Developers can use the Android Emulator to create simulations of various Android devices on their computers. The application can be tested on numerous devices without requiring any physical device. The application can undertake all the features of an actual Android device. It is also faster to test your application on the Emulator than on real devices. Transferring data to the Emulator is quicker than sending it to a device over a USB port. There are several pre-defined configurations for different devices.
There are various versions of the Emulator which had been introduced to provide improved features for developers. Developers must test their apps on several devices before submitting them. It prevents any untoward incident when the app goes live. The Emulator can be manually used using the user interface. It can be programmatically carried out using the console and the command line.
Using Android Virtual Devices
You must be aware that the Emulators use an AVD (Android Virtual Device) to help specify the hardware and Android version of the simulated device. Hence, developers must create an AVD that can mimic the smartphones and be compatible with your app. The AVDs can be managed and created using the Device Manager.
The AVD can act as a device and have its private storage capacity for storing user information. The Emulator will store the SD card data, user data and the cache in a director, which is unique in the AVD. Once the Emulator is launched, it can effectively load the SD card and user card information from the AVD directory.
Run your app on Android Emulator
Developers can run their app from any Android project. You must start the Emulator and run the app in the project. At Android Studio, you must create an AVD to help install and run your app. You can select the AVD you need for running the app from the toolbar. Next, click on Run. If there is a warning or an error message, you must click the link to have the issues corrected. You can also get additional information about the problem. You can also fix some errors before you can continue.
(Source: https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator)
Requirements and recommendations
It has various system requirements, which are below:
- 64-bit processor
- HAXM 6.2.1 or later (HAXM 7.2.0 or later recommended)
- SDK Tools 26.1.1 or higher
- Windows: CPU with unrestricted guest support
Android Emulator requires hardware acceleration. Due to this, there are additional requirements on Windows and Linux:
- AMD on Linux: AMD processor and support for Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (SSSE3) and AMD Virtualization (AMD-V).
- Intel on Linux or Windows: Intel processor and support for Intel EM64T (Intel 64), Intel VT-x, with Execute Disable (XD) Bit feature.
- AMD on Windows: or higher Windows 10 April 2018 release or higher and Android Studio 3.2 with the Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHPX) feature.
Developers can have the requirement to work with Android 8.1 (API level 27) or higher system images. There must be an attached webcam which can capture 720p frames.
Android Emulator is deprecated for 32-bit Windows
Android Emulator application was deprecated in June 2019 for all 32-bit Windows systems. The support for the 32-bit Windows emulator was continued till June 2020. Developers cannot use the Emulator on a 32-bit Windows system. They must move to a 64-bit Windows system.
Running the Emulator in Android Studio
The Emulator can be run inside the Android Studio by default. You can save space on the screen and organise the Emulator and IDE in a single window. Using the hotkeys, users can also quickly navigate between the editor and the Emulator.
(Source: https://developer.android.com/studio/run/emulator)
As the Emulator runs, there is access to rotating and other extended control options.
You can also execute the Emulator in a distinct window. You must use this route: File > Settings > Tools > Emulator (Android Studio > Preferences > Tools > Emulator on macOS). Deselect Launch in the tool window.
Remember that the extended controls of the Emulator cannot be used when it is active in the tool window. When the development workflow is heavily dependent on the extended controls, the Android Emulator can be used.
Installing and adding files
When you install the APK file on any of the emulated devices, you must bring an APL file into the emulator screen. The APK Installer dialog will come up, and once the installation is over, the app can be viewed.
When you wish to add the file into the emulated device, you can bring the file to the emulator screen. The file gets placed in the /sdcard/Download/ directory.
Check the file from the Android Studio by using Device File Explorer. You can also find it through the device through the Files or Download app.
Traversing the Emulator screen
You can choose the input fields and menu items and click on the buttons and controls. The mouse pointer can act like a touchscreen. It is also possible to undertake generic activities using the Emulator. There are keyboard shortcuts which can be undertaken for several common actions in the Emulator.
