How to run Python on Android

Python has made a name for itself as a versatile language, known for being beginner-friendly while also packing a powerful punch in the hands of experts. But why limit Python’s potential to specific scenarios? Why not unlock its full capabilities in any situation where computer instructions are needed? Whether it’s on smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers with sleek user interfaces, Python should be adaptable and utilized to its fullest extent.

Gone are the days of confining programming to a tiny console window with dimensions of 80×25. In today’s computing landscape, with the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and desktop machines with sophisticated graphical interfaces, Python should be harnessed to its maximum potential in all these environments, making the most of their unique capabilities.

End users shouldn’t have to worry about the programming language behind the tools they use. To achieve this, Python tools must seamlessly blend in with native applications in terms of appearance, behavior, and delivery. After all, why shouldn’t Python tools be as seamlessly integrated as any other native app?

When it comes to using Python on Android, there are various approaches to explore, each offering its own distinct advantages and use cases.

Read: Environment Variables in Python

QPython

QPython serves as an on-device script engine and development environment that aids in creating software applications.

Scripts often have the capability to perform tasks on par with native applications. QPython provides support to facilitate this process.

QPython allows Python-based programs to run on android devices, functioning as a script engine and aiding in android application development.

The QPython package includes a comprehensive development kit that assists in creating software applications, utilizing mobile devices to provide a regular Python console.

Read: Top 10 Android Emulators for Linux

Kivy

Kivy, a cutting-edge cross-platform user interface toolkit powered by the power-packed OpenGL engine, offers unmatched versatility and intricacy in its design.

With the impressive capability to deploy Kivy applications on a diverse array of devices, including those with support for OpenGL ES 2.0 (Android 2.2 minimum), this toolkit sets a new gold standard for portability. Astonishingly, an overwhelming 99.9% of modern devices meet the stringent requirements set by Google.

Kivy APKs, which function as regular Android apps, can be effortlessly distributed through various channels, including the highly esteemed Play store. Notably, these apps exhibit seamless behavior even when paused or restarted, and proudly boast full compatibility with Android services

Pyqtdeploy

Pyqtdeploy is an ingenious tool designed to deploy intricate PyQt applications with flair. It’s versatile, capable of catering to both desktop platforms (Linux, Windows, and OS X) and mobile platforms (iOS and Android) with finesse.

At the heart of pyqtdeploy’s functionality lies its ability to capture the individual modules of a PyQt application, freeze them, and place them in a Qt resource file that’s then converted to C++ code using Qt’s rcc tool. The same approach is used for Python’s standard library.

Furthermore, pyqtdeploy generates a Qt .pro file that meticulously outlines all the C++ code it generates. This file is then used by Qt’s qmake tool to generate a platform-specific Makefile, which can be used to create a single executable. To go the extra mile, Qt and/or platform-specific tools can be utilized to transform the executable into a platform-specific deployable package.

For smooth operation, ensure that PyQt5 and Python v3.2 or later are installed. Pyqtdeploy easily supports PyQt4 and PyQt5 applications written using Python v2.6 and later, as well as Python v3.3 and later.

Read: How to Create an executable from a Python program

BeeWare

BeeWare packs a powerful toolkit for creating authentic user interfaces, enriching the complexity of your Python code. This arsenal encompasses a wide array of libraries and support code that streamline the flawless implementation of your code across diverse platforms like iOS, Android,Windows, Linux, macOS, tvOS, and beyond.

The indomitable spirit of the Open Source development process in producing sturdy and dependable software is unmatched. As a result, the entire suite of BeeWare tools is generously licensed under BSD, allowing for unfettered access and customization to meet individual requirements.

Chaquopy

Chaquopy is a game-changing tool that turbocharges the Gradle-based build system of Android Studio, giving developers the power to seamlessly blend Java and Python programming languages into their apps. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing developers to handpick the most optimal language for each specific task or need, with unrivaled flexibility.

By leveraging the mighty Python API, developers can effortlessly create apps that are partly or entirely coded in Python, granting them direct access to the complete Android API and the coveted user interface toolkit. What’s more, Chaquopy seamlessly integrates with Android’s standard build system, ensuring a frictionless integration process that won’t disrupt the current development workflow. With Chaquopy, integrating into Android Studio is a breeze, taking a mere 5 minutes without any need for tweaking the existing development process. The cherry on top? Downloading and installation are fully automated through Gradle, making the whole experience a walk in the park.

SL4A

SL4A, also known as ASE (Android Scripting Environment), is a cutting-edge suite of “facade” interfaces that unveil a selectively-simplified subset of the vast Android API.

With SL4A, scripting languages seamlessly blend into the Android platform, allowing users to effortlessly create, modify, and execute scripts and interactive interpreters directly on their Android devices. These dynamic scripts harness the full potential of numerous APIs available to comprehensive Android applications, but with a streamlined interface that simplifies the task completion process.

The versatility of SL4A shines through its support for a multitude of scripting languages, including Python, BeanShell, Perl, JRuby,Lua, JavaScript, Tcl, and shell, with exciting plans to expand the list even further. These scripts can be executed interactively in a terminal or effortlessly run in the background, providing users with unparalleled flexibility and control over their Android experience.

SL4A empowers users to leverage the full potential of scripting languages on their Android devices, unlocking greater efficiency and creativity in task completion. With its rich array of supported languages and simplified interface, SL4A paves the way for users to explore and expand the capabilities of their Android devices, opening up exciting new possibilities.

Read: Most common Android problems and how to fix them

PySide

PySide, the Pythonic interface for the top-notch Qt toolkit, has got some early support for the famous Android platform.

The PySide project comes with LGPL-licensed Python bindings for Qt 4, along with a complete toolchain for quickly generating bindings for a wide range of Qt-based C++ class hierarchies. What’s worth mentioning is that these PySide Qt bindings are geared towards making the development of both open-source and proprietary software a breeze, and the ultimate goal is to expand the support to various Qt platforms in the long run.

Termux

Termux is a cutting-edge Android terminal emulator and Linux environment app that boasts unmatched performance thanks to its seamless functionality without the need for root access or tedious setup. Infused with a sleek and powerful base system that is automatically installed, Termux enhances the user experience by providing a wide array of additional packages that can be easily accessed through the APT package manager, further bolstering its already formidable capabilities.

Conclusion

Python, a versatile and powerful programming language, can be run on Android devices using various approaches such as QPython, Kivy, Pyqtdeploy, BeeWare, Chaquopy, and SL4A. These tools provide support for creating software applications, user interfaces, and deploying Python applications on Android devices. They offer flexibility, ease of use, and seamless integration with the Android platform, allowing developers to leverage Python’s capabilities in mobile app development.