Create a Hello World App

This tutorial walks you through creating, building, and running your first Vega app using Vega Studio, the Vega SDK's VS Code extension. This example creates an app called VegaProject based on a React Native app template and runs in the Vega Virtual Device, a simulated Fire TV Stick included in the Vega SDK.

If you want to explore all build options, such as using the Vega CLI and additional app templates, see Build Your App.

Before you begin

• Install the Vega SDK. The SDK includes the tools you need to create, build, and run your apps.
• Open Visual Studio Code or download it.

Build a Hello World app

Step 1: Create a new app from template

First you need to create a new app using a Vega template.

1. In VS Code, select the Vega extension icon in the activity bar to the extension.

   

2. Click the + icon to create a new project.
3. Select the template hello-world (React Native 0.72-based template).
4. Choose a project directory or create a new one, then open it.

5. Name the project, package, and press Enter after each. This example uses the following names:

   App name: VegaProject

   Package name: com.myorg.VegaProject

6. A workspace prompt appears. Name and save your workspace to a location of your choice.

   

Step 2: Build the app

Next, build the app in a test mode.

1. In the Vega extension, locate and select the VegaProject in your workspace.

   

2. Set build mode to Debug. This enables fast-refresh by default, so any saved changes to your app are reflected on your app in real-time.

3. Select the build button next to VegaProject.

   

4. Check the Output tab in VS Code for the build success message.

   2025-12-16 15:07:44.151 [info] [native-build] kepler ktbuild exited with code 0
   2025-12-16 15:07:44.198 [info] info build-kepler completed
   

Step 3: Run in Vega Virtual Device (VVD)

Finally, run the app in Vega's Fire TV Stick simulator, the Vega Virtual Device (VVD).

1. In the extension panel, locate VirtualDevice:Tv under Devices and press the play button.

   

2. Wait for the VVD window to open.

3. Select the Play button next to VegaProject.

   

When the app runs, you see the VVD update with the Hello World app.

Congratulations! You successfully created and ran your first Vega app. Try changing some of the text in your App.tsx (be sure to select Save) and see the changes reflected live on the running app.

Additional resources

Now that you've created your first Vega app, explore these resources to learn more:

• Accelerate your app development with Vega's sample apps.
• Complete the Vega video app tutorial. The tutorial walks you through detailed steps to create a video app with the W3C Media Player.
• See all build options and experiment with other templates and native modules.
• Review additional development options in the documentation.

• Previous – Install the Vega SDK
• Next – Sample Apps

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Last updated: Dec 17, 2025