Skip to content

Install Tools

You will need to install a development environment that supports compiling, testing and running your application. You will need the following:

  • Git client
  • IntelliJ IDEA
  • Java JDK 21.x recommended

Git client

Any recent version of Git can be installed, and it should be preinstalled on macOS and Linux systems. You can also download and install a Windows version from the main Git site.

Java JDK

You need a Java JDK installed. You can either:

  1. Install it manually from a reputable site like azul, or
  2. Let IntelliJ install and configure it for you (next step below).
JDK 21.x is recommended as a stable release. It’s critical that you and your team install the same version!

IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is the standalone IDE produced by JetBrains. This is the most capable option. It includes the compiler, and fully supports development for any platform (e.g., mobile, desktop).

IntelliJ IDEA Screenshot
https://www.jetbrains.com/idea

There are two versions of IntelliJ available to you: the Open Source Community edition, and the paid Ultimate edition. As a student, you have access to a free educational license for IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate.

Plugins

You should install the most recent versions of the following plugins from the Settings > Plugins screen.

Required Plugins

  • Android: required for all targets.
  • Android Design Tools: design preview when building user interfaces.
  • Jetpack Compose: support for building Android user interfaces.
  • Kotlin Multiplatform: required support for non-Android targets.
  • Compose Multiplatform: support for building non-Android user interfaces.
  • Gradle: for build support.

Optional (Useful)

  • .ignore: prettify your .gitignore file.
  • Markdown: for writing documentation.
  • Mermaid.js: displays mermaid diagrams in Markdown.
  • Rainbow Brackets — free: color-code matching brackets.
  • Grazie LiteGrazie Lite - grammar checking for code comments.

Increase IDE memory

You need to tell your IDE how much RAM it is allowed to use; the default is 2 GB, which is low for Android development. I have 24 GB of RAM, so I dedicate 4 GB to IntelliJ IDEA/Android Studio, and it drastically increases performance. Recommended if you can do it!

  • Help > Change Memory Settings > 4096 MB

All other settings we will be configured as part of our Gradle project when we set that up.

Last Word

Real Programmers
XKCD: Real Programmers