How to Install Android Studio on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Android Studio is a popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed for developing Android applications. It was developed and released by Google in 2013 as a replacement for Eclipse, which was previously used as the primary IDE for Android app development.

Android Studio has evolved, with regular updates released to enhance its capabilities and improve user experience. Here are some key details about its release and features:

• Android Studio was initially released on December 8, 2013.
• The initial version included features such as a visual layout editor, an APK analyzer, an intelligent code editor, and a powerful emulator.
• Subsequent updates have introduced features like Instant Run, which allows developers to see changes in their code and UI in real time, and a memory profiler that helps identify memory leaks and performance issues.

As a developer or user, there are several reasons why you would still need to install Android Studio:

• Android Studio provides a comprehensive set of tools for building, testing, and debugging Android apps.
• It includes a robust code editor with features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and code refactoring, making it easier to write high-quality code.
• Android Studio includes a powerful emulator that allows developers to test their apps on various virtual devices.
• It provides access to a wide range of APIs and libraries, making integrating features like maps, location, and payment processing into your app easier.

Now, let’s get to the installation guide. This guide will demonstrate installing Android Studio on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa using the command line terminal. The installation consists of three main steps: importing the Android Studio PPA, installing the necessary packages, and launching the application.

Step 1: Import Android Studio PPA

Before installing Android Studio, it is important to ensure your system packages are up-to-date. This can be done by opening the terminal and running the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command updates your package list and installs any available updates.

Next, make sure your system has the necessary packages installed. Use the following command to install them:

sudo apt install ca-certificates apt-transport-https software-properties-common lsb-release -y

This command installs the required packages needed during the import process.

The next step is to initialize the GPG keyring and create the necessary directories for the import process. Use the following command:

sudo gpg --list-keys

This command creates the required directories:

gpg: directory '/root/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/root/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: /root/.gnupg/trustdb.gpg: trustdb created

To add the GPG key for the Android Studio PPA to the /usr/share/keyrings/ directory, run the following command:

sudo gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/android-studio.gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys ADC23DDFAE0436477B8CCDF54DEA8909DC6A13A3

This command adds the GPG key to the keyring directory, ensuring it can only be used for the Android Studio installation.

You should see an output like this:

gpg: keybox '/usr/share/keyrings/android-studio.gpg' created
gpg: key 4DEA8909DC6A13A3: public key "Launchpad PPA for Maarten Fonville" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

With the GPG key imported, the next step is to add the Android Studio PPA to your system. Use the following command:

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/android-studio.gpg] https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/maarten-fonville/android-studio/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/android-studio.list

This command adds the Android Studio PPA to your system’s sources list and ensures the imported GPG key signs the packages.

Step 2: Install Android Studio

After importing the Android Studio PPA, it is important to run an “apt update” command to ensure the newly imported PPA is reflected. Use the following command to do so:

sudo apt update

Once the update is complete, you can proceed to install Android Studio. This can be done by using the following command:

sudo apt install android-studio

This will install the latest version of Android Studio on your system.

Step 3: Launch Android Studio

To launch Android Studio on your Ubuntu system, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the “Activities” button in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Type “Android Studio” in the search bar or scroll down to find it under the “Show Applications” section.
3. Click on the Android Studio icon to launch the application.

Example of launching Android Studio Application icon on Ubuntu:

Launching Android Studio for the first time will prompt you with the Android Studio Setup Wizard. This wizard will guide you through setting up the Android Studio environment, including accepting the End User License Agreement (EULA), importing settings, and configuring other necessary options.

During the setup process, you must accept two agreements: the android-sdk-license and the android-sdk-preview license. These agreements are necessary to use the Android SDK and its associated components.

It is important to note that the Android Studio interface can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users, as it provides many options and settings. However, with time and practice, you will become more familiar with the interface and be able to use it more efficiently.

Example of License Agreement on Ubuntu for Android Studio:

Using Android Studio for the first time on Ubuntu Linux can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Configure the SDK: Before developing an Android application, you need to configure the Android SDK. To do this, open Android Studio and go to the “Welcome to Android Studio” screen. Click on the “Configure” button and select “SDK Manager”. From here, you can download the SDK platforms, tools, and system images needed to develop your application.
• Familiarize yourself with the layout: The Android Studio interface can initially be overwhelming. Take some time to explore the different panels and views in the interface. The main areas to focus on are the Project, Editor, and Tool windows.
• Create a new project: To create a new Android project, go to the “Welcome to Android Studio” screen and click on “Start a new Android Studio project”. Follow the prompts in the wizard to create your project.
• Use the Code Editor: The Code Editor is where you will write the code for your Android application. Its features help you write code more efficiently, including code completion, highlighting syntax, and refactoring. To open the Code Editor, select a file in the Project pane and click on it.
• Use the Emulator: The Android Studio emulator allows you to test your application on a virtual device. To launch the emulator, click the “AVD Manager” button in the toolbar. From here, you can create, edit, and launch virtual devices.
• Take advantage of shortcuts: Android Studio provides keyboard shortcuts to help you work more efficiently. Some commonly used shortcuts include Ctrl + N to create a new file, Ctrl + Shift + N to create a new class, and Ctrl + Shift + R to run your application.
• Use the Documentation: Android Studio comes with a comprehensive documentation library that you can use to learn more about Android development. To access the documentation, go to the “Help” menu and select “Android Studio Help”.

Following these tips, you can start Android development using Android Studio on Ubuntu Linux. Practice and explore the interface to become more familiar with the tool.

Example of Android Studio on Ubuntu Desktop:

Additional Tips

How to Remove (Uninstall) Android Studio

If you no longer need Android Studio on your Ubuntu system and want to remove it, follow these steps:

1. Remove Android Studio and its dependencies: To remove Android Studio and its dependencies, use the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt remove android-studio

2. Remove the imported PPA: If you have no plans of reinstalling Android Studio, you can remove the imported PPA to keep your system tidy using the following command:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/android-studio.list

This command will delete your system’s Android Studio PPA file, ensuring it is no longer used for software installations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Android Studio on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that requires importing the Android Studio PPA, installing the necessary packages, and launching the application. With Android Studio, developers can access a powerful IDE that includes a wide range of tools for building, testing, and debugging Android applications. Android Studio also provides a comprehensive documentation library and keyboard shortcuts that can help developers work more efficiently. Android Studio is a must-have tool for any developer looking to create high-quality Android applications on Ubuntu.

Additional Resources

This section has compiled a list of additional resources to help you expand your knowledge and understanding of installing Android Studio on Ubuntu. These resources cover various topics, including troubleshooting, best practices, and helpful tips for optimizing your development environment.

• Android Studio PPA: The Personal Package Archive (PPA) is an unofficial, community-supported way to install Android Studio on Ubuntu. The PPA, maintained by Maarten Fonville, provides a convenient way to receive updates and fixes for Android Studio directly through the Ubuntu package manager. Add the PPA by following the instructions on this page: https://launchpad.net/~maarten-fonville/+archive/ubuntu/android-studio.
• Official Android Studio Documentation: The official Android Studio documentation is a comprehensive guide for installing, configuring, and using Android Studio. It provides detailed information on system requirements, installation steps, and additional components that may be required for a smooth installation process. Visit the documentation here: https://developer.android.com/studio.
• Android Studio Sub-Reddit: Reddit has a dedicated subreddit for Android Studio users where developers can ask questions, share tips, and discuss best practices. The subreddit, r/androidstudio, is a valuable resource for beginners and experienced developers. Visit the Android Studio subreddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/androidstudio/.
• Android Studio Forums and Mailing Lists: While there isn’t an official Android Studio forum or mailing list, the Android Developers Google Group is a helpful resource for developers to discuss Android-related topics, including Android Studio. Join the Google Group here: https://groups.google.com/g/android-developers.
• Android Studio Tag on Stack Overflow: When browsing Stack Overflow for Android Studio-related questions and solutions, you can use the “android-studio” tag to filter relevant content. This tag helps you find specific discussions and solutions related to Android Studio on Ubuntu and other platforms. Visit the Android Studio tag on Stack Overflow here: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/android-studio.