Create an Android App in Python

In this tutorial, we will show you how to create an Android app in Python. We will cover all of the necessary steps, from setting up your development environment to building and deploying your application.

One of the main benefits of using Python for mobile app development is that it is a relatively easy language to learn, even for beginners. Additionally, there are a number of Python packages available for Android, such as Kivy and BeeWare.

Let’s Start to Create an Android App in Python

In the below sections, we have compiled each and every single step so that you can easily set up your system. In case, if you still face any issues, email us and we’ll try to resolve it as soon as possible.

Also Read: How to Set up Android Studio for Development

Prerequisites

1. Install Python: Make sure you have Python installed on your system. You can download it from the official Python website.
2. Install Kivy: Use pip to install Kivy.

   pip install kivy

3. Install Buildozer (for building the Android APK): Buildozer is a Python-based tool for packaging and distributing Kivy applications. You can install it using pip.

   pip install buildozer

4. Install Cython: Cython is a required dependency for Kivy.

   pip install cython

5. Install Java Development Kit (JDK): You’ll need the JDK to build Android applications.
6. Set up a virtual environment (optional but recommended):

   python -m venv myenv
   source myenv/bin/activate  # On Windows, use "myenv\Scripts\activate"

Also Read: Create Your First App on Android

Create the Android App in Python

Now, let’s create a simple “Hello World” Android app in Python:

1. Create a new directory for your project and navigate to it:

   mkdir first_app
   cd first_app

2. Create a Python script for your Kivy app. You can use any text editor to create a file named FirstApp.py inside your project directory. Add the following code:

import kivy.app as app
import kivy.uix.boxlayout as bl
import kivy.uix.label as lbl

class FirstApp(app.App):
    def build(self):
        ll = bl.BoxLayout(orientation='vertical', padding=10, spacing=10)
        msg = lbl.Label(
            text="Hello,",
            font_size=32,
            size_hint_y=None,
            height=50
        )
        msg2 = lbl.Label(
            text="Android!",
            font_size=32,
            size_hint_y=None,
            height=50
        )
        ll.add_widget(msg)
        ll.add_widget(msg2)
        return ll

if __name__ == '__main__':
    FirstApp().run()

This code defines a simple Kivy application with a single label displaying “Hello, Android!”

3. In order to run the app, follow the steps:
   • Open a terminal or command prompt.
   • Move to the project folder if you are not in there already.
   • Run the Kivy app using the Python interpreter:

python FirstApp.py

Must Read: Choose the Programming Language for Android

Build the Android APK

Now, let’s use Buildozer to package your Kivy app into an Android APK:

1. Initialize a Buildozer spec file:

   buildozer init

2. Open the build.spec file with your text editor and configure it as needed. Make sure to set your app’s name, version, and package. For this simple example, you don’t need to change much.
3. Build the Android APK using Buildozer:

   buildozer android debug deploy run

This command will build the Android APK for your Kivy app. It might take some time, as it needs to download dependencies.

Install and Run the APK on Your Android Device

1. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your Android device. You can enable it in the developer settings.
3. Install the APK on your Android device:

   buildozer android adb -- install bin/YourApp-0.1-armeabi-v7a-debug.apk

Replace YourApp with the actual name of your app.

4. Run the app on your Android device:

   buildozer android adb --run logcat

This command will install the APK on your connected Android device and display logcat logs.

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you can create a working Android application in Python. The Kivy framework makes it easy to write mobile apps and the buildozer tool makes it easier to build them.

Please note that building Android apps using Kivy and Buildozer can be complex. It may even involve troubleshooting specific to your dev environment and project. Be sure to refer to Kivy and Buildozer documentation and forums for more detailed guidance.

Happy Coding!