A set of tools called the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) enables programmers to construct Android applications. Android SDK includes a debugger, libraries, a handset emulator, documentation, sample code, and other tools.
The Android SDK is normally installed to a default location on your machine when you install it. However, there may be instances when you want to switch the Android SDK’s installation location, such as when you want to use a newer version of the SDK or install it on a different location. In this article, we will discuss how to change the Android SDK path on your system.
Jump ahead:
- Prerequisites
- What is Android Studio Chipmunk?
- When should I change the Android SDK path when using Android Studio?
- Which folders should not be an SDK location?
- How to install an SDK platform
Prerequisites
Before you begin, there are a few things that you need to do:
- Make sure that you have installed the Android SDK on your system. If you have not yet installed the Android SDK, you can download it from the Android developer website
- If you have installed the Android SDK to a custom location, make note of the current path so that you can update it later
- If you want to install the Android SDK to a new location, make sure that you have enough space on your system to accommodate the SDK. The Android SDK requires approximately one GB of free space
What is Android Studio Chipmunk?
An integrated development environment (IDE) for creating Android applications is called Android Studio. Currently, Chipmunk is the name of the latest Android Studio version. It was created exclusively for Android development and is based on the IntelliJ IDEA software from JetBrains.
A number of features and tools are provided by Android Studio Chipmunk to aid developers in producing Android applications more quickly. A visual layout editor, a code editor, a debugger, a profiler, and other tools are a few of these features. A number of programming languages, including Java, Kotlin, and C++, are also supported.
In addition to its main functionality, Android Studio Chipmunk offers support for several plugins and integrations, including support for Git version control, testing and debugging tools, and more. By facilitating their interaction with other programs and services, these capabilities and integrations enable developers to produce Android applications that are more stable and scalable.
When should I change the Android SDK path when using Android Studio?
There are a few reasons why someone might want to change the Android SDK path on their system. Some common reasons include:
- Installing an updated Android SDK version: To install an updated Android SDK version, you must modify the Android SDK path to point to the new version’s location. This will let you leverage the most recent features and capabilities of the Android platform and ensure that your development tools and libraries are up to date.
- Changing the Android SDK’s location: You must modify the Android SDK path to point to the new place if you wish to transfer the Android SDK to a different location on your system. This can be required if you want to clear up space on your existing drive or install the SDK on a separate drive.
- Using multiple versions of the Android SDK: Using different Android SDK versions on the same machine requires that you modify the Android SDK path so that it points to the appropriate location for each version. As a result, you will be able to test your applications on various Android platform versions and transition between various SDK versions as necessary.
How to change the Android SDK path in Android Studio Chipmunk
In this section, you will learn how to install an SDK in Android from scratch. You will also learn how to choose the right SDK for your app. To change the Android SDK path, follow these steps:
Start by clicking on the SDK manager icon, which is on the left side of the search icon:
In the Android SDK manager window, you will see the current SDK location. To change it, press the Edit text:
Next, navigate to the SDK location that is shown at the bottom of the window and then press the folder icon for the option to change it:
Next, select the SDK location you would like to switch to and then press OK. The previous window will be shown again, and then press Next:
After pressing the next button, Android Studio will ask you to verify the changes you have just made. Press Finish if you have changed to the right SDK location:
If you have changed the SDK location successfully, you will see the new location being displayed as the SDK location:
Which folders should not be an SDK location?
It is difficult to say which SDK locations are “bad” because it depends on the context and the specific use case. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when choosing an SDK location.
Avoid storing SDKs:
- On network drives, as they can be slow and unreliable
- On a system drive, as they can fill up quickly and cause performance issues
- In a location that requires administrator privileges to access, as it can make it difficult for other users to access the SDK
- In a location that is not backed up, as this can result in data loss if there is a problem with the SDK or the computer
Ultimately, the best location for an SDK will depend on the specific requirements of your project and organization. It’s always a good idea to consult with your development team or IT department to determine the best location for your SDK.
How to install an SDK platform
To install an SDK platform, open the SDK manager the way you had done it in the previous sections. In the SDK manager window, you will see the SDK Platforms tab. This tab will contain all available SDKs you can install. The SDKs are secure.
Downloading the latest SDK means your app will be limited to a few users that use the latest versions of Android. Yes, the latest SDKs contain all the latest features; if your application heavily depends on the latest Android features, then it’s best you install the latest SDK version.
Now, check all the boxes for the specific SDK platforms you want to be installed and click the Apply button at the bottom right of your window:
Next, Android Studio will ask you if you want to install the selected items. Press OK if you wish to install the selected SDKs:
Android Studio will download the SDKs, but you have to make sure that your network connection is stable or else the download will be canceled if there are any network interruptions:
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how to change the Android SDK path on your system. Changing the Android SDK path is a simple process that can be done through the Android SDK Manager. By changing the Android SDK path, you can install the Android SDK to a different location on your system, or use a different version of the Android SDK.
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