First of all, you have to understand that there is no all-in-one Xcode for Android, and so this post is all about how to get the software installed and running to start development, which can be a daunting task all of its own. So the main thing you'll need here is patience.
Google recommends the "Classic" version of Eclipse and supports version 3.6.2 or greater at present. You can download Eclipse here.
Step four the sample apps
Once you've opened Eclipse and identified a folder where you want to store your work you can start writing your first app, and here's a blogpost to help you do that.
Since Eclipse is designed for many programming languages, not just Android, you will need to tell it the kind of project you want to create in order for it to provide the correct menus and so on. It will also mean you can run your apps in the simulator (yes, thank goodness there is one - just like in Xcode!).
This takes serious time, especially if you don't develop very often. So be prepared to open Eclipse every once in a while just to make these updates if you want to start work as quickly as possible and not sit through hours of updates when it comes time to work.
Step one download the Android software development kit (SDK)
You can get that here. You then need to follow their instructions.
Step two is to download Eclipse
This is an Integrated Design Environment (IDE) like Xcode but it isn't nearly as pretty or intuitive, it prefers power and flexibility to looks and would rather spit in your face than hold your hand.Google recommends the "Classic" version of Eclipse and supports version 3.6.2 or greater at present. You can download Eclipse here.
Step three connect the SDK to the IDE
Finally you are ready to follow Google's instructions for connecting Eclipse and the Android SDK. Once you have all this running you are ready to explore the development environment.
Step four the sample apps
Once you've opened Eclipse and identified a folder where you want to store your work you can start writing your first app, and here's a blogpost to help you do that.
Since Eclipse is designed for many programming languages, not just Android, you will need to tell it the kind of project you want to create in order for it to provide the correct menus and so on. It will also mean you can run your apps in the simulator (yes, thank goodness there is one - just like in Xcode!).
Final warning
One thing you'll need to be aware of when working with Eclipse and the Android SDK is that there are a lot of updates that you make using the Android download icon in Eclipse. For some of these updates you'll need to sign up to manufacturer websites as well (e.g. Motorola and HTC) and have a developer password and username for each of these to update the bespoke software elements from these companies. (Don't worry the software will prompt you, but you will need to visit each site and fill out their forms.)This takes serious time, especially if you don't develop very often. So be prepared to open Eclipse every once in a while just to make these updates if you want to start work as quickly as possible and not sit through hours of updates when it comes time to work.
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