It is widely accepted that Python is a suitable programming language for building mobile apps. The goal of this guide is to help you understand the intricacies of developing mobile apps in Python. Before that, let’s take a look at what makes Python so popular!
Python in a nutshell
Python is a flexible programming language that is open-source and can be used to perform a wide range of tasks. Developers can learn it very quickly because it has a relatively simple syntax. In addition, it can be integrated with other languages and is compatible with big data.
Does Python work well for mobile apps?
Its ease of use, readability, and reduced development time make Python so appealing. Python is not supported natively on iOS and Android due to the lack of interpreter-type languages. To make an app work on both platforms, there are now Python-based tools available.
The kind of apps you can create in Python are endless:
- Audio-video apps
- Game app development
- Blockchain Application
- Command-line apps
- Machine learning apps
- Business apps
Python for Android Applications
Android is primarily implemented in Java. Python code must be run on a Java virtual machine if you want to write an Android application in Python.
The Vestigial Output Compiler (VOC) translates Python into CPython bytecode, which is then converted into Java-compatible bytecode. By using Android’s native API, you will be able to write Android applications directly. Jython, JPype, Jepp, Py4J, and others are also available for implementing Python in Java.
Python for iOS Applications
Building an iOS application is a bit more challenging than creating one for Android. Typically, your application is coded in Python/Kivy, then deployed with Xcode using a Python environment. The Apple App Store requires an iMac or MacBook to publish apps even if you build them in Python.
Python-based mobile applications
- Disqus
- Spotify
Building Python Mobile Apps with GUI Frameworks
Python mobile apps must have GUI initialization. Kivy and BeeWare are the two most popular frameworks. There are others as well, such as Python-for-Android, PyJNIus, Tkinter, Falcon, etc.
How to develop Python mobile apps with Kivy?
Python framework Kivy is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. Aside from keyboards and mice, Kivy supports multi-touch functions. You can quickly learn how to use the software thanks to its natural user interface. Software based on this library may be used for free or for commercial purposes under the MIT license.
The Python App Development Checklist
When developing mobile apps, developers should keep these things in mind:
- To evaluate expressions, it uses a dynamic coop, which means it searches for variables from all functions and blocks.
- Python limits lambda functions. Therefore, they cannot return explicitly, unlike regular functions.
- Editors are used more than compilers in Python. Errors in an app will only be disclosed during execution.
Final words
Among all programming languages, Python is the most versatile. You can also leverage Python’s ease, diversity, and flexibility in mobile app development now that resources and tools are available for Python app development. Fast and efficient, it may help you save both time and money.