Quick answer: After installing Android Studio (our Windows install guide covers setup), creating your first app is one wizard: New Project → Empty Activity → name it → Finish. Android Studio generates a working app; you press the green Run button and it launches in the built-in emulator. This guide walks the wizard, explains the files it creates, and makes your first change — the classic “hello world” upgrade.
The New Project wizard, field by field
| Wizard step | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Template | Empty Activity | The blank canvas — no confusing sample code |
| Name | MyFirstApp | Shown under the icon on the device |
| Package | com.example.myfirstapp (default) | Unique app identifier; fine for learning |
| Language | Kotlin | Google’s recommended language since 2019 — start here, not Java |
| Minimum SDK | API 24 (Android 7.0) | Covers ~97% of active devices while allowing modern APIs |
| Build config | Default (Kotlin DSL fine) | Leave as generated |
The files that matter (Kotlin view)
app/src/main/java/.../MainActivity.kt— your screen’s logic. One activity = one screen; this is where you live at first.app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml— the screen’s UI. Modern Android builds layouts in Jetpack Compose (Kotlin code) or the older XML editor; Empty Activity now generates Compose.app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml— declares the app’s components and permissions.app/build.gradle.kts— dependencies and SDK versions.
Run it, then change it
Press the green Run ▶ button. First launch downloads and boots an emulator (several minutes — this is normal; later launches are fast). You should see your app name centered on screen. Then open MainActivity.kt and find the setContent block — change the text to your own message:
setContent {
MyFirstAppTheme {
Surface(modifier = Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
Text(
text = "I am building Android apps!",
fontSize = 24.sp,
modifier = Modifier.padding(24.dp)
)
}
}
}Press Run again (or Apply Changes) — the emulator shows your text. That loop — edit Kotlin, run, see it on a virtual phone — is the entire learning cycle for your first weeks. Where to go next: the layout editor’s basics, or connecting your real phone via USB (Settings → About → tap Build Number 7 times → enable USB debugging, then pick your device in the Run dropdown).
For instructor-led Android training with real apps as the curriculum, Ampersand Academy teaches Android development one-to-one.
Frequently asked questions
Should I learn Kotlin or Java for Android in 2026?
Kotlin. Google recommends it, new libraries and samples are Kotlin-first, and it is more concise than Java. Java knowledge helps when reading older codebases, but start with Kotlin.
Why does my first Android emulator launch take so long?
The first run downloads a system image and cold-boots a virtual device – several minutes is normal. Later runs use snapshots and start in seconds. Keep the emulator open between coding sessions.
What is Jetpack Compose?
Android’s modern UI toolkit: you describe the interface in Kotlin code instead of XML files. New projects in Android Studio use it by default, and it is the recommended approach for new apps.
Which minimum SDK should I choose for a new app?
API 24 (Android 7.0) is a sensible 2026 default: it covers nearly all active devices while letting you use modern language and library features. Lower it only if your audience requires it.
Can I test Android apps on my real phone?
Yes and it is faster than the emulator: enable Developer Options by tapping Build Number seven times in Settings, turn on USB debugging, connect via cable, and select your phone in the Run device dropdown.