# Setup & Installation Flutter is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for developers aiming to create cross-platform applications. If you're looking to dive into the world of Flutter, this guide will walk you through the installation process for macOS, Windows, and Linux. {% tabs %} {% tab title="MacOS" %} ### **Installing Flutter on macOS** 1. **Download the Flutter SDK for macOS** * Navigate to the official [Flutter website](https://flutter.dev/docs/get-started/install) to secure the latest Flutter macOS zip file. * Once downloaded, extract and position the `flutter` folder in your preferred directory, such as `~/development`. 2. **Incorporate Flutter into your System Path** * To seamlessly run Flutter commands, integrate the `flutter/bin` directory into your system path. Open your terminal and input `export PATH="$PATH:`pwd`/flutter/bin"`. 3. **Initiate a System Check with Flutter Doctor** * Launch your terminal and execute `flutter doctor` to ensure Flutter's successful integration. {% endtab %} {% tab title="Windows" %} ### **Flutter Installation for Windows** 1. **Download the Flutter SDK** * Visit the [Flutter official website](https://flutter.dev/docs/get-started/install) and download the Flutter Windows zip file. * Extract the zip file and place the contained `flutter` in the desired installation location for the Flutter SDK (for example, `C:\src\flutter`). 2. **Update your path** * You need to add the `flutter/bin` directory to your system path. * Search for "Environment Variables" on your computer, then choose "Edit the system environment variables". Under the "System Properties" window, click on "Environment Variables". In the "System Variables" section, find the `Path` variable and click on it. Click on "Edit", and then "New", and then paste the path to the `flutter/bin` directory. 3. **Verify the Installation** * Open a new command prompt and run the command `flutter doctor`. {% endtab %} {% tab title="Linux" %} ### **Flutter Installation for Linux** 1. **Download the Flutter SDK** * Go to the [Flutter official website](https://flutter.dev/docs/get-started/install) and download the Flutter Linux tarball file. * Extract the tarball file to an appropriate location on your filesystem (for example, `~/development`). 2. **Update your path** * Add the `flutter/bin` directory to your path. * Open your bash profile (`~/.bashrc` for most users) in a text editor and add the following line: `export PATH="$PATH:`pwd`/flutter/bin"`. 3. **Verify the Installation** * Open a new terminal window and run the command `flutter doctor`. {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} *** ## **Running Your First Flutter App on an Emulator** After successfully installing Flutter, the next step is to set up an IDE and run your Flutter app on an emulator. ### **Setting Up an IDE** Flutter supports a range of IDEs, but for this tutorial, we'll focus on **Visual Studio Code** and **Android Studio**, as they are the most popular and beginner-friendly. **1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)** * **Installation** * Download and install [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/). * Open VS Code and head to the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon on the sidebar or pressing `Ctrl+Shift+X`. * Search for "Flutter" and install the Flutter extension provided by Dart Code. **2. Android Studio** * **Installation** * Download and install [Android Studio](https://developer.android.com/studio). * During installation, ensure the "Android Virtual Device" option is checked. * Once installed, open Android Studio and head to `Configure > Plugins`. * Search for "Flutter" and install the Flutter plugin. This will also prompt you to install the Dart plugin, which is necessary for Flutter development. ### **Setting Up an Emulator** **1. Using Android Studio** * **Creating a Virtual Device** * Open Android Studio and navigate to `Tools > AVD Manager`. * Click on "Create Virtual Device" and select a hardware profile for your emulator. * Choose a system image (preferably with Google APIs) and download it. * Finish the setup and click on "Play" to start your emulator. **2. Using VS Code** * If you've set up an emulator using Android Studio, VS Code can directly use that. Ensure the emulator is running when you try to launch your Flutter app from VS Code. ### **Running Your First Flutter App** 1. **Create a New Flutter App** * In Android Studio: `File > New Flutter Project > Flutter Application`. * In VS Code: Open the command palette (`Ctrl+Shift+P`), and run `Flutter: New Project`. 2. **Run the App** * In Android Studio: Click on the green play button. * In VS Code: With the main Dart file open (`main.dart`), click on `Run > Start Debugging`. Your Flutter app should now launch on the emulator. You'll see a default app with a clickable "+" button that increments a counter. *** ## **Final Thoughts** With Flutter and your chosen IDE set up, you're now equipped to start building beautiful cross-platform apps. As you progress, remember that the [official Flutter documentation](https://flutter.dev/docs/get-started/install) is a treasure trove of information. Happy coding! --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://flutteruniversity.gitbook.io/docs/learn-flutter/basics/setup-and-installation.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. 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