Mobile App Development Using Python: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mobile applications have become indispensable tools for businesses to engage with customers, optimise operations, and drive growth.

With its simplicity, readability, and extensive libraries, Python has emerged as a compelling choice for businesses looking for efficient and cost-effective mobile app development.

Using Python's capabilities, businesses can expedite development cycles, reduce costs, and create innovative applications that deliver exceptional user experiences.

If you’re a business considering mobile app development using Python, stick to the end!

Below, we’ll delve into the advantages of Python for app development and provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how you can build an app using this popular programming language.

Overview of Python

One of the most in-demand computer programming languages is Python, as it is used to develop websites and software, direct data analysis, and manage and operate tasks.

You must ensure that the app with Python is not specialized for any specific issue. Python is a scripting computer programming language suitable for solving several tasks and works with multiple platforms.

It works not only on server operating systems but also on iOS and Android. A Python language is considered a plain text file, and you can perform coding in almost any editor or use specific IDEs.

Mobile app development using Python on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X has been relocated to Java and .NET virtual machines.

Why is Python Considered the Best Language for App Development?

Python is an excellent language and is highly preferred by developers for mobile app development since it is easy to read, write, learn, understandable, and powerful when solving complicated problems or issues.

It has a detailed and panoramic standard library that allows you to connect the language with third-party APIs and modules.

Developers can use Python on multiple platforms like iOS, Windows phones, Androids, and Desktops. Most apps with Python frameworks help developers build mobile applications in the minimum time possible.

For example, Kivy, BeeWare, PyQT, and many others. In addition, Python is an outstanding language for prototyping and testing new ideas while using an application.

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Types of Mobile App Development Using Python

Several types of applications can be developed with the help of Python app development language, among which a few are mentioned below.

1. Audio-Video Applications

Application development using Python can help you create music and other audio and video applications. Furthermore, you can use Python to search for audio and video content online.

Python libraries such as OpenCV and PyDub can help you immensely in making your app development successful.

2. Games Application Development

Several have been opened with the help of Python language for EVE Online and Battlefield 2.

Developers can build tools for game design with the help of Python that will support the development procedures, such as developing level designs and dialogue trees.

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3. Blockchain Applications

It is one of the most broadly used technology shifts and trends that authentically controls the market. Python makes Blockchain development easy or very difficult for developers.

Aside from mobile app development using Python, the language also helps to build blockchain applications smoothly and hassle-free. Developers use HTTP requests to interact with the blockchain on the internet.

Furthermore, the developer will be able to use a Python framework, just like Flask, to create and develop endpoints for several features of the blockchain.

Developers can also run scripts on several different machines and build dispersed networks with the help of Python language.

4. Command-line Applications

The command-line and console applications are not different; rather, they are computer programs that are used from a command line or shell and do not have a GUI, i.e., a Graphical user interface.

The app with Python is flawless and absolute for such command-line applications as it has a REPL, i.e., a Real-Eval-Print-Loop feature.

Python is an excellent and widely used language. Top application development brands or companies can access multiple free Python libraries to create or build command-line applications.

5. Machine Learning Applications

Along with application development using Python, there is another trend in technology that has come over the last few decades, which is known as machine learning development.

It is an algorithmic technology that provides data to operating systems and authorizes quick decision-making.

You would know that developing a machine-learning application formerly was an arduous task, but from now on, it has become more accessible only because of Python programming language.

Mobile app development in Python provides free libraries for machine learning, such as Pandas and Scikit, and can be used under the GNU license.

6. Business Applications

Python has practical flexibility and can develop several applications because it also helps with e-commerce application development solutions and ERP applications.

Python mobile app development has a popular and widely known business application known as “Tryton, " a high-level development and general-purpose app with a 3-layer architecture or structure.

Android Mobile App Development using Python

The most favored execution language for Android is Java, an OOP or Object Oriented Programming language. Hence, when you build mobile apps with Python, you will need a way to run Python code on a Java virtual machine, i.e. JVM.

However, VOCs, Vestigial Output Compilers, and Vexing Obtuse Compilers can make this possible. VOCs are a part of the BeeWare suite, which allows you to access Java native objects such as Python, execute Java interfaces in Python classes, and subclass Java classes in Python classes.

It will empower you to write Android apps straight to Android’s native API. VOCs can compile Python source code into CPython bytecode and interlay that bytecode into Java-cooperative bytecode.

There are various other tools as well that execute Python android app development in Java and vice versa. For example, Jython, Jepp, JPype, and more. All of these tools proceed with their benefits and loopholes, relying on the type and scope of your projects.

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iOS Mobile App Development using Python

The steps to build an app for iOS are more complex than for Android. However, developers can consistently use the official Kivy package documentation for the newest information and details on iOS development by using the app with Python.

The procedure normally requires setting up a Python environment, encoding the mobile apps with Python over Kivy, and deploying or delivering it with Xcode.

You must always remember that developers will still require a macOS machine to deliver applications to the Apple App Store, so even though you can develop applications in Python, you still need an iMac or MacBook to deliver applications.

Popular Mobile Applications that Use the Python Language

Many applications have been developed using Python's computer programming language. These applications are Instagram, Pinterest, Disqus, and Spotify. Dropbox, Reddit, Quora, and many others.

But let’s discuss about four most popular applications that are developed in Python language:

1. Instagram

One of the biggest examples of mobile app development using Python is Instagram. It has gained skyrocketing admiration within a few years of its development.

It has innumerable users who use Instagram regularly, and this app has undoubtedly changed the world of virtual photography.

2. Pinterest

The other popular social networking site, after Twitter and Facebook, is Pinterest. This application allows users to bookmark images, collect them, and share them with their families and friends.

Pinterest is one of the routinely adopted applications on the web, and Pinterest uses Django and Python to process maximum amounts of content swiftly and speedily.

3. Spotify

The world’s greatest streaming service, Spotify, has an annual revenue of €4.5 billion.

This means that the company is a paramount market player and one of the top and most popular music streaming platforms developed with the help of Python language and is now considered a Python application.

Because of Python’s advanced data analysis and speed, the developers chose mobile app development using Python to develop Spotify.

It allows the Spotify application to manage and operate features such as Discover and Radio based on the user’s music preferences.

4. Disqus

Disqus is an effective and efficient way to moderate comments effectively, attract audiences, and encourage discussion while managing the content they receive.

With the help of several sign-in options and cross-site notifications, the Disqus application nurtures users of all sorts of thinking and tastes.

As a result, Python can take advantage of Django's security features and systematic and efficient security patches.

GUI Framework: Resources For Building Python For Apps

You will need a GUI initial to create a mobile app with the help of Python language. The two most popular and highly common frameworks are Kivy and BeeWare

Nevertheless, more frameworks than these two are used for the development process. But here we are going to discuss Kivy and BeeWare.

1. Kivy

Kivy is a cross-platform substructure that helps you build applications and games on various Windows, macOS, Android platforms, Linux, and iOS.

Kivy has a panoramic Python library incorporating certain features such as accelerometer events, multitouch events, etc.

It presents multi-touch motion that permits you to build rich user interfaces and experiences without much effort. Kivy helps you to make use of native libraries on different platforms.

Therefore, you can directly call functions from fundamental platforms and access features unavailable in Python for mobile app development.

In addition, Kivy also provides a customized windowing system that gives you more control over how your application looks.

With the help of this, you can create and develop your widgets by using Kivy’s customized and personalized widget language.

2. BeeWare

BeeWare is greatly used to develop and deploy native apps using Python. It combines Toga, Python native, a cross-platform GUI toolkit, and an OS native.

Furthermore, the BeeWare toolkit accommodates Rubicon Java, a library that works with the help of Java libraries that use Python code.

Another tool in focus is “The briefcase tool,” which is used to package and ship Python for mobile app development projects to end-users as deliverables.

A library tool, i.e., Rubicon ObjC, is used to work with Objective C libraries on macOS and iOS using Python code.

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How to Develop a Mobile App Using Python

The process of mobile app development using Python involves different steps that might differ depending on your type of project and the frameworks you’re using.

Here’s a general step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose Your Framework

Select a Python framework suitable for mobile app development. Kivy is popular for custom UIs and cross-platform compatibility, while BeeWare offers a native look and feel. Consider your app's requirements and choose accordingly.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

Install Python on your system. Download and install the chosen app development framework. Configure your development environment with the necessary tools and libraries.

Step 3: Design the App

Create a blueprint for your app's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). Determine the app's layout, screens, and navigation flow. Use the framework's tools to design the visual elements.

Step 4: Write the Code

Implement the app's logic using Python. Handle user interactions, data processing, and backend connections. Connect the UI elements to the app's functionality.

Step 5: Test Thoroughly

Test the app on different devices and operating systems to ensure compatibility and performance. Identify and fix bugs or errors.

Step 6: Package and Deploy

Create app packages for Android and iOS platforms. Submit the app to respective app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) following their guidelines.

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Advantages of Mobile App Development Using Python

The advantages of Python for mobile apps are mentioned below. Have a look at all of them and understand better.

1. Simplicity

The primary advantage of using Python language is its simplicity. You don’t need to spend too much time learning complex syntax such as C++ and worry about memory leaks.

2. Interpreted Language

Python programming language is a plain text file or a plain language, also known as interpreted language, that runs on any platform with the help of an installed interpreter.

3. Excellent for Beginners

Python is a logical and well-designed computer programming language and is an excellent language for beginners. You don’t need to learn English to study this language. Because of its simplicity, the development goes much quicker because the programmer writes less code.

4. Robust Community

The community that uses Python language is so big that you will probably find a solution on the Internet in a faster way if you run into an uncertain bug.

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Concluding Thoughts

Mobile app development using Python is the most adaptable and flexible programming language globally.

Your project can also grasp the ease, flexibility, and diversity of the mobile app development procedure with the help of resources and tools available for Python.

As a result, if you are a beginner and want to learn Python programming language, it will greatly help. That’s why Python is way too suitable for mobile application development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use Python for iOS mobile development?

Ans. While Python is not natively supported for iOS development, you can use frameworks like BeeWare to convert your Python code into native iOS applications. However, the process might be more complex than Swift or Objective-C.

Q. How to create an Android app using Python?

Ans. Python can be used for Android app development through frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare. These frameworks allow you to write and convert Python code into Android packages. However, it's essential to consider performance implications compared to native Android development using Java or Kotlin.

Q. Is Python enough for app development?

Ans. Python is a versatile language suitable for many aspects of app development, including backend logic, data analysis, and even UI development with frameworks like Kivy. However, for complex native mobile apps, you might need to complement Python with other languages or tools for optimal performance and platform-specific features.

Q. Is Swift better than Python?

Ans. Swift is specifically designed for iOS development, offering better performance and integration with Apple's ecosystem. Python, while versatile, might have performance limitations for complex mobile apps. The best choice depends on the specific project requirements and developer preferences.

Q. How Much Does Python Development Cost?

Ans. Python development costs vary based on app complexity, features, design, development team experience, and location. However, on average, Python app development costs around $12000-$25,000.