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Flutter & Java JDK Installation Guide

Set up your development environment the right way to start building beautiful apps with Flutter. This guide covers installing Flutter, setting up Java, configuring your IDE, and running your first project successfully.

1. Get Flutter Ready​

Download the Flutter SDK​

Head over to the official Flutter site and grab the 3.32.1 Stable version:
👉 Download Flutter

Unzip the SDK​

Extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice:

  • Windows: Example C:\dev\flutter
  • macOS/Linux: Example ~/development/flutter

Add Flutter to PATH​

So you can run flutter from anywhere in the terminal:

  • Windows:

    • Go to System Properties > Environment Variables
    • Add C:\dev\flutter\bin to the Path variable under system variables

  • macOS/Linux:

    • Open your terminal config file (~/.zshrc, ~/.bashrc, etc.)
    • Add: 
      export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/development/flutter/bin"

Check the Setup​

Run this command to verify:

flutter doctor

It will list what's ready and what needs fixing.

2. Install Java JDK​

Java is required for Android development. Here's how to set it up.

Download JDK​

Get the version of the Java Development Kit from: 👉 Oracle JDK Choose the right installer for your OS.

Set Environment Variables​

  • Windows:

    • Create a new variable JAVA_HOME and set it to the JDK installation directory
    • Update Path to include %JAVA_HOME%\bin

  • macOS/Linux: Add to your terminal profile file:

    export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home)
    export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH

Test Java Setup​

Run:

java -version

You should see the installed version displayed.

3. Install an IDE​

Choose an editor that supports Flutter and Dart.

Android Studio​

  • Download from: Android Studio
  • Install Flutter and Dart plugins via Settings > Plugins

Visual Studio Code​

  • Download: VS Code

  • Go to Extensions → Search and install:

    • Flutter
    • Dart

Use the one you're comfortable with — both work great with Flutter!

4. Launch Your First App​

Run the App​

Navigate to your project folder in terminal, then run:

flutter pub get
flutter run

Device Setup​

  • Android: Use AVD Manager in Android Studio to set up an emulator
  • iOS (macOS only): Install Xcode and open the Simulator

Final Verification​

Use:

flutter doctor

to make sure all tools are properly configured.

You're now ready to start building amazing Flutter apps. Enjoy coding!