---
title: "OpenAI Codex Kotlin Android"
description: "Comprehensive setup for Android development using Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, and Material Design 3."
category: "configuration"
tags: ["openai-codex", "kotlin", "android", "jetpack-compose", "material-design", "mobile"]
tech_stack: ["kotlin", "android", "jetpack-compose", "room", "retrofit", "hilt"]
---

This configuration sets you up for Android development using Kotlin, Jetpack Compose, and Material Design 3 in a straightforward way.

### Configuration Overview
With this setup, you can dive into Android app development using a modern UI toolkit and solid architecture patterns while easily integrating essential libraries.

### Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following installed:
- **Java Development Kit (JDK)**: Version 11 or higher
- **Android Studio**: Version 4.2 or higher
- **Gradle**: Version 7.0 or higher
- **Kotlin**: Version 1.5 or higher
- **Android SDK**: The latest stable version

### Installation & Setup
Let's get started with the installation and setup process:

1. **Install Android Studio**: Head over to the [official website](https://developer.android.com/studio) to download and install Android Studio.
  
2. **Create a New Project**:
   - Launch Android Studio and select "New Project."
   - Pick "Empty Compose Activity."
   - Enter your project name, package name, and where you want to save it.
  
3. **Configure Gradle Files**:
   - Open the `build.gradle (Project)` file and make sure it looks like this:
     ```groovy
     buildscript {
         ext.kotlin_version = '1.5.31'
         repositories {
             google()
             mavenCentral()
         }
         dependencies {
             classpath "com.android.tools.build:gradle:7.0.3"
             classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version"
         }
     }
     ```
   - Next, open `build.gradle (Module)` and add the dependencies:
     ```groovy
     plugins {
         id 'com.android.application'
         id 'kotlin-android'
     }
     android {
         compileSdk 31
         defaultConfig {
             applicationId "com.example.myapp"
             minSdk 21
             targetSdk 31
             versionCode 1
             versionName "1.0"
         }
         buildTypes {
             release {
                 minifyEnabled false
                 proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android-optimize.txt'), 'proguard-rules.pro'
             }
         }
     }
     dependencies {
         implementation "androidx.compose.ui:ui:1.0.5"
         implementation "androidx.compose.material:material:1.0.5"
         implementation "androidx.activity:activity-compose:1.3.1"
         implementation "androidx.room:room-runtime:2.4.1"
         kapt "androidx.room:room-compiler:2.4.1"
         implementation "com.squareup.retrofit2:retrofit:2.9.0"
         implementation "com.squareup.retrofit2:converter-gson:2.9.0"
         implementation "com.google.dagger:hilt-android:2.40"
         kapt "com.google.dagger:hilt-compiler:2.40"
     }
     ```
  
4. **Enable Kotlin KAPT**: Don’t forget to add this line to your `build.gradle (Module)`:
   ```groovy
   apply plugin: 'kotlin-kapt'
   ```

### File Structure
Here's a quick look at the file structure you'll have:
```
/MyApplication
|-- /app
|   |-- /src
|   |   |-- /main
|   |   |   |-- /java/com/example/myapp
|   |   |   |   |-- MainActivity.kt
|   |   |   |-- /res
|   |   |   |   |-- /layout
|   |   |   |   |-- /values
|   |   |   |-- AndroidManifest.xml
|   |-- build.gradle
|-- build.gradle
|-- settings.gradle
```

### Key Configuration Files
Take a look at the `MainActivity.kt` file:
```kotlin
package com.example.myapp

import android.os.Bundle
import androidx.activity.ComponentActivity
import androidx.activity.compose.setContent
import androidx.compose.material.MaterialTheme
import androidx.compose.material.Surface
import androidx.compose.material.Text
import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
import androidx.compose.ui.tooling.preview.Preview

class MainActivity : ComponentActivity() {
    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContent {
            MyApp {
                Greeting("Android")
            }
        }
    }
}

@Composable
fun MyApp(content: @Composable () -> Unit) {
    MaterialTheme {
        Surface {
            content()
        }
    }
}

@Composable
fun Greeting(name: String) {
    Text(text = "Hello $name!")
}

@Preview(showBackground = true)
@Composable
fun DefaultPreview() {
    MyApp {
        Greeting("Android")
    }
}
```

### Advanced Options
Want to take it further? Try these:
- **Enable Jetpack Compose Previews**: Add `@Preview` annotations to your composable functions for quick UI feedback.
- **Use Hilt for Dependency Injection**: Just annotate your application class with `@HiltAndroidApp` and use `@Inject` in your activities or fragments for dependency management.

### Troubleshooting
If you run into any issues, here are some tips:
- **Gradle Sync Issues**: Double-check that all your dependencies are defined correctly and compatible with your Kotlin version.
- **Room Database Errors**: Make sure you’re using the right annotations and that `kapt` is enabled for Room.
- **Hilt Injection Failures**: Verify all components are properly annotated and that your application class is set up for Hilt.

### Best Practices
Keep these best practices in mind:
- **Use State Hoisting**: Manage state at a higher level in your composables. This improves performance and reusability.
- **Separate UI and Business Logic**: Use ViewModels to manage business logic and keep your UI code clean.
- **Optimize Composable Functions**: Use `remember` and `derivedStateOf` to reduce unnecessary recompositions.

### Performance Tuning
Want your app to perform better? Consider these tips:
- **Lazy Composables**: Use `LazyColumn` and `LazyRow` for large lists to help with rendering performance.
- **Avoid Unnecessary Recomposition**: Use `remember` to cache values and prevent recalculating them every time you recompose.