Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit (SDK) developed by Google that allows you to create iOS, Android, web, and desktop applications from a single codebase. While it is possible to build stunning user interfaces using the latest version of Flutter, new users often struggle to set up their first project. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create and run a project using Flutter 2.7.
1. Setting Up Flutter Environment
The first step to starting a project is to set up the Flutter development environment. This requires installing the Flutter SDK, an IDE, and the necessary tools.
1.1 Installing the Flutter SDK
To install the Flutter SDK, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Flutter website (flutter.dev).
- Select and download the installation guide for your operating system.
- Unzip the downloaded ZIP file to an appropriate directory.
- Add the Flutter binary path to your system PATH.
1.2 Installing Development Tools
For convenient development, it is recommended to install an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). The best compatible options with Flutter are:
- Android Studio: An IDE provided by Google that includes powerful Android development tools.
- Visual Studio Code: A lightweight code editor that can be extended with Flutter plugins.
- IntelliJ IDEA: An IDE developed by JetBrains that provides plugins for Flutter development.
1.3 Running Flutter Doctor
Once the installation is complete, run the flutter doctor command to check for any missing dependencies and ensure the environment is set up correctly. Open a terminal (or command prompt) and enter the following command:
flutter doctorWhen you run the command, it will output the status of the installed tools and required dependencies. If any items are missing, it is important to follow the guide provided by Flutter to install them.
2. Creating a Flutter Project
Once the environment is set up, let’s create your first Flutter project. You can easily create a new project using the Flutter CLI (Command Line Interface).
2.1 Creating a New Project
Enter the following command in the terminal to create a project:
flutter create my_first_appThis command creates a new Flutter project named my_first_app. You can change it to a name of your choice.
2.2 Navigating to the Created Project Directory
Once the project is created, you need to navigate to that directory. Enter the following command:
cd my_first_app3. Running the Flutter Project
After creating the project, here’s how to actually run the Flutter app. Flutter offers various ways to test your app, and you can run it on a simulator, emulator, or real device.
3.1 Running the Android Emulator
If you have set up an Android emulator using Android Studio, you can run it through the following steps:
- Open Android Studio and launch the AVD (Android Virtual Device) Manager.
- Create a new virtual device or select an existing one to run.
3.2 Running the Flutter App
Now you are all set. Use the following command to run the Flutter app:
flutter runBy entering the above command, the created Flutter app will run on the emulator or connected physical device. If multiple devices are connected, a prompt will appear asking you to select the device to use.
4. Checking After Project Execution
If the app runs successfully, the basic Flutter app interface will open. Now you can personalize the app with simple modifications. You can verify changes by modifying the default Flutter sample code provided.
4.1 Modifying the Code
Open the lib/main.dart file of the project to check the basic code structure and make the following changes:
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
void main() => runApp(MyApp());
class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return MaterialApp(
home: Scaffold(
appBar: AppBar(
title: Text('Hello, Flutter!'),
),
body: Center(
child: Text('Hello, Flutter World!'),
),
),
);
}
}
After applying the above code, enter the flutter run command again, and the app screen will update to show the new text.
4.2 Using Hot Reload
One of the advantages of Flutter is its Hot Reload feature. This allows you to apply code changes to the application in real-time without restarting the app. Changes are automatically updated upon saving the code.
5. Debugging and Troubleshooting
You may encounter issues while running the app. Here are some tips for resolving such issues:
5.1 Rechecking Flutter Doctor
If issues persist, run flutter doctor again to ensure that all dependencies are installed correctly.
5.2 Checking Logs
You can track error messages and resolve issues by checking the logs that occur during app execution. You can view the logs using the flutter logs command in the terminal.
5.3 Google It
Most problems are likely experienced by other developers as well. It is advisable to search for error messages related to issues to find useful information.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we learned how to create and run a basic project using Flutter 2.7. Flutter is a powerful platform, especially suited for mobile application development. By following the above steps, you can easily start your own project and explore various features of Flutter. You can find more resources and documentation at the official Flutter documentation.
In future tutorials, we will cover more advanced topics such as various Flutter widgets, state management techniques, API communication, and more. Stay tuned!