Want to make mobile applications with python but not sure where to start? Check out this guide to building python application for beginners.
Ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know how? Fancy creating an application but know nothing about computer languages?
The world of computer programming is a tough egg to crack. All those symbols and lines of code that look like gibberish. If only there was an easy way to create an app.
Python is the code of choice for beginners.
It’s easy to learn, hosts thousands of tutorials online, and has a massive support base. Download it for free, and you can create your first Python application in under ten minutes.
Big tech firms like Google and Facebook use programs written in Python to offer new services. Businesses of all sizes take advantage of its speed and simplicity. Even technology tinkerers can write a program in Python to control their Raspberry Pi projects.
This article explains what Python is and how you can start building applications today.
Read on to discover what the world of coders already knows – that Python is the easiest yet most powerful coding language around.
What Are Python Applications?
An application is simply a set of instructions for computers to follow.
These apps let you send emails, type documents, take and edit pictures, and do everything else on your laptop or phone. Apps, or programs, are written in code which the computer translates to play sounds and put images on a screen.
There are lots of different computer coding languages that developers use and one of the most popular is Python.
Benefits of Python Programming
Why was Python declared the top coding language in 2019? And why are 8.2 million developers writing their apps using Python?
Maybe because Python is:
- Easy to learn, read, and understand
- Fast to run
- Works on all platforms
- Offers lots of help and support
- Includes frameworks to develop faster
Computer languages like C++ or Objective C will swamp a beginner. But Python keeps things simple.
For example, to write something onto the screen you would enter the code:
print(“This line will show on the screen”)
Easy! And for more powerful techniques like loops there aren’t the braces and weird symbols as in other languages. You can scan down the code and figure it out in seconds.
What Can You Do With Python?
Python is an object-orientated language which means it works like the ‘big boys’ like Java. This means is Python can create any time of application, from simple calculators right up to enterprise applications.
Python’s used by every type of app developer to build programs for:
- Game development
- Control audio and video equipment
- Business apps
- Machine learning
- Web development etc.
There are many more uses but let’s touch on the last one in this list.
Because Python is easy to write it takes less time to create web applications. It also integrates with other web technologies like Javascript, HTML, and JSON. You can build entire web apps in Python or individual parts and slot them in.
Python frameworks (see below) are used by companies like Instagram to create their web site. Information flows from their iPhone and Android apps and seamlessly integrates with Python. Powerful stuff!
Advanced Python Applications
Python goes way behind developing simple apps.
You can use Python to build an ebook reader, for example. It has the power to search through an entire book using features like regular expressions.
Regular Expressions
Regular expressions or regex is a feature shared by most coding languages. It allows you to find, match, and split words and phrases in large chunks of text. You can use it to make sure your Python apps have proper user input.
You’re probably thinking not another computer language I need to learn!
Yes, Regex seems daunting, but that’s were a great Regex quick start guide kicks in. It gives great advice on how to work smart and make your Python applications even better.
How Can I Develop Python Apps?
There are two versions of Python available: Python 2 and Python 3. Version 3 is the most current so try to use it when developing.
The first step in writing your first app is to download the latest version of Python. Choose your platform, either Windows, Mac, or Linux, and install the correct file.
Next, Google Python tutorial for beginners.
There are lots of exercises you can follow online including YouTube videos and sites likes Edureka that offer tutorials for free.
The Hello World example is standard in all computer languages. It teaches you how to tell the computer to say Hi.
It may not be much but you’ll get a rush when Python welcomes you for the first time!
Python Frameworks
To keep things even more simple, Python supporters have created frameworks to help you code.
These libraries let you accomplish more difficult tasks using a few lines of code. If you want to build a picture app like a slideshow, a framework cuts development time considerably.
The confusing part lies in which framework to use as each Python library has its pros and cons.
One popular framework is Django. It’s great for developing web applications and can work with databases for customer orders.
Flask is great a building web apps too. It’s compatible with Google App Engine which lets you put your apps on the web.
Google Python frameworks for a full list but be careful. Although powerful, framework libraries aren’t for beginners. Make sure you learn the basics first.
Building a Python Mobile App
Although Android and Apple use different languages to code in, you can still develop mobile apps in Python.
Frameworks like Kivy let you build a user interface or UI which is how your users work your app. You can create widgets for all app platforms including Windows and macOS using the same code.
Follow the tutorials and break your project into manageable chunks. Make sure everything works before moving on. Before you know it you’ll have a complete working app!
Build Better Apps the Python Way
Now you know what a Python application is and how to build one, why not give it a go?
All it takes is some time and patience. And as the software’s free to use it won’t cost you a penny to create your first app.
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