Flutter Development Environment Setup on Windows

Table of Contents

• System Requirements
• Install Git for Windows
• Download Flutter SDK
• Verify Installation
• Install Android Studio
• Set Up the Android Emulator
• Set Up Visual Studio Code (Optional)
• Run Your First Flutter App
• Keeping Flutter and Tools Up to Date

System Requirements

Ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later.
• Disk Space: At least 1.64 GB (does not include disk space for IDE/tools).
• Tools: Windows PowerShell 5.0 or newer and Git for Windows.

Install Git for Windows

1. Download Git: Visit Git for Windows and download the latest version.
2. Install Git: Run the installer and follow the setup instructions. Make sure to select the option "Use Git from the Windows Command Prompt" during the installation.

Download Flutter SDK

1. Download Flutter SDK: Go to the Flutter official website and download the latest stable release of the Flutter SDK.
2. Extract Flutter SDK:
   • Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select "Extract All ...".
   • Choose the location where you want to store the SDK (e.g., C:\src\flutter).
3. Update Path:
   • Open Start Menu, search for Environment Variables, and select Edit the system environment variables.
   • In the System Properties window, click Environment Variables.
   • Under System variables, find and select the Path variable, then click Edit.
   • Click New and add the path to the flutter\bin directory (e.g., C:\src\flutter\bin).
   • Click OK to close all dialogs.

Verify Installation

1. Open PowerShell: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run the following command to verify the installation:

   flutter doctor

2. Check Output: The command checks your environment and displays a report of the status of your installation. You may need to install additional dependencies if any issues are reported.

   • Unable to locate Android SDK:

     flutter config --android-sdk <PATH_TO_ANDROID_SDK>

     

   • Androin toolchain:

     

     • cmdline-tools component is missing: make sure Android SDK Command-line is checked and installed in Android Studio > SDK Manager > SDK Tools.

     

     • Android license status unknown: run following command and press y then Enter to confirm licenses.

     flutter doctor --android-licences

Install Android Studio

1. Download Android Studio: Visit the Android Studio download page and download the installer.

2. Install Android Studio:

   • Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.

   • During installation, ensure that the boxes for Android SDK, Android SDK Platform, Android Virtual Device are checked.

     

   • Set the Android SDK path during the installation process. It’s usually set in C:\Users<Your-Username>\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk.

3. Install Flutter and Dart Plugins:

   • Open Android Studio.
   • Go to File > Settings.
   • Under Plugins, search for "Flutter" and install it.
   • When prompted, also install the Dart plugin.

Set Up the Android Emulator

1. Open Android Studio.

2. Virtual Device Manager: More Actions > Virtual Device Manager.

   

3. Create a Virtual Device: Click Create Virtual Device, select a device model, then click Next.

   

4. Select a System Image: Choose a system image that matches the version you want to test, and click Next.

   

5. Verify Configuration: Confirm the configuration settings and click Finish.

   

Set Up Visual Studio Code (Optional)

1. Install VS Code: Download and install Visual Studio Code.

2. Install Flutter Extension:

   • Open VS Code.
   • Go to Extensions.
   • Search for "Flutter" and install the official Flutter extension. This will also install the Dart extension.

   

Run Your First Flutter App

1. Create a New Flutter Project:

   • Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.

   • Navigate to the directory where you want to create your Flutter project.

   • Run the following command:

     flutter create my_first_app

   • Navigate into your project directory:

     cd my_first_app

2. Run the App:

   • Ensure your Android emulator is running or a physical device is connected.

     

   • Run the following command to launch your app:

     flutter run

Keeping Flutter and Tools Up to Date

1. Update Flutter SDK:

   • To update the Flutter SDK, run:

     flutter upgrade

     or

     flutter upgrade --force

     

   • Verify

     flutter doctor

     

2. Update Android Studio:

   • Check for updates regularly within Android Studio to ensure you’re using the latest version of the Android SDK and related tools.

Open Exists Flutter project

1. Open project

   • Open VS Code

     

   • Click Open Folder then select project folder

     

   • To check project's packages outdated Press Ctrl + ` to open terminal then type

     flutter outdated

     

   • To upgrade packages

     flutter upgrade

2. Run project on android emulator

   • Select emulator

     

   • Run project

     flutter run

     or click debug icon