Tutorial 1

Setup Android Studio and run your first app.

The first win is simple: create a new Compose project, run it on an emulator or physical device, and know which files matter.

Steps

Install the latest stable Android Studio.
Create a new project using Empty Activity with Jetpack Compose.
Choose Kotlin as the language and keep the default minimum SDK unless you have a specific target device constraint.
Create an emulator from Device Manager or connect a physical Android phone with USB debugging enabled.
Press Run and wait for the app to install.

Expected result:
The app launches and shows the default Compose screen.

If the emulator is slow:
- Close heavy apps
- Use a smaller device profile
- Prefer a physical phone if available

Mental model

Android StudioThe workshop where you edit, run, debug, and inspect the app.

GradleThe build system that turns Kotlin code and resources into an installable app.

DeviceThe emulator or phone where the app actually runs.

At beginner level, treat Android development as a loop: edit code, run the app, observe behavior, fix one thing, run again.

Practice task

Change the text shown on the first screen.
Run the app again and confirm the new text appears.
Open Logcat and find logs from your running app.
Write a short README with your Android Studio version and device used.

Next tutorial Phase overview

Reference: Android Developers recommends Android Basics with Compose as the beginner path and uses Kotlin with Compose for first apps.