Python is a globally recognised programming language that’s been around for over 30 years. Whether you know much about coding, building software solutions, or mobile app development, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve come across successful examples of mobile app development in python, perhaps without even realising. Some of the biggest players in the mobile app sector were built using Python, including Instagram; global streaming platform Spotify; and Pinterest.
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According to the TIOBE index, Python is currently the most popular programming language available, but it’s worth asking the question, ‘is python good for mobile app development?’ It’s important to consider whether it’s the best programming language compared with other mobile app development solutions such as JavaScript, Swift, and Kotlin.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of developing mobile apps using Python and take you through some of the most popular Python frameworks that enable hybrid and cross-platform mobile app development.
So, what is Python?
Python is a well-established and widely recognised general-purpose programming language commonly used to build websites, software, and games and to support data analysis and automation.
Python is described as ‘a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more effectively.’ It’s free and easy to learn so it’s a popular choice among non-programmers and professional developers alike. This cross-platform, open-source programming language will run on macOS, Windows, Linux, and can be ported to Java and .NET virtual machines, making it highly versatile.
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And, can Python be used for mobile app development?
A lot of business owners who are looking to create an app for their brand read about Python’s popularity and flexibility and ask us the question, ‘can you develop mobile apps with Python?’
In short, yes, absolutely. However, there are several things to factor in when making your app programming language choices and deciding to develop a mobile app using Python.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of developing mobile apps using Python.
Pros:
It’s easy to learn and simple.
This factor alone means Python can enhance productivity. Python’s simplicity can empower developers to build mobile apps more quickly (when they utilise the right Python frameworks). This can keep costs down and launch your app sooner.
It’s highly adaptable.
Python can be used on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows phones, and desktops, making its reach almost limitless. This cross-platform solution means that you only need to write your mobile app once, then export/compile it for different platforms ready for deployment.
It’s free, open-source and well-established.
This means that Python developers can access an online community that’s considered to be one of the most supportive in the world. When you have a problem, you’ll find that there are thousands of Python coders out there to support you.
There’s a huge choice of tools.
Python’s global standing means that thousands of tools are available to adapt Python’s code to meet your requirements. Python also offers an extensive choice of in-built libraries to support various functions without needing to look elsewhere.
It’s great for prototyping.
Use ready-made python modules to experiment with your ideas and test quickly through prototyping. Code directly into a device to save on time and energy in the early phases of development.
Cons:
It has speed limitations.
Python is renowned for its slower compilation times. The development loop generally takes longer to execute code than other programming languages which can add the development time.
It’s not memory efficient.
Python consumes a large amount of memory to operate. While many developers consider this a worthwhile compromise, factor in how Python mobile app development could restrict your memory space.
It’s not easy to test.
Perhaps one of the biggest, if not most frustrating, drawbacks of mobile app development using Python. Errors that appear in the code during development will remain there and need to be painstakingly modified or removed error by error, adding to the time dedicated to testing. This is further complicated if your project is integrated with other systems, requiring patience to test and fix successfully.
There’s the potential for inconsistencies between platforms.
Many developers find inconsistencies in design and functionality between different operating platforms, such as iOS versus Android. To remedy this, you’ll need to find additional solutions to ensure your Python app functions consistently across different devices.
What kinds of mobile apps can be developed in Python?
Here are some of the most common types of mobile apps built using Python code:
Social media apps
Enterprise apps
Healthcare apps
Audio-video apps
Blockchain apps
Messaging apps
Weather apps
Console apps
Machine learning apps
Utility apps
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Which Python Frameworks Support Cross-Platform Mobile Apps?
While there are several factors for and against using Python, mobile app development using this versatile programming language is entirely possible. A main thing to keep in mind is that neither iOS nor Android can run Python apps natively because they don’t support interpreted programming languages. However, there’s an ever-evolving choice of Python frameworks that support cross-platform integration.
The best frameworks to support mobile app development in Python:
Kivy
An easy-to-use open-source Python library. Built for the rapid development of cross-platform UI apps, Kivy enables developers to write pure-Python applications that will run on all leading platforms.
BeeWare
BeeWare offers a set of tools that will cross-compile your Python app for deployment on all major platforms, including Android and iOS. The BeeWare suite includes VOC (vestigial output compiler) which is a transpiler that converts Python bytecode into Java bytecode for easy integration.
PyQt5
PyQt5 is another popular Python GUI framework. PyQt5 is fully cross-platform, so developers can build applications for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and other platforms easily.
Other popular frameworks for python mobile app development include CherryPy, Falcon, PyJNIus, and the Tkinter package.
In Summary
Now that we’ve discussed the various benefits and potential problems that come with developing mobile apps using Python, it’s important to note that Myth doesn’t use Python as its primary programming language to develop apps. To understand why, take a look at our article about the best mobile app programming languages.
With our experience in mobile, web, and software development which has seen us work with a diverse range of brands including QualiT, Papier, Performa Sports and LifePass, we use a range of frameworks, tech stacks, tools, and software that suit our processes and clients’ needs best.
Check out our FAQs or book a discovery session to find out more.
Keen to learn about our favourite tools, designs, and industry insights? Check out these articles:
The Benefits of Mobile App Development for Start Ups and Transformative Businesses
How Custom Mobile App Development Can Increase Revenue and Brand Awareness
Examples of The Best Mobile App Designs Chosen by Experts
What You Need to Know About Mobile App Development Outsourcing
Questions to Ask a Mobile App Developer Before Working With Them
Your Mobile App Development Project Explained: What to Expect
Code vs Low Code and No Code Solutions to Mobile App Development
Frequently asked questions
Is Python good for mobile app development?
It can work well. Python is easy to learn, cross-platform, free and open-source, with a huge choice of tools and libraries and strong support for prototyping. The trade-offs are slower execution, heavy memory use, harder testing and possible inconsistencies between iOS and Android, so weigh these against your app’s requirements before committing.
Why can’t iOS and Android run Python apps natively?
Neither operating system supports interpreted programming languages, so a Python app cannot run on a phone as it is. Cross-platform frameworks solve this. Kivy lets developers write pure-Python apps that run on all leading platforms, BeeWare cross-compiles Python apps for Android and iOS, and PyQt5 targets iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux.
Which well-known apps were built with Python?
Some of the biggest names in the mobile sector used Python in their development, including Instagram, the global streaming platform Spotify and Pinterest. Common categories of Python-built mobile apps include social media, enterprise, healthcare, audio and video, blockchain, messaging, weather, console, machine learning and utility apps.
Does Myth build mobile apps in Python?
Not as a primary language. Myth uses a range of frameworks, tech stacks and tools that best suit its processes and each client’s needs, drawing on experience in mobile, web and software development for brands including QualiT, Papier, Performa Sports and LifePass. Book a discovery session to discuss the right stack for your app.
