Install Flutter SDK & VS Code

VS Code + Flutter is lightweight and very beginner-friendly.
Let’s go step by step

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Step 1: Install Flutter SDK

1. Go to Flutter install page.
2. Download Flutter SDK for your OS (Windows/Mac/Linux).
3. Extract it somewhere safe, e.g.
   • Windows: C:\src\flutter
   • Mac/Linux: ~/flutter

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Step 2: Add Flutter to PATH

So you can run flutter command from any terminal:

• Windows (PowerShell): setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\src\flutter\bin"
• Mac/Linux (bash/zsh): export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/flutter/bin"

Check with:

flutter doctor

This shows if anything is missing (like Android SDK).

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Step 3: Install VS Code + Extensions

1. Download Visual Studio Code.
2. Open Extensions Marketplace (left toolbar).
   • Install Flutter extension.
   • It will also ask to install Dart → accept.

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Step 4: Set Up Device to Run

You have 2 options:
Android Emulator

• Install Android Studio.
• In Android Studio → AVD Manager → create a virtual device.
• Start the emulator before running Flutter apps.

Real Android Device

• Enable Developer Mode → USB Debugging.
• Connect phone via USB.
• Run flutter devices → should show your phone.

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Step 5: Create New Flutter Project

In VS Code terminal:

flutter create hello_world
cd hello_world
code .

This opens your new project in VS Code.

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Step 6: Write Hello World

Open lib/main.dart → replace code with:

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';

void main() {
  runApp(const MyApp());
}

class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
  const MyApp({super.key});

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return MaterialApp(
      debugShowCheckedModeBanner: false,
      home: Scaffold(
        appBar: AppBar(
          title: const Text("My First Flutter App"),
        ),
        body: const Center(
          child: Text(
            "Hello World ",
            style: TextStyle(fontSize: 28, fontWeight: FontWeight.bold),
          ),
        ),
      ),
    );
  }
}

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Step 7: Run the App

• Open VS Code Terminal → run: flutter run
• Or press F5 (Run & Debug).
• You should see Hello World on your emulator/phone.