An Android Virtual Device is a virtualization technique, in which you create a virtual device which runs the Android Operating System. Typically, the Android Operating System is designed to run on Mobile devices or handheld devices, but it is possible to run it on a virtual device on your computer. If you are coming to this post after reading how to get Eclipse set up on your computer, proceed further. If you are new to Android Application development and would like to learn how to start developing applications for Android, I would suggest you to go ahead and read my earlier post : Getting Started with Android App Development : Get your Tools Ready.
When you develop Android Applications, you need to check it for bugs and errors. But it is not convenient to have a physical Android Device near you and so in this case, an Android Virtual Device comes in handy. You can start it on your computer anytime that you want with just a click. Now let me guide you through the steps of setting up an Android Virtual Device and also describe to you each and everything in this process.
Setting up an Android Virtual Device
Just follow these steps in order to set up an Android Virtual Device and in case you get stuck somewhere, you can always ask me how to go ahead from that point using the Contact Page or by just dropping a comment down below.
- Start Eclipse just the way I taught you in the last tutorial. Now go to the Window Menu and choose Android Virtual Device Manager.
- You will be shown with the following screen. Click on New on the right side of the screen.
- Enter the following Details on the screen that comes up and then Press OK.
Let me explain you what is all of this.
- AVD Name – This is the name that you will use to Identify your Android Virtual Device (AVD).
- Device – This is the type of device that your AVD will be. Different Screen size and different devices.
- Target – This is the Android Version that your device will run. You can choose it to be anything that you want.
- CPU/ABI – This is the CPU defined for your AVD. It will be selected by default when you select the Android Target.
- Back Camera – If you have a Webcam on your computer, you can set it to act as the back camera for the device.
- RAM – The amount of RAM that your device will run on. The more the better but make sure you do not overload your host computer.
- Internal Storage – The amount of internal storage for your AVD.
- SD Card – The size of the SD Card present in your AVD.
- Now you have successfully added a new AVD and now it’s the time to turn it on.
- On your AVD Manager Screen, select the AVD you just created and click on Start.
- Now Click on “Scale display to Real Size” and enter the following values and click on Launch. This will just re-size the display size of your AVD to be 5.1 Inch on your computer Screen.
- Since this is the first time you are running the AVD, it will take some time to turn on. Approximately 5-10 minutes depending upon your Host Computer’s specifications.
- After the device has started up, you will be shown the following screen. This is your Virtual Device that you can now use for all your testing purposes. You can now unlock the device and explore as per your convenience.
I hope this simple yet lengthy tutorial has helped you set up an Android Virtual Device and also has increased your knowledge about various technical terms. I hope to see you around on Slash Coding for more tutorials and guides. Stay Subscribed to our updates using your favorite Social Media. You will find these buttons all around the web page.
