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Android

Posted by Tristan Gaebler
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 Points

Questions about android development

Can i create an android app without having an android?

2 Answers

Ben Watkins
Ben Watkins
20,377 Points

I'm assuming by "an android" you mean a physical android device? If so then no you don't need an android phone or tablet, you can use an emulator. Here's a video explaining how to use emulators

Kristen Law
Kristen Law
16,244 Points

Just a side note:

You can develop Android apps without an actual device, but there are some things that a physical Android device is useful for (when you test your apps) that you cannot accomplish with an emulator. One thing that I can think of off the top of my head is the "shaking" of the device in the Crystal Ball course on Treehouse. This isn't possible to do in an emulator as far as I know.

Ben Watkins
Ben Watkins
20,377 Points

Good point! :)

Also, just incase don't already know, you can use things like usb debugging for using physical devices (though I've been unable to set this up with my Nexus 7) to solve these sort of issues.

Tristan Gaebler
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 Points

Thanks Ben and Kristen. I don't get a new phone till december, I'm stuck with the emulator till then.

Ben Watkins
Ben Watkins
20,377 Points

It will be worth the wait, good luck with your projects :)

Ben Jakuben
STAFF
Ben Jakuben
Treehouse Teacher
Ben Jakuben
Ben Jakuben
Treehouse Teacher

Also check out Genymotion. It's what I use instead of the emulator. I primarily test on Genymotion and my Nexus 5.

Tristan Gaebler
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 Points

Thanks Ben, cain't wait to start your courses!