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Android Build a Simple Android App with Java Creating the Screen Layout Getting to Know Our Tools

Posted by dianaheit
dianaheit
370 Points

2-3 GB RAM - does Android Studio make sense?

Hi everyone - my old laptop here has only 2-3 GB RAM. I have other options but I would like to know if it makes any sense at all to try to run Android Studio on it, for example, if I use "power save mode"? Can I just be patient and wait for a few minutes for every little step? I know it sounds like a ridiculous question, but I'm serious. I'd be very grateful for a serious answer. All the best, Diana

2 Answers

dianaheit
dianaheit
370 Points

Here are the two things that have actually helped me (I have researched this elsewhere).

Posting it here so it may help others, too:

1 - go to the task manager & give more resources to Android Studio, so it runs faster: right-click and set the priority for Android Studio to high/highest - while closing all other programs, including Chrome, Skype and anything else that may be started up automatically.

2 - optimize Windows: open your control panel: go to system : advanced system settings, advanced: performance: then select the radio button that says "adjust for best performance".

You will notice a definite increase in speed immediately.

Your graphics will probably look worse, but now Android Studio can run even on your old, little turtle laptop.

Liam Clarke
Liam Clarke
19,938 Points
Liam Clarke
Liam Clarke
19,938 Points

Hi

I don't use Android Studio but i use other IDE's and there are multiple ways of getting around this, fortunately Android Studio has made documentation on how you can do this.

Although i recommend upgrading your RAM to a minimum of 6-8 GB, in the meantime you can go through these steps for low memory.

Lastly, the Android Studio course at Treehouse tells you to run an Emulator on your PC/Laptop, i do not recommend this with low memory, so make sure you are comfortable setting up a physical device for debugging.

dianaheit
dianaheit
370 Points

Thanks a lot, Liam. I'm going to try this.