How to Build Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Using Python?

Python is a great choice for making mobile app that work on both iOS and Android. This guide will help you understand how to use Python to create apps that can be used on different devices.

We’ll make it simple for you to learn and give you examples to help you with each part of the process. Get ready to explore the world of making mobile apps that everyone can enjoy!

In this blog we demystify the process and empower you to create mobile applications that transcend boundaries and captivate users across diverse platforms.

Welcome to the realm where innovation meets accessibility—welcome to the world of building cross-platform mobile apps using Python!

Below we have explained the process of developing cross-platform mobile apps using Python, accompanied by practical code examples to guide you through each step.

Understanding Cross-Platform Development

Before we start making things, let’s quickly understand what cross-platform development means.

Cross-platform development lets developers write code just one time and use it on different platforms like iOS and Android.

This way, it saves a lot of time and resources because developers don’t have to make separate apps for each platform.

Top Python Frameworks for Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

As the demand for mobile applications continues to rise, developers seek efficient ways to build apps that run seamlessly across different platforms.

Python, known for its versatility and readability, has become a popular choice for cross-platform development.

Here is the list of various frameworks that empower developers to build cross-platform mobile apps using Python.

Kivy

Kivy stands out as a versatile open-source Python framework designed for rapid development of applications.

It supports multitouch events, making it ideal for interactive and responsive apps.

Kivy provides a natural user interface across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Key Features:

  • Multi-touch support
  • GPU accelerated rendering
  • Support for various input devices
  • Extensible and customizable

Getting Started:

pip install kivy

BeeWare-Toga

BeeWare is not just a single framework but a collection of tools and libraries that allow developers to write native apps using Python.

Toga, a part of BeeWare, is specifically designed for building cross-platform applications.

Key Features:

  • Write once, run anywhere
  • Native look and feel
  • Supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more
  • Access to native APIs

Getting Started:

pip install toga

Pyqtdeploy

Pyqtdeploy is a deployment tool that facilitates the packaging and distribution of PyQt applications.

While PyQt itself is primarily for desktop applications, pyqtdeploy extends its capabilities to cross-platform deployment.

Key Features:

  • Efficient packaging and distribution
  • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Cross-compilation support
  • Easy integration with PyQt applications

Getting Started:

pip install pyqtdeploy

BeeWare – Briefcase

Briefcase is another component of the BeeWare suite that focuses on packaging Python projects into standalone applications.

It supports creating executables for various platforms, including mobile.

Key Features:

  • Simplifies the packaging process
  • Supports iOS and Android
  • Integration with other BeeWare tools

Getting Started:

pip install briefcase

Creating Your First Cross-Platform App

Let’s start by creating a simple “Hello World” app to get a feel for the development process.

# main.py

from kivy.app import App

from kivy.uix.button import Button

class HelloWorldApp(App):

def build(self):

return Button(text=’Hello, Cross-Platform World!’)

if _ _ name _ _ == ‘ _ _ main _ _ ‘:

HelloWorldApp().run()

Save the above code in a file named main.py and run it using the command:

python main.py

You should see a basic window with a button displaying the “Hello, Cross-Platform World!” text.

Building a Cross-Platform Calculator App

Let’s take things up a notch by creating a cross-platform calculator app.

# calculator.py

from kivy.app import App

from kivy.uix.boxlayout import BoxLayout

from kivy.uix.button import Button

class CalculatorApp(App):

def build(self):

layout = BoxLayout(orientation=’vertical’, spacing=10)

self.result = Button(text=’0′, font_size=32, size_hint=(1, 0.2))

layout.add_widget(self.result)

buttons = [

[‘7’, ‘8’, ‘9’, ‘/’],

[‘4’, ‘5’, ‘6’, ‘*’],

[‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘-‘],

[‘0’, ‘.’, ‘=’, ‘+’]

]

for row in buttons:

h_layout = BoxLayout(spacing=10)

for label in row:

button = Button(text=label, pos_hint={‘center_x’: 0.5})

button.bind(on_press=self.on_button_press)

h_layout.add_widget(button)

layout.add_widget(h_layout)

return layout

def on_button_press(self, instance):

current_text = self.result.text

if instance.text == ‘=’:

try:

result = str(eval(current_text))

self.result.text = result

except Exception as e:

self.result.text = ‘Error’

else:

self.result.text += instance.text

if  _ _ name _ _ == ‘ _ _ main _ _ ‘:

CalculatorApp().run()

This calculator app demonstrates the potential of Python and Kivy for cross-platform app development.

Run it using the same python calculator.py command, and you’ll have a fully functional calculator on your screen.

The Python Advantage

  1. Simplicity and Readability:

Python’s clean and readable syntax makes it an ideal choice for developers. Its simplicity allows for faster development cycles, crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications.

  1. Extensive Libraries and Frameworks:

Python boasts a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing development speed.

This abundance of resources empowers developers to create feature-rich cross-platform apps with ease.

Getting Started with Cross-Platform Mobile App Development

  1. Choose the Right Framework:

Select a suitable cross-platform framework compatible with Python. Popular choices include Kivy, BeeWare, and PyQT.

  1. Setup Development Environment:

Install the necessary tools and set up your development environment. This may include installing Python, the chosen framework, and any additional dependencies.

  1. Understand UI/UX Design:

A crucial aspect of cross-platform development is creating a user interface (UI) that adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and resolutions.

Prioritize a responsive design approach for optimal user experience.

The Development Process

  1. Code Logic:

Write the core logic of your application using Python. This code will be the backbone of your app, handling functionalities and interactions.

  1. UI Implementation:

Utilize the chosen framework to implement the user interface. Ensure that the design is flexible enough to accommodate variations in different platforms.

  1. Testing:

Rigorous testing is essential to identify and resolve any platform-specific issues. Emulators and real devices can be used to simulate diverse environments.

Deployment and Beyond

  1. Build and Package:

Once satisfied with the development and testing phases, build your app and package it for deployment.

  1. App Store Submission:

Follow the submission guidelines for respective app stores, ensuring compliance with platform-specific requirements.

  1. Continuous Improvement:

Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Monitor user feedback, address issues promptly, and consider updates to enhance your app’s features and performance.

Top Things to Consider When Hiring Python Cross-Platform Mobile App Developers

Python, with its versatility and cross-platform capabilities, has emerged as a powerful force in the creation of mobile applications.

However, the success of your venture heavily relies on the expertise and proficiency of the developers you choose to bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re launching a startup or enhancing an existing project, these insights will guide you in selecting the right professionals who can turn your ideas into exceptional, cross-platform mobile experiences.

  1. Technical Proficiency

When hiring Python cross-platform mobile app developers, technical proficiency is paramount.

Look for a development team with a strong foundation in Python, as well as experience with popular frameworks such as Kivy, BeeWare, or others.

  1. Cross-Platform Framework Expertise

Ensure that the development team is well-versed in cross-platform frameworks specific to Python.

Proficiency in these frameworks allows developers to create applications that maintain a native look and feel across different platforms, enhancing the user experience.

  1. Portfolio and Previous Projects

Examine the development team’s portfolios and assess their previous projects.

Look for examples of cross-platform mobile apps they have built using Python.

A robust portfolio not only showcases their technical skills but also provides insights into their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to different project requirements.

  1. Communication and Collaboration Skills

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful project execution.

Ensure that the python development team can articulate their ideas, understand your project requirements, and work seamlessly within a team.

The ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner is a valuable skill.

  1. Problem-Solving Aptitude

Mobile app development often involves overcoming challenges and solving complex problems.

Assess the development team’s problem-solving aptitude by discussing past experiences where they successfully navigated obstacles.

A keen problem-solving mindset is crucial for handling issues that may arise during the development process.

  1. Adaptability to Emerging Technologies

The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and development teams need to stay abreast of emerging technologies.

Inquire about the candidates’ commitment to continuous learning and their ability to adapt to new tools, libraries, and trends in the Python cross-platform mobile app development space.

Conclusion

Cross-platform mobile app development with Python opens up exciting possibilities for developers.

With frameworks like Kivy, you can leverage the simplicity of Python to create powerful and interactive applications that run seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices.

Start exploring the world of cross-platform development with Python today and elevate your app development experience. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is cross-platform mobile app development, and why is it important?

Cross-platform mobile app development refers to the process of creating mobile applications that can run on multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android.

It is essential as it allows developers to write code once and deploy it across various platforms, saving time and resources compared to building separate native apps.

  1. Why choose Python for cross-platform mobile app development?

Python is chosen for cross-platform mobile app development due to its simplicity, readability, and versatility.

It offers frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare, which enable developers to create applications that work seamlessly on different platforms, making Python an attractive choice for cross-platform development.

  1. What is Kivy, and how does it facilitate cross-platform mobile app development?

Kivy is an open-source Python framework specifically designed for developing cross-platform applications.

It provides tools and libraries for multi-touch support, making it ideal for building interactive and responsive mobile apps.

Kivy allows developers to write code once and deploy it on various platforms, including iOS and Android.

  1. Can I use Python to build apps with a native look and feel on different platforms?

Yes, with frameworks like BeeWare (specifically Toga), you can achieve a native look and feel for your cross-platform mobile apps built with Python.

BeeWare’s tools enable developers to create applications that seamlessly integrate with the user interface conventions of each target platform.

  1. Are there any limitations to cross-platform mobile app development using Python?

While Python is a powerful language for cross-platform development, it’s essential to note that certain advanced features and optimizations available in native development might be limited.

Additionally, performance considerations should be taken into account for resource-intensive applications.

  1. How do I test my cross-platform mobile app during development?

Cross-platform mobile apps developed with Python can be tested using platform-specific emulators or real devices.

Both Kivy and BeeWare provide documentation on testing strategies, and tools like Appium can be used for automated testing across multiple platforms.

  1. What resources are available for learning Python cross-platform mobile app development?

There are various online resources, tutorials, and documentation available for learning Python cross-platform mobile app development.

Websites like Kivy.org, BeeWare.org, and Python.org provide comprehensive guides, documentation, and community support to help developers get started.

  1. Can I integrate native features like GPS or camera functionality in my Python cross-platform app?

Yes, Python cross-platform frameworks often provide APIs and modules for accessing native features like GPS, camera, and sensors.

Developers can leverage these features to enhance the functionality of their apps and provide a seamless user experience.

  1. How does deployment work for cross-platform mobile apps built with Python?

Deployment for Python cross-platform apps involves packaging your application using tools like Kivy’s PyInstaller or BeeWare’s Briefcase.

These tools create standalone executables or packages that can be distributed and installed on the target platforms.

How Good Is Python For Web Application Development?

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App development using Python, will help you to develop an application that is adaptable, ubiquitous and reliable.

Python is a general coding language which implies not like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but it may be used for different varieties of programming and package development besides web development.

Python is an object oriented, interpreted and high level programming language. It is a candid and easy to learn programming language which emphasizes the readability and reduces the application maintenance price.

With Python

It consists wide selection of modules and packages that permits program modularity and code employ.

Python Language(Source: Zibtek)

  • Python is an object oriented, high-level programming language, which implies it consist of words and phrases intelligible to humans. To translate this application-oriented language into machine code, Python uses an interpreter. The work of an interpreter is to convert the source code into code understood by all computers. As an interpreted language, Python uses memory with efficiency, that is simple to rectify, and permits developers to perform advanced tasks in an exceedingly few steps and edit code quickly.
  • Most up-to-date programming languages, together with Python, are considered object-oriented. The thought behind object-oriented languages is that the program is split into freelance objects that communicate between themselves. This gorgeous a lot of appears like a set of mini-programs.

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  • Python is a dynamic language. This implies that developers ought not to declare variable sorts. Python verifies sorts and errors at runtime (when the program is launched), however not throughout compilation (when ASCII text file is regenerate to machine code). This ends up in less code, quicker development, and bigger flexibility and resilience.
  • Develop Prototypes:As the Python web programming language is easy to access. This ensures that the program will work properly. You can create prototypes, so you can easily test the code with the use of python.
  • Python is known as an easily readable language. Its info is visually tidy, and it usually uses English keywords wherever different languages use punctuation. Unlike several different languages, it doesn’t use wavy brackets to delimit blocks, and semicolons once statements. Basic ideas of Python Indentation Many of the programming languages use brackets to outline their code block, however Python’s interpreter uses indentation method to outline the code blocks.

Why Python is Popular?

Above all python is one of the most popular programming language from long decades because of its high scalability and productive than other object oriented programming languages like C++ and Java.

Python Popularity(Source: Directlinkdev)

According to a review by stack overflow’s 2018 developer it was discovered that Python is the most adopted framework. More than 122,864 sites online are developed using this android language.

Python Use(Source – directlinedev.com)

The code syntaxes are very simple and easy to learn by the developers. Also it uses English commands that makes it more efficient and easier to understand.

For example, take a look at the code you’d use to print the text “Hello World” on your screen using the programming language Java:

[code language=”css”]

Class hello world {

Public static void main (String [] args) {

System.out.println ("Hello World")

}

}

[/code]

That’s a lot of code for such a simple function.

Now take a look at the same exercise written in Python code:

Print (“Hello World”)

Like other programming languages Python also provides a way to handle the error exception using try, except syntaxes

Try:

[code language=”css”]

a = int (input ("Enter a:"))

b = int (input ("Enter b:"))

c = a/b

[/code]

Print(c)

Except:

Print (“Can’t divide with zero”)

# Example 2

try:

#this will throw an exception if the file doesn’t exist.

Basic Concepts of Python

1. Indentation

Many of the programming languages use brackets to define their code block, but Python’s interpreter uses indentation process to define the code blocks. So the developers have to be very careful with the white spaces in their code base which can break the application.

2. Semicolons

Python programming language is not using semicolon to end the line. A new code line is enough to detect a new code syntax.

3. Variables

Python uses variables to store data such as string, number and other information’s for manipulation work.

4. Operators

Operators are used in values or variables to perform certain logic and mathematical operations

Python Framework:

Also, Python is in extreme demand in diverse industries. Like the database, machine learning, databases, design, data analysis, web page readability/testing, application development using Python language.

The platform is mostly utilized for data analysis, DevOps tasks and web development.

If you are choosing Python in web development, then you are coming across the variety of Python frameworks that empower the developers to get more with less coding. Some of these frameworks are:

  • Django: It has got it’s first place because of its nature being an open-source Python Platform. This technology is effective to develop complex data driven sites. This platform is advanced and has many matured attributes that includes templates, libraries, and API which support the development of scalable web development in python projects.
  •  Turbo gears:Turbo Gear is a top web application development platform. It comprises web server Gateway interface  elements, includes SQL Alchemy, Webob, Repoze and more. Like Ruby on Rails, TurbpoGears works well with MVC architecture which supports rapid web application development using Python.
  • Numpy: Numpy numeric python is the library which assists to perform logical and scientific activity on arrays. The library is involved with multidimensional arrays of objects. It also consists of several collections of routines used for processing the arrays.
  • Panda: It is a BSZ authorized , Open Source Python library that provides many simple to use data structures along with the data analytics tools to the Python developers. These technologies are mostly used for commercial and academic domains along with analytics, finance, economic and statistics, etc.

Why is Python good for web development?

Python continues to be one of the most popular languages from many years. According to TIOBE, Python is ranked among the top programming languages. Built With states that there are almost a million websites that use Python.

Programing Language(Source: tiobe.com)

Python is valued equally among startups such as Finance Strategists, mid-size companies such as EP Wealth, blue chip companies like Google, Quora, Netflix, and Spotify, and government organizations like NASA. Yet few people know why Python is one of the top programming languages for website development. So why has it gained great popularity and interest among startup founders?

Here’s what the Python Software Foundation says:

1. Powerful and quick

Python is powerful, and it may be used for virtually something. Initial and foremost, it may be used for all the world as a result of it offers several options by default, with normal libraries that cowl nearly any programming task.

2. Plays well with others

Python is purposeful enough to interface with code written in different programming languages. You’ll imbed your Python project into frameworks of various languages, and the other way around. This implies that you just will produce comes that blend Python with different programming languages (for example, C++) and acquire the most effective of 2 worlds.

3. Runs everywhere

Python is available for almost any operating system, including UNIX-based operating systems, Windows, mac OS, iOS, and Android. It also runs on various platforms, including IBM, AIX, Solaris, and VMS.

4. Friendly and easy to learn

Python is considered a highly effective way of coding because of its simple syntax and readability. Python is an easy-to-learn language, and thus there’s a large enough talent pool.

5. Open Source

Python is an open-source language administered and supported by an independent nonprofit foundation: the Python Software Foundation. One of the major advantages of open-source software is that it’s free to use, modify, and distribute.

Who uses Python?

Python is a multi-purpose language and can be used to build practically anything. Companies around the world use Python for artificial intelligence and machine learning, website development, scientific and numerical computing, gaming, and many other uses.

As for artificial intelligence, Python stands above other programming languages and is considered the best programming language for AI-powered applications.

Companies like Google, Facebook, and Dropbox tare using Python in one form or another for its flexibility, scalability, performance, and rapid development.

Python(Source- directlinedev.com)

Alternatives to Python

Python is often compared to other programming languages. Below, we briefly compare the most common alternatives to Python: Java, PHP, and Ruby.

Languages

FAQS

What makes python good?

Python is a high level programming language comes with a variety of standard library that covers many areas such as string processing, internet protocols and operating system interfaces.

Should I use Python 2 or Python 3?

Python has many versions but the main comparison is Python 2 and Python 3. Initially Python 3 was released December 2008 in order to rectify some fundamental flaws from Python 2.

The feature of Python 3 was “reduce feature duplication by removing old ways of doing things.”

What are the best Python IDEs?

There are many IDEs available in market but we are looking for an IDE that is dedicated towards Python development work. Some of the popular IDEs names are as below

  • Eclipse + PyDev
  • Sublime Text
  • Atom
  • PyCharm
  • Spyder

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Conclusion:

Web application development using python is more demanding in the present time because of its simplicity. Python web development has a very low entry threshold, but it is an extremely powerful programming language with numerous capabilities.

You can safely use it for development because of its highly active community and built-in frameworks. With Python, you can reduce the bounce rates of your website and speed up the page loading times. It makes your website loading time faster which helps the visitors to feel they are in a modern website.

Are you looking for Python development services? We have a team of experienced Python web application developer who can help you.

Get in touch with Andolasoft Python developers for free consultation.