot :)
Hi I am a beginner Thanks man for your helpful tutorial.It is really awesome.I have found jdk 7u51 and download it is that ok
Yup, you're good to go
hey im new to all this programming stuff. im running widows vista 32bit. im tring to download eclipse-standard-kepler-SR1-win32.zip but everytime I try to open it an invalid file error pops up. any way around this?
Try this:
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/download.php?file=/technology/epp/downloads/release/kepler/SR1/eclipse-standard-kepler-SR1-win32.zip&mirror_id=492
hey it worked! thanks man!
Try this:
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/download.php?file=/technology/epp/downloads/release/kepler/SR1/eclipse-standard-kepler-SR1-win32.zip&mirror_id=492
Try this:
http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/download.php?file=/technology/epp/downloads/release/kepler/SR1/eclipse-standard-kepler-SR1-win32.zip&mirror_id=492
So I attempted to download eclipse but after it was done it stated it will run a security scan. That was a day ago and I cant find the program at all.
Hi, James
Thanks for this tutorial but every time I try to open eclipse an error message pops up saying:
A java runtime environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) must be available to run eclipse. No java virtual machine was found after searching the following locations:
I don't know why it says this because
I tried downloading both of them and
I reinstalled them lots of times! Please Help!!
This is what I was searching for thank you kilobolt lots and lots of thanx
A java runtime environment (JRE) or java development kit (jdk) must be available in order to run Eclipse. No java virtual machine was found after searching the following location: D:\eclipse\jre\bin\javaw.exe
javaw.exe in your current PATH
??????????????????????? I cant solve it ;((
i look up on the internet and i have no idea ><"
please help me ~~~
thx
great job guys,thanks a lot for what you're doing.QUESTION:I tried cant find eclipse classic on their site,what do I do pls?
I think Eclipse Classic changed its name to Eclipse Standard. You can go ahead and download Eclipse Standard.
Happy coding!
Hi I am a beginner Thanks man for your helpful tutorial.It is really awesome.I have found jdk 7u51 and download. but i downloaded jdk 8 too i hope it is not a problem :D