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How to Set Up Flutter for Cross-Platform App Development on Windows 11

Learn how to set up Flutter on Windows 11 for cross-platform app development with this step-by-step guide for beginners. Start coding today!

How to Set Up Flutter for Cross-Platform App Development on Windows 11
Flutter for App development on Windows

INTRODUCTION:

Google developed the amazing Flutter framework, which lets programmers develop cross-platform apps from a single codebase. This implies that you can effectively develop desktop, web, and iOS programs. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the setup process if you're on Windows 11 and ready to start with Flutter.

HOW TO SET FLUTTER ON WINDOWS 11

Step 1: Check the system requirements.

Make sure your Windows 11 computer satisfies these requirements before you start:

  • Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 or later is advised.

  • At least 1.64 GB of disk space, excluding IDEs and other utilities.

  • Tools: Git for Windows and Windows PowerShell 5.0 or later.

  • Navigate to Settings > System > About to view your system specs.

Step 2: Configure a text editor or IDE

Install Git

  • First, what is Git? Git is an essential version control solution that facilitates efficient code management. It is necessary for Flutter projects.

  • Installing Git for Windows is as simple as downloading it from the official Git website.

  • Comply with the on-screen installation guidelines.

Installing Visual Studio Code.

The well-liked and portable editor Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is perfect for Flutter development.

  1. Get VS Code.
  • Download the Windows installer from the official Visual Studio Code website.
  1. Set up the Dart and Flutter extensions

  • Open Visual Studio Code.

  • Type "Flutter" into the Extensions menu (Ctrl+Shift+X).

  • The Dart extension will be added immediately after you install the Flutter extension.

Flutter is most effective when used with Android Studio for Android programming. Android Studio provides a more complete development environment with capabilities like an emulator and debugging tools, even though Visual Studio Code is sufficient.
Take these actions:

  1. Download Android Studio: Visit the Android Studio website and get the most recent version.

  2. Install Android Studio: Launch the installer and adhere to the on-screen instructions.

  • Make sure you choose to install the Android SDK and Android Virtual Device (AVD) throughout the installation procedure.
  1. Set Up Android Studio for Flutter.

  • Open android studio

  • To access plugins, go to File > Settings.

  • Look up "Flutter" in the marketplace for plugins, then select Install.

  • Install the Dart plugin as well when requested.

Once the installation is complete, restart Android Studio.

Configure an emulator.

You can install an Android emulator to test your Flutter applications:

  1. Establish an Emulator:

  • Open Android Studio, then select Tools > AVD Manager.

  • Select the "Create Virtual Device" option.

  • After choosing a device model, click Next to continue.

  • Select a system image and, if required, download it.

  • To complete the emulator configuration, click Finish.

  1. Start the Emulator:

Choose the emulator you just made in the AVD Manager, then press the Play button.

Step 3: Install the Flutter SDK after downloading it.

  1. Get the Flutter SDK first.
    Download the Windows installation package from the official Flutter website.

  2. Locate the ZIP file you just downloaded and unzip the Flutter SDK.
    Use the right-click menu to select Extract All.
    Extract it to a location (like C:\flutter) that you are authorized to write to.

  3. Make Your System Path Include Flutter

  • Open the start menu, and type “Environment variables”. Then choose “Edit the system environment variables”.

  • Click Environment Variables in the System Properties window.

  • Find Path under System Variables, choose it, and then click Edit.

  • Add the path to the “flutter\bin” folder (for example, C:\flutter\bin) after selecting New.

  • To apply the changes, click OK.

  1. Verify Installation:
    Open a new PowerShell or Command Prompt window and type the following command:
flutter --version

If everything is configured properly, the Flutter version and other pertinent data will be displayed.

Step 4: Run Your First Flutter Application

  1. Launch a New Flutter Project.

  2. In a terminal, run:

 flutter create my_first_app

Navigate to the project folder:

 cd my_first_app
  1. Open the application
  • Start the emulator or connect a physical device.
    Execute the following command:
flutter run
  • The linked device or emulator should now be running your first Flutter application.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you encounter any problems, run:

 flutter doctor

This command will examine your surroundings and make recommendations for fixing any issues.

  • To avoid incompatibilities, update all tools and plugins regularly.

Key Considerations:

  • Ensure Flutter is updated: To benefit from the newest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, upgrade your Flutter SDK often.

  • Examine the Flutter documentation in detail: For a thorough grasp of Flutter's features, widgets, and best practices, consult the official documentation.

  • Practice and investigate: Making projects is the best method for learning Flutter. Start with easy tasks and work your way up to more difficult ones.