Tag: android mobile app development

How to Build Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Using Python?

Posted on by Anurag Pattnaik

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.

Android Architecture Patterns and Their Differences

Posted on by Jay

Android Architecture Patterns can help you create mobile apps with fewer bugs, better maintainability and testable code. These include Layered Architecture, Model-View-Controller, Data-Table-Fragment, Single-Page Applications, and Microscope. They focus on different areas of an app, from how to structure your app to how you should handle user interactions with it.

What is Architecture?

If you are building an application in an organized manner with some set of rules, describe proper functionalities and implement it with proper protocols, then it is called an Architecture.

Role of Architecture

Let us say if we are not using any architecture and we are writing our code in a class/activity/ fragment in an unorganized manner then the problems we will face are-

  • The number of lines of code will increase that it will become complex to understand.
  • It decreases readability and increases the number of bugs. Thus, it is difficult to test and reduces the quality of the product.

So, to provide clear data flow which will increase robustness, scalability, bug resistant, increase readability, easy to modify and increase productivity and provide a quality app. Thus, we should use proper architecture, suitable to work in a team.

But why does your app need good architecture?

A simple answer is that everything should be organized in a proper way. So does your Android project. If not, the following problems sound familiar to you: All of your codes are not covered by Unit Tests.

  • It is difficult to debug a class because it contains a huge number of functions.
  • You are unable to keep track of the logic inside that huge class.
  • Another developer finds it so difficult to maintain and add new features to your work.

So, if you are going to build a high-quality app, you should care about architecture.

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What does your app get from a proper architecture?

  • Simplicity: Separate and define a clear single role for each component in your app. A class is not going to be a multi-tasking component. You will find it easy to know what it does and what is inside it. It advocates the Keep It Stupid Simple (KISS).
  • Testability: Before we can apply Unit Tests, we have to write testable codes.
  • Low-cost maintenance: It is easy to add, and remove features. Especially, it helps us to keep track of important logic parts.

The When & How?

Several upcoming questions maybe appear in your head.

  1. So, what is the best architecture pattern for my Android apps?
  2. And how can I apply that pattern in the most effective way?
    • There is no single candidate that suits all of your Android projects because the design pattern is abstract and its implementation depends on specific requirements.
    • Fortunately, the more we understand about it, the more effectively and properly we apply them.
    • You can use different architectures across different apps. Even, in one complex project, each module has its own structure.

Another question?

So, if I have never used any architecture in my Android apps yet. So, what should I do?

Just pick up one of them. Read about it, try to apply it. After that, you will become familiar with it and have your own best practices.

Developers out there are talking about these following popular patterns:

  • MVC ( Model — View — Controller)
  • MVP ( Model — View — Presenter)
  • MVVM (Model — View — View Model)

Some principles for good Architecture in Android

To get good architecture there are some basic concepts we should follow. They are:-

  • Separation of concern: Component should do what it is required. Shown in the diagram.

Architecture Pattern

This we can achieve by Architecture pattern.

  • No Hard dependency: It should be fixed if every component should work on some limited amount of dependency. All dependencies should be provided from outside. Tips: Use Dependency Injections.
  • Manage lifecycle and data persistence: It can be achieved by Architecture Component.

MVC:

It is a Model-View-Controller. The most commonly used architecture. These are the three components used in MVC.

  • Model– It is business logic and Data State. Getting and manipulating the data, communicates with the controller, interacts with the database, sometimes update the views.
  • View– What we see. User Interface consists of HTML/CSS/XML. It communicates with the controller and sometimes interacts with the model. It passed some dynamic views through the controller.
  • Controller– It is Activity/Fragment. It communicates with view and model. It takes the user input from view/REST services. Process request Get data from the model and passes to the view.

Advantages

  • It keeps business logic separate in the model.
  • Support asynchronous techniques
  • The modification does not affect the entire model
  • Faster development process

Disadvantages

  • Due to large code controller is unmanageable.
  • Hinders the Unit testing
  • Increased Complexity

MVC

MVP:

It as Model-View-Presenter. For the phase of developing time or for the phase of developers it is vital to divide the architecture into layers. It breaks the dependency on what we have on view.

  • Model– It is business logic and Data State. Getting and manipulating the data, communicates with the presenter, interacts with the database. It doesn’t interact with the view.
  • View – Consists of UI, activity, and fragment. It interacts with the presenter.
  • Presenter– It presents the data from the model. Control all the behavior that want to display from the app. It drives the view. It tells view what to do. Any interaction between the model and the view is handled by the presenter. Saves the data back to the model.

Advantages

  • It makes view dumb so that you can swap the view easily.
  • Reusable of View and Presenter
  • Code is more readable and maintainable
  • Easy testing as business logic separated from UI

Disadvantages

  • Tight coupling between View and Presenter
  • Huge amount of interfaces for interaction between layers.
  • The code size is quite excessive.

MVP

MVVM:

It is a Model-View-View Model. It losses the tight coupling between each component and reduces the glue classes. Works on the concept of observables. Children don’t have reference to the parent, they only have reference by observables.

  • Model– It has business logic, local and remote data source and repository. Repository: communicate with local or remote data sources according to the request from View Model.
  • View– Only user interaction i.e.XML, no business logic. Direct send user action to view model but does not directly get a response. To get a response view observes some data which View Model exposes.
  • View Model– Most of the user interface logic center it here. It is a bridge between a view and a business logic. It does not have any clue which view has to use it. As it does not have a direct reference to the view. Thus, good in testing and has loose coupling. But still, it needs to update the UI this interaction done by observables. When data changes observable notifies.

Advantages

  • No tight coupling between the view and view model
  • No interfaces between view and model.
  • Easy to unit testing and code is event-driven.

Disadvantages

  • You have to create observables for each UI component.
  • The code size is quite excessive.

MVVM

Difference between MVC, MVP & MVVM Design patterns

MVC (Model View Controller)

  • One of the oldest software architecture
  • UI (View) and data-access mechanism (Model) are tightly coupled.
  • Controller and View exist with the one-to-many relationship. One Controller can select a different View based upon required operation.
  • The View has no knowledge about the Controller.
  • Difficult to make changes and modify the app features as the code layers are tightly coupled.
  • User Inputs are handled by the Controller.
  • Ideal for small scale projects only.
  • Limited support to Unit testing.
  • This architecture has a high dependency on Android APIs.
  • It does not follow the modular and single responsibility principle.

MVP (Model View Presenter)

  • Developed as the second iteration of software architecture which is advance from MVC.
  • It resolves the problem of having a dependent View by using Presenter as a communication channel between Model and View.
  • The one-to-one relationship exists between Presenter and View as one Presenter class manages one View at a time.
  • The View has references to the Presenter.
  • Code layers are loosely coupled and thus it is easy to carry out modifications/changes in the application code.
  • The View is the entry point to the Application
  • Ideal for simple and complex applications.
  • Easy to carry out Unit testing but a tight bond of View and Presenter can make it slightly difficult.
  • It has a low dependency on the Android APIs.
  • Follows modular and single responsibility principle

MVVM (Model View View Model)

  • Industry-recognized architecture pattern for applications.
  • This architecture pattern is more event-driven as it uses data binding and thus makes easy separation of core business logic from the View.
  • Multiple View can be mapped with a single View Model and thus, the one-to-many relationship exists between View and View Model.
  • The View has references to the View Model
  • Easy to make changes in the application. However, if data binding logic is too complex, it will be a little harder to debug the application.
  • The View takes the input from the user and acts as the entry point of the application.
  • Not ideal for small scale projects.
  • Unit testability is highest in this architecture.
  • Has low or no dependency on the Android APIs.
  • Follows modular and single responsibility principle.

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Conclusion

When it comes to Android, both MVP and MVVM offer better modular architecture than MVC. Though, they also tend to add more complexity to your app.

In simpler applications which involves two or more screens, MVC can work fine in Android. Whereas in more complex cases where your application needs to be developed considering to add more features in future, MVVM with data binding will make you write lesser code.

Android architecture describes how a mobile app should be structured internally. By understanding the pros and cons of different patterns, you can make your app more maintainable and scalable.

Although the app market is still in its infancy, the number of successful mobile apps is growing exponentially. It’s no surprise then that the number of new mobile app development patterns are emerging at an equally rapid rate.

So, which architectural design pattern are you going to consider for your mobile application?

Android’s Fragmentation – Still A Problem For Android Developers

Posted on by Jay

android1Google’s Android possesses a major flaw in its OS development, which is a fragmentation issue. For this reason, one android OS version still remains isolated from other androids OS version.

It offers a wide range of hardware and software options for the developers, which in turn increases the time of development and causes complications for application design.

From the latest survey of devices in the last two weeks, Google found that only 10% of android owners are running the latest version of the OS, and almost half (47%) are still using “Gingerbread” i.e. the version 2.33.

Android Developers have been challenged by Android’s open nature from the beginning. In addition, the release of OS updates to all the available hardware is dependent on a wide range of sources.

For such reasons, Android developers have now targeted their Android application development for devices that run the Gingerbread platform and later, which is now on over 80% of Android devices.

Mobile Developers have faced even the worse fragmentation issues during the early days of development. With numerous hardware variants, developing an app for a group of devices was almost impossible.

With Android, the fragmentation issue is more troublesome because of the advanced features which only a fraction of devices support it. This situation continuously drives the developers to focus on the hardware-specific abilities of smartphones.

At Andolasoft we develop the most intriguing android mobile applications for individuals and from start-ups to established companies.

We have team of experienced android developers who are skilled to develop innovative apps for all versions of android devices. Some of our apps showcased in the Google marketplace at:

https://play.google.com/store

/apps/details?id=com.andolasoft.christmasdemo&

feature=more_from_developer

Christmas Tree Puzzle – A Fun And Relaxing Game At Google Play

Posted on by Jay

At Andolasoft, we love creating the best games for android devices. If you are looking for a relaxing game, you would definitely appreciate the Christmas tree puzzle game developed by our android developers. Your kids would like it for sure!

The game consists of many pieces of a Christmas tree, arranged randomly. While starting the game the user has an option for preview how the tree would look like.

The player needs to drag and drop the pieces and try to set it up until the original tree is formed. It includes a ticking timer to display time taken to complete the puzzle, the faster it is complete, better is the score.

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As the app is a puzzle and requires focus to complete the game, hence it helps to develop an attitude to set goals and to complete the task in their real life.

It is challenging and keeps the player amused for hours, so this is the game you would like to play. The app has also proved to be a good stress buster for the players.

The sound effects and the music are also pleasing to ears and not to mention it helps putting the player in a relax mood.

It is a simple app for an android phone, but it surely is a fun game for kids and a stress reliever for you after long hours of work on your job. You can download and install this awesome android app from Google Play.

GPB

Andolasoft has been developing fantastic android mobile applications for individuals and from start-ups to established companies. We’ve an excellent team of android app developers providing the most innovative apps as per the requirements. To know more about our cool android apps view the android application development page.