5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Python for Android Development

When it comes down to developing an Android app, it’s always about Java and Kotlin. Both are powerful, general-purpose languages, Kotlin being Google’s preferred language for developing Android applications. Cross-platform development is booming. According to Statista, cross-platform frameworks have now jumped to 46% as app developers look for cheaper ways of reaching Android and iOS users.

But what if you’re looking for something different? Something elegant, simple, and capable of integrating with complex and emerging technologies. That’s where Python comes in. 

It has been used to develop Android applications since 2012. While it’s not really a native Android language, developers and companies everywhere are coming up with ways to use Python’s strengths for mobile apps.

In this article, we will discover why Python is a good choice for Android development, using real-world examples and some relevant stats. 

1. Simplifying complex features

Simplicity is Python’s greatest strength, making it one of the most popular coding languages. Its easy-to-use syntax enables developers to write clean, readable code even for the most complicated app functionalities. It becomes a game-changer when paired with AI or Machine Learning. 

Real-World Example: Disney Streaming Services

Python was used to create algorithms for Disney’s recommendation engine, particularly Disney+. The app itself isn’t Android specific, but the Python algorithms it runs on show how well it can handle heavy load and personalisation of content on whatever device you use it on. 

Using similar methods, developers can create more engaging user experiences on Android apps.

Why It Matters? 

Let’s take the case of a fitness tracker app that predicts users’ calorie intake based on the foods they have eaten. Python libraries such as TensorFlow Lite for mobile make it simple to integrate such AI-driven features. By 2025, Gartner predicts that 75 per cent of customer interaction will be driven by AI-powered apps.  With Python, you can unlock the full potential of an app, and create a rich user experience.

2. Cross-Platform Development: Write Once, Use Everywhere 

Cross-platform development is one of the best features of Python. Kivy and BeeWare frameworks offer developers the ability to write a single codebase for  Android and iOS.

Real-World Example: YouTube was built on Python 

YouTube, the largest video hosting platform in the world was initially built using PHP. When the site took off in a big way, Google switched to Python for building the backend. 

With the move to the Python framework, Django, Google was able to adapt to a growing user base, roll out new features, and create a high-performance cross-platform application. This is a great example of how Python frameworks help create cross-platform applications. 

Why it matters? 

Building cross-platform apps with Python can save time and costs for businesses with limited resources, without compromising user experience. 

3. Rapid Prototyping: Test Your Ideas Faster 

The ability of Python to support rapid prototyping often makes it the language of choice for startups. Since Python lets you quickly build an MVP (a minimum viable product), it’s perfect for validating an app idea so you can get feedback from real users.

Real-World Example: Dropbox’s Python Foundations 

The creator of Dropbox, Drew Houston, came up with Dropbox using Python as the base code because of its clean syntax, and quick development time. Today, while the app has grown from Python, the fact that it grew up with Python is a testament to that language’s usefulness for rapid development and deployment.

Why It Matters?

From a small-town ride-sharing app to a hyper-local food delivery service, prototyping with Python will help get your idea out there, fast!

4. Python Powering AI: Future of Android Applications 

Personalised recommendations or voice assistants are becoming a necessity in mobile apps, and AI-driven features like these are becoming the hallmark of a great user experience. This puts Python at an advantage in the AI field.

Real-World Example: Uber’s Machine Learning Models 

Uber revolutionised the cab industry. With millions of concurrent users, Uber is a data-intensive platform. It uses Python for front and backend development. From routing and caching to data management, and using AI and Machine Learning to predict user behaviour, Python has enabled scalability and efficiency at a global level.

Why it matters?

Suppose you are building an educational app for kids. With Python’s Scikit-learn or PyTorch, you can develop a personalised learning experience that adapts the difficulty level according to a child’s progress on their Android device.

5. Open Source Tools for Cost-Effective Development

Open source ecosystem for Python is a lifesaver for small teams or businesses on a budget. Frameworks such as Flask and Django enable developers to create secure backends without purchasing expensive licenses.

Real-World Example: Backend of Reddit Powered by Python 

The Reddit backend was built using Python. It can scale, and manage millions of user interactions on the platform.

Why it matters?

Django and Python can be used by an Android app development agency to develop a similar social media app backend without overspending on proprietary tools.

Python For Android Development—Challenges and Solutions

Let’s face it, Python is not the first choice for creating an Android application. It’s not supported natively, and it’s slower than Java or Kotlin. But all of these challenges are easy to overcome with the right tools.

Solution 1: Chaquopy Integration 

Developers can run Python code directly within Android Studio using Chaquopy. This allows Python to blend in with Java smoothly.

Solution 2: Hybrid Development 

For performance-critical tasks, you can use Python for its AI logic and Java for its native UI elements. The hybrid approach is a combination of the best of each language.

Conclusion: This is Why you Should Look at Python for Android Development 

Python will not replace Kotlin or Java as the primary Android app development language. But it is versatile, simple and strong in emerging technologies such as AI and Machine Learning, making it compelling for certain use cases. From prototyping, cross-platform development or powering advanced AI features, Python opens the door to a world of innovation.

Python provides a great opportunity for a Python web development company to develop smarter apps faster and at lower costs. It’s time for a rethink about what’s possible in Android development, and just maybe, Python is the right tool to get you there.

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