---
title: Getting Started
---

Adding Gradle build support to an IntelliJ Platform Plugin requires a recent distribution to the Gradle build system and IntelliJ IDEA (Community or Ultimate).

### 1.0. Download and install IntelliJ IDEA

Download and install either IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate or the IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition.

### 1.1. Ensure the Gradle plugin is enabled

The Gradle plugin is required if you want to add a [Gradle Run Configuration](https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/help/create-run-debug-configuration-for-gradle-tasks.html) to IntelliJ IDEA. You can verify the Gradle plugin is enabled by visiting **Settings \| Plugins \| Gradle**.

<img src="img/step0_gradle_enabled.png" alt="Ensure the Gradle plugin is enabled" width="858px"/>

### 1.2. Add Gradle support to an existing plugin 

There are two ways to add Gradle support to an existing project. Both will require adding a `build.gradle` file under the root directory, with at least the following contents:

```groovy
buildscript {
    repositories {
        mavenCentral()
    }
}

plugins {
    id "org.jetbrains.intellij" version "0.1.10"
}

apply plugin: 'idea'
apply plugin: 'org.jetbrains.intellij'
apply plugin: 'java'

intellij {
    version 'IC-2016.3.1' //IntelliJ IDEA dependency 
    plugins 'coverage' //Bundled plugin dependencies
    pluginName 'plugin_name_goes_here'
}

group 'org.jetbrains'
version '1.2' // Plugin version
```

To add Gradle support to an existing project, copy the above Gradle build script into your `build.gradle` file, and with the Gradle executable on your system `PATH`, execute the following commands on your system's command line:

```
gradle cleanIdea
gradle runIdea
```

This will clean any existing IntelliJ IDEA configuration files and generate a new Gradle build configuration recognized by IntelliJ IDEA. Once your project refreshes, you should be able to view the Gradle tool window displayed under **View \| Tool Windows \| Gradle**. This indicates that IntelliJ IDEA recognizes the Gradle facet.

### 1.3. Add Gradle support from scratch

The second method to add Gradle support is by creating a new project from scratch in IntelliJ IDEA and copying over any existing sources. This may be the preferred option in case Gradle is not able to convert an existing project. To do so, create a new project in IntelliJ IDEA by opening **File \| New... \| Project**, and select Gradle from the dialog box: 

<img src="img/step1_new_gradle_project.png" alt="Select the Gradle facet in the Project Creation Wizard" width="800px"/>

The Project Creation Wizard will now guide you through the Gradle project creation process. You will need to specify a Group ID, Artifact ID, and Version:

<img src="img/step2_group_artifact_version.png" alt="Specify the Group, Artifact, and Version IDs" width="800px"/>

On the next screen, check `Create directories for empty content roots automatically`.

It’s recommended to select the `Use default gradle wrapper` option, that way IntelliJ IDEA will install everything you need to run Gradle tasks itself.

Finally, specify a JVM Gradle will use, it can be the Project JDK. You also configure this path once the project is created via **Settings \| Build, Execution, Deployment \| Build Tools \| Gradle**.

<img src="img/step3_gradle_config.png" alt="Verify the JVM is the correct version" width="800px"/>

Now, add the following script to your `build.gradle file`, overwriting any existing contents.

```java
{% include /code_samples/gradle_plugin_demo/src/build.gradle %}
```

### 1.4. Running a simple plugin

Now add a new `HelloAction` class and `plugin.xml` in the `META-INF` folder:

<img src="img/gradle_directory_structure.png" alt="Gradle directory structure" width="374px"/>

```java
{% include /code_samples/gradle_plugin_demo/src/main/java/HelloAction.java %}
```

```java
{% include /code_samples/gradle_plugin_demo/src/main/resources/META-INF/plugin.xml %}
```

Open the Gradle tool window and search for `runIdea` task. If it’s not in the list, please hit `Refresh` button on the top. Double-click on it to run it.

<img src="img/gradle_tasks_in_tool_window.png" alt="Gradle Tool Window" width="398px"/>

Or add a new Gradle Run Configuration, configured like so:

<img src="img/gradle_run_config.png" alt="Gradle Run Configuration" width="800px"/>

Launch the new Gradle Run Configuration. From the Run Window, the following output should be visible.

<img src="img/launched.png" alt="Gradle task output" width="800px"/>

Finally, when the IDE launches, there should be a new menu to the right of the **Help** menu. Your plugin is now configured on Gradle.

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