Install: Android Studio instructions

[Aravind102030]

Installation Instructions (Android Studio)

Prerequisites

• Android Studio: Latest stable version (recommended)
• JDK: Version 11 or 17 (match the project Gradle settings)
• Android SDK: Install via Android Studio SDK Manager
• Git: For version control
• Optional: A Firebase project and google-services.json if the app uses Firebase

Steps to Install and Run

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/SimCoderYoutube/InstagramClone.git
   cd InstagramClone

2. Open in Android Studio
   • Open Android Studio
   • Go to: File → Open...
   • Select the cloned InstagramClone folder (it should contain build.gradle, settings.gradle)
   • Allow Gradle to sync (accept any prompts to install missing SDK/platform or plugins)
3. Set JDK and SDK if needed
   • Go to: File → Project Structure → SDK Location
   • Set JDK location (use JDK 11 or 17 as required by the project)
   • Go to: Tools → SDK Manager and install the required Android API level (check compileSdkVersion in build.gradle)
4. Configure emulator or connect a physical device
   • Go to: Tools → Device Manager (or AVD Manager)
   • Create or start an emulator, or connect a device with USB debugging enabled
5. Build & Run the app
   • Choose the "app" module in the Run/Debug configuration
   • Click the green Run button or select Run → Run 'app'
   • Alternatively, build from terminal:
     • macOS/Linux: ./gradlew assembleDebug
     • Windows: gradlew.bat assembleDebug

Firebase (if applicable)

• Create a Firebase project and add an Android app with your package name (applicationId)
• Download google-services.json and place it in the app/ directory
• Verify your Gradle files have the Google services plugin and Firebase dependencies

Common Troubleshooting

• Gradle sync fails: Go to File → Invalidate Caches / Restart, then sync again
• Missing SDK/platform: Open SDK Manager and install the required API level
• Gradle/Kotlin plugin mismatch: Update Android Studio or adapt plugin versions in build.gradle
• Emulator issues: Enable hardware acceleration (HAXM/Hypervisor) or use a physical device
• Firebase/network/auth errors: Ensure google-services.json matches your app ID; check Firebase rules

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Additionally, follow all code style and contribution guidelines described in the repository. If targeting specific Android OS versions, ensure your build and target SDK settings are updated in build.gradle as per project recommendations.