Install Android SDK Without Android Studio (Windows) in 10 Easy Steps

Introduction

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development, but it's not the only option. For those who prefer a more lightweight and customizable experience, installing the Android SDK without Android Studio is a viable alternative. This article will guide you through the process of installing the Android SDK on Windows in just 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Download the Android SDK Platform Tools

• Navigate to the Android SDK Platform Tools website.
• Click on the "Download Platform-Tools for Windows" link.
• Save the ZIP file to your desired download location.

Step 2: Extract the Platform Tools

• Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select "Extract All...".
• Choose a destination folder and click "Extract."

Step 3: Download the Android SDK Build Tools

• Visit the Android SDK Build Tools website.
• Click on the link for the latest version (e.g., "Download Build Tools 33.0.0").
• Save the ZIP file to your download location.

Step 4: Extract the Build Tools

• Extract the Build Tools ZIP file to the same folder where you extracted the Platform Tools.

Step 5: Add Path to Environmental Variables

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type in "control systempropertiesenvironment" and click "OK."
• Under "User variables," click "New...".
• Enter the following in the "Variable name" field: ANDROID_HOME
• Enter the path to the extracted SDK folder (e.g., "C:\Users\username\path\to\sdk") in the "Variable value" field.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 6: Configure Command-Line Tools

• Open a command prompt or terminal window.
• Type the following command to install the command-line tools:

sdkmanager --install "platform-tools" "build-tools"

• Accept the license agreement when prompted.

Step 7: Download the Android Emulator Image

• Visit the Android Emulator Image website.
• Select the desired device and Android version.
• Click on the "Download" button and save the ZIP file.

Step 8: Extract the Emulator Image

• Extract the emulator image ZIP file to the following location:

%ANDROID_HOME%\emulator\images

• Replace %ANDROID_HOME% with the actual path to your SDK folder.

Step 9: Create a Virtual Device

• Open the command prompt or terminal again.
• Type the following command, replacing "MyDevice" with the desired name of your virtual device:

avdmanager create avd --name MyDevice --device "Pixel 2 XL" --package "system-images;android-30;google_apis;arm64-v8a"

Step 10: Run the Android Emulator

• Start the Android emulator using the following command:

emulator -avd MyDevice

Advantages of Installing Android SDK Without Android Studio

• Lightweight: Requires less system resources than Android Studio.
• Customizable: Allows for more flexibility in setting up the development environment.
• Faster build times: Can improve compile performance, especially for large projects.
• Integration with other tools: Can be integrated with various command-line tools for automation and scripting.

FAQs

1. Why would I want to install the Android SDK without Android Studio?
   - To reduce system resource usage or customize the development environment.

2. Can I still develop Android apps without Android Studio?
   - Yes, using command-line tools and text editors.

   

3. Is the Android Emulator available without Android Studio?
   - Yes, by following the steps outlined in this article.

4. How can I update the SDK without Android Studio?
   - Use the sdkmanager command to update specific components.

5. Can I import Android Studio projects into my own custom environment?
   - Yes, by exporting the project files and importing them into your preferred IDE.

6. What are some alternatives to Android Studio?
   - Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and more.

   

Conclusion

Installing the Android SDK without Android Studio is a straightforward process that can provide a more efficient and customizable development experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up your environment and start building Android applications. Keep in mind that this approach requires a high level of technical proficiency and may not be suitable for all developers.