Android Studio
Android Studio is an IDE for those who wish to develop apps for Android devices. This integrated development environment was launched by Google in 2013. The goal was to give developers a tool that would speed the creation of apps while providing a more visual medium for development. It has recently been updated to include more tools and features.
- Fast development of apps for the Android OS
- Debugging tools
- Fast code editing
- Code suggestions to shorten development time
- Free to download on multiple platforms
- Instant Run lets coders see the impact of code changes immediately
- Emulator allows developers to observe app behavior on simulated devices
- Emulator can run very slow at times
- The interface has an old feel
- Very little documentation and support
Android is the world's most widely used mobile operating system. One of the reasons Android devices have overtaken the iPhone in terms of popularity is the sheer number of apps they offer. Android Studio is Google's official development suite for those who want to create useful Android apps. There are tools in the environment for debugging apps, editing code, and testing. The inclusion of an intelligent code editor allows developers to write their code at lightning speed. Suggestions are offered in a drop down list. This gives coders the ability to cut down development times and also avoid coding mistakes. Mistakes aren't a problem, though. The studio also includes a code checker that will identify errors. One of the best features of the studio is an emulator. Developers can test their creations on a variety of devices. It is possible to see how the app functions on phones, tablets, and even Android TV. A new feature has been added to the most recent version of the studio. It is called Instant Run. This feature lets developers instantly observe how changes to their code will impact the function of the app. Everything about Android Studio revolves around speeding up the process of app development. A downside of the software is that it functions like a Java IDE. Many will find the interface displeasing. There is also no clear instruction on how to load up some of the studio's libraries. Finally, the emulator can run slow at times. Despite its shortcomings, Android Studio is still one of the best options for Android developers. The basic version of the studio is still free, and developers will find the most relevant tools in the studio's massive kit.
Yesterday I got Android Studio's "Unable to start the daemon process" message, not for the first time, without my having changed any settings. This time I can't find a solution. I'm also bewildered by the fact that the I.D.E. is becoming slower and slower over time, first just to open, then later run my code. Why on earth should that be? It's as though it were getting weighed down by the accumulated mass of all the code I've ever written. Anyway, I've decided it's time for a change to something more reliable.