In the eCommerce business, mobile apps are not the only and most important channel, but they can help you be able to reach a large number of smartphone users who might become your loyal customers. Besides mobile application development platforms, programming languages are also factors that make changes and improvements in mobile apps development.
But…
With so many options for creating successful apps for all brands, you can be quite confused and are not sure which direction to go in.
Then this article will help you learn about one of the most popular programming languages about mobile app development – Python.
From that, you will understand:
- Why should you choose Python, or what can Python do for you?
- What are some successful examples of the mobile application with Python?
- How to build mobile application with Python?
Don’t hesitate as the usage of Python for mobile app development is increasing rapidly. The more proactive you are, the bigger your chance to lead the market with time-to-market advantages will become.
Let’s scroll down to explore!
Table of Contents
What is Python?
Python is the name of a programming language, that is, the detailed code written by developers according to a certain logic, combining keywords to create many different programs for websites, apps, and software for mobile, computer, etc. In other words, only the machines can read the language and turn the instructions into the different programs you want.
So what are the characteristics of the Python programming language?
It was created by programmer Guido Van Rossum in the 80s. Python uses the BeeWare and the Kivy frameworks, and it is an interpreted, object-oriented, and high-level programming language. It has a robust built-in data structure, but thanks to its combination of dynamic typing and binding, it’s not struggling for users to use to develop applications.
Also, this language allows cross-platform development of the applications on all devices so that you can customize the features of the app on both computers and mobiles at the same time.
Here are a few details to give you an overview of Python. So you might be wondering: Should I build mobile applications with Python?
Let’s dive into the benefits of the programming language that used to be the world’s top 1 in popularity.
Why you should use Python mobile development
Easy-to-read code
As we mentioned, Python is a programming language combining dynamic typing and binding, making it simpler than ever. So, whether you are a newbie or a skillful programmer, you can easily create a mobile application with Python and update the software without knowing a lot of complicated code.
Speedy response
If other programming languages, such as Java or Swift, must have compiled, the interpreter in Python will run the programs directly. As a result, if there is an error during the creation of mobile apps, it will immediately report the Python code and you can soon fix it, saving more time to complete your program.
High compatibility
With Python, your mobile app eCommerce can be compatible with many different operating systems, meaning that besides iOS, you can also make Android app with Python. Furthermore, it also has cross-platform support so your code can run on multiple platforms without having to add anything complex.
Test-driven development
Test-Driven Development is the method used by Python to help developers build prototypes of mobile applications. Not only that, but you also get support to refactor the code to create new apps from prototypes.
High-standard library
Compared to other languages, Python can be of great help in terms of time and effort. And one of the benefits is you can get modules from the Python library to add more functionality to your app instead of having to write extra code.
Big data supported
Big data plays an increasingly important role in the digital age, so there are many programming languages developing it, including Python. With a large number of libraries out there, writing this code for it is even easier and more time-saving. That is why many developers want to choose a mobile application with Python over the other big names in the market.
Prominent examples of a mobile app using Python
Are you surprised that some most popular social brands build an iOS app with Python? It is absolutely no joke. With hundreds of thousands of users daily and this number has been still growing, it proves that Python’s scalability is endless.
The Instagram application is highly regarded by its users for its easy-to-reach user interface and the ability to interact with friends. More than that, its story feature is regularly renewed and it promotes users to participate in creating many unique and interesting content, filters, and visuals.
Pinterest is one of the most popular social networking sites today. Therefore, it is not surprising that its app is also loved and has high downloads on both iOS and Android operating systems. Similar to Instagram, users often post photos and short videos to their accounts, but it focuses on sharing them more when removing some important features, such as direct messenger or comment. The Python framework that Pinterest used to develop its app was Django which rapidly deals with a bunch of content.
Spotify
Spotify currently tops the world’s largest streaming services chart with annual sales of up to €5 billion. Using the Python programming language, the Spotify app solves the problems related to data analysis and development speed, thereby stepping up to become the market leader. Users, along with that, also benefit from increasingly noticeable features, such as Discover, Radio, or Release Radar.
Disqus
Python helps the Disqus app engage the audience and intelligently drive discussions through comment moderation. That is the first and foremost cause of the popularity of this mobile application. Other factors include a wide variety of sign-in options, cross-site notifications, and enhanced security.
Dropbox
Most businesses use file-hosting services in business activities to store information and documents in a compact, efficient, and convenient way. Dropbox is one of the most well-known mobile apps for this functionality and is also available for macOS, Windows, and Linux desktops. It has high portability and can work on multiple platforms like PC, Linux, or even PlayStation.
Uber
Surely, the name Uber is not too strange to you. Millions of services are requested from Uber customers every day through its mobile application with Python, from shipping to food delivery while the app is straightforward to use. Therefore, the programming language that Uber uses to develop the application, Python, is highly appreciated by developers that it comes to handling such large amounts of data every day.
While Python was not the original choice for the Reddit mobile application, the wider access to code libraries, the scalability, and the flexible development of this programming language have caused the social news aggregator to change its mind. After that, it has become a widely popular application with more than 600 million visitors every month.
Cross-platform mobile frameworks for Python
Previously, no one promoted developing their iOS and Android mobile app using python, but after a short time, Python focused on developing this array and turning it into its strong point. When it comes to Python’s rapid improvement in mobile app development, we cannot ignore its two notable frameworks, Kivy and BeeWare.
Kivy
Kivy was first known to the public in early 2011 as an open-source Python library that is available for commercial and free software on both Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. When you use this Python framework for mobile app development, you will have an application that has a cross-platform Natural User Interface. However, this interface won’t look like your user’s native app examples, simply because instead of using native controls or widgets, Kivy applies custom-drawn widgets. This feature can create a huge distinctive advantage for you to be able to compete with competitors in the market, making users more impressed with your mobile apps.
The non-native user interface in developing mobile apps isn’t so important, but if you still want to build Android app with Python or build iOS app with Python using the native user interface, then the language can still fulfill your needs with the BeeWare framework.
BeeWare
BeeWare, while still relatively new and may lack a few features, is the perfect choice if you are looking for a set of useful tools and an abstract layer making applications look 100% native on each platform, both mobile and desktop. The elements that make up the interface are provided by the base operating system.
Besides, similar to Kivy, BeeWare also supports cross-platform mobile app development using Python, so you can reuse some tools from one platform to compile for another.
The biggest downside to this native framework is the inconsistency, meaning that there will be some variation in rendering on different platforms like Android and iOS.
Conclusion
Python is one of the most popular programming languages today with simple and beginner-friendly programming, creating favorable conditions for users to realize breakthrough ideas about mobile apps, promoting an online business on mobile. If you love developing a mobile application with Python, don’t hesitate to inspire others by liking and sharing this article. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about types of mobile application or visit our website for further information. Thank you.
