Whether you are using a lightweight editor like VS Code, setting up a Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline, or simply working on a machine with limited disk space, downloading the Android SDK alone is the way to go. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get exactly what you need without the extra bloat. Why Download the SDK Separately?
Android Studio can consume several gigabytes of RAM and disk space.
Google doesn't provide a big "Download SDK" button anymore; instead, they offer the . Visit the official Android Studio Download Page. download android sdk alone
Unzip your download and move the contents (bin, lib, source.properties, and notice.txt) into that latest folder.
Create a main folder for your SDK (e.g., C:\AndroidSDK or ~/AndroidSDK ). Inside that folder, create a subfolder named cmdline-tools . Whether you are using a lightweight editor like
If you are a developer, you’ve likely encountered a common frustration: you need the to compile an app, run an emulator, or use ADB commands, but you don’t want to install the massive, resource-heavy Android Studio IDE.
Vital for Docker containers and build servers where a GUI isn't available. Step 1: Download the "Command Line Tools" Android Studio can consume several gigabytes of RAM
Select the package corresponding to your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Accept the terms and download the ZIP file. Step 2: Set Up Your Directory Structure
How to Download the Android SDK Without Installing Android Studio
This is the part where most developers get stuck. The SDK expects a specific folder hierarchy to function correctly.