Before starting to code for Android

So many people asked me "what is needed to start creating apps for Android?" that I decided to make a small guide here to help you in this awesome quest. First of all download the following:

• Android SDK
• Eclipse IDE (Galileo, Helios or newer)
• JDK

Now start by installing JDK package, if you already have be sure that it's updated to version 5 or 6.
Then extract the sdk zip file in an easy to find folder. Do the same for eclipse but in another folder.
Now I'll try to make this easy so follow the image:

• Click in Install New Software on Help;

• Click in Add to insert a new Software Site; Give it a name (like "ADT Plugin") and the following URL: https://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/ or http://dl-ssl.google.com/android/eclipse/ 

• Wait for it to update and select Developer Tools. Now you see the installation list, read the license agreements (accept it otherwise you can't install anything :P);
• Reestart Eclipse. 

In the future when you need to update your SDK, simply repeat the steps above, just skip the Software Site adding.

To complete the SDK installation  we need a few final steps.

• Open Eclipse, if isn't already opened, click on Window > Android SDK and AVD Manager. The manager gives you the capability of controlling your virtual devices (like iphone simulator), your installed packages and install the availables packages. 

• After that your gonna select available packages > select all of android packages (if you want to select the third party packages is ok but will take longer to download). 

• Click in install selected and go drink some juice. 

The installation is completed but we're not there yet, there's still the AVD to configure.
Access the Android SDK and AVD Manager again, once there click on Virtual Devices > New, the window bellow should appear. Fill the information and click  in Create AVD.

Name -> A name for your virtual device;
Target -> Which version of the Android OS the device will simulate;
SD Card -> If you need it fill the size or use a file (a .iso file);
Snapshot -> Check this if you want to save state. The same as vmware/sun virtualbox snapshot;
Skin -> Specify the resolution, I often use built-in;
Hardware -> Set your hardware needs. Like GPS and Track ball for example.

Good to go guys!!! Have fun... Any problems, doubts, sugestions plz let me know. Oh almost forgot the reference: Android Development Site

Troubleshoot

If anything goes wrong check if the SDK folder is set in preferences. Access Preferences on Window and you should see the image bellow. Select Android and then browse the SDK location