The TIOBE index ranks Python as the most popular programming language today. You might not even realize how often you use Python. Yet, it’s used by some of the world’s best brains in scientific and mathematical computing, education, and web development to create the programs you interact with.
Do you think it’s a good idea to use Python instead of alternative options like Swift, Kotlin, or JavaScript when creating mobile apps? Python app development may not have been prevalent in the past, but new tools have streamlined the process. Here’s why the success of services like Spotify and Instagram may also benefit your life.
If you’re thinking about developing an app in Python, the article below will help you weigh the advantages and downsides by comparing two popular frameworks, Kivy and BeeWare.
Why Should You Use Python to Create Mobile Apps?
Python is a free and open programming language that can create applications for various computing environments. It’s simple to pick up and use and allows for rapid prototyping of new ideas. It is compatible with different languages and works well with large datasets.
Guido van Rossum launched Python 30 years ago, and since then, it has only grown in popularity. Due to the language’s widespread adoption, many solid resources are already available for use. It should be no surprise that there are also tools for creating mobile applications. Thousands of bugs have been fixed and recorded by the community that uses Stack Overflow, Discord, and Slack. Python is a popular programming language, so getting the expertise or perfect staff you need should be easy.
Python has several benefits for creating applications that can run on multiple platforms.
Traditional app development for iOS and Android required developers to construct two separate app builds from scratch, one for each platform, each using a different programming language. It would therefore be necessary to develop an app in Python for iOS and Android.
Python frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare make it simple to convert a single set of code into versions compatible with iOS, Android, or any other platform without manually building each app separately.
Why Should You Use Kivy to Build Python Mobile Apps?
Kivy was developed to facilitate the quick creation of Python applications on several platforms. It’s compatible with many operating systems and interfaces, including multi-touch displays.
Depending on the type of software you’re making, this might be a drawback or an advantage. Although the native design is often more well-liked by consumers, an unusual user interface may be an effective design decision that makes your software usable across several platforms.
Key Functions of Kivy:
- Universal code sharing
- Powerful graphical core based on OpenGL ES 2.
- Licensed under MIT terms, it can be used commercially without cost.
- Custom UI Toolkit
- All platforms have the same codebase.
- Published under a BSD license and free for commercial usage
- Apps that appear and feel like they were built for the platform they were designed on
- A sizable developer community
- Not a single tool, but a set of projects
- Fast, easily, and reliably
Why Should You Use BeeWare to Develop Python Applications?
BeeWare is a popular, relatively younger framework that allows you to write and deploy one Python code to various platforms (including iOS, Android, and Windows).
BeeWare ensures that your app’s fonts and buttons match the user’s preferred settings. Your Python mobile app has a look, feel, and uniquely Android behavior or iOS. BeeWare is open-source software that anybody may use and change thanks to its BSD license. BeeWare’s development team actively and effectively fosters a welcoming and inclusive user base.
- What makes BeeWare unique?
- Shared source code across systems
- Licensed under the BSD open-source agreement, it can be used commercially at no cost.
- Apps with a native appearance and feel
- A sizable developer community
- Not a single tool, but a set of projects
Kivy vs. BeeWare for Python Apps
First of all, while BeeWare uses a custom UI, Kivy uses a native UI. It depends entirely on the sort of app you’re trying to build and which of these methods is best. If you want your app’s appearance and feel and its controls to remain similar across various devices, Kivy is a great option. As opposed to that, BeeWare utilizes a central code repository from which several code variants may be generated for various systems. In exchange, it offers complete support for native UI, ensuring that your program fully uses the platform’s unique buttons and otherwise behaves as expected.
Second, BeeWare is still in its early stages, whereas Kivy is considerably more established. However, this does not mean that BeeWare has inferior support, as there is an active community of developers striving to enhance the software.
In terms of complexity, there is a third major distinction between the two frameworks. With Kivy, developers can write once and deploy to several platforms, as it is quick, easy, and precise. Because of the complexity of its features, BeeWare is perhaps best saved for more advanced endeavors.
Is Python the Right Language to Make a Mobile App?
As of 2022, we find Python to be an adequate language for mobile programming; nevertheless, it does have certain limitations in this area. Since Python is not built into either iOS or Android, the deployment procedure can be time-consuming and frustrating. That might potentially cause problems with compatibility across app updates.
Fortunately, those drawbacks are easily reduced when collaborating with experienced Python and mobile app professionals.