Kivy vs BeeWare: Python for Mobile App Development in 2024

Python stands at the pinnacle of popularity as a globally acclaimed programming language revered for its prowess in scientific computing, numeric analysis, education, and web development. Whether we realize it or not, Python significantly influences most of our daily online interactions, given that the background processes have been coded in Python.

This leads many to wonder about the potential of mobile app development in Python language. Evidently, the already established alternatives like Javascript, Kotlin, and Swift pose as strong rivals of Python in this arena. 

However, the recent developments in Python have vastly improved the outlook of the language for writing codes to develop mobile apps. In this article, we explore two frameworks that have emerged as modern options for mobile application development using Python.

The Rise of Python in Mobile App Development

Python is an open-source and multipurpose programming language, which makes it an ideal option for crafting diverse applications across multiple platforms. A user-friendly syntax and allowance for rapid code creation have increased Python’s popularity in seamlessly accommodating substantial datasets. Notably, Python’s adaptability extends to harmonious integration with other programming languages, further enhancing its utility.

Developed by Guido van Rossum three decades ago, Python has sustained its upward trajectory in popularity with a rapidly expanding community. This popularity is mirrored in the extensive array of reliable libraries and frameworks available to developers. This community actively engages on platforms like Stack Overflow, Discord, and Slack, facilitating their journey towards optimal app creation.

The Increasing Versatility of Python: Kivy and BeeWare

In recent years, the appeal of Python has been further magnified by its ability to eliminate the conventional paradigm required for the simultaneous development of distinct app versions using different programming languages. Spearheaded by frameworks Kivy and BeeWare, the Python revolution enabled the conversion of a single codebase into versatile iterations compatible with iOS, Android, or any chosen platform.

Now, this paradigm shift has ushered in a new era of efficiency and economy, backed by the vast repositories of Python libraries and frameworks. Let’s delve deeper into Kivy and BeeWare to understand them better.

Kivy: Empowering Rapid and Diverse App Creation

Kivy has emerged as a compelling cross-platform framework for agile application and Python web development. Extends for cross-platform development across Linux, iOS, Raspberry Pi, and Android, but it also boasts uniform aesthetics and a proprietary UI toolkit. The prospect of designing a user interface that traverses diverse platforms harmoniously is an enticing design choice to develop a seamless user experience in an efficient manner.

Key Features of Kivy

Some of the noteworthy vital features of Kivy include the following:

• Unified codebase across platforms
• Robust graphics engine founded on OpenGL ES 2
• MIT license, facilitating business integration
• Distinctive custom UI toolkit
• BSD licensed, promoting business freedom
• Native aesthetics and experience
• Flourishing community of invested developers
• An amalgamation of projects catering to diverse needs
• Pragmatic blend of speed, simplicity, and precision  

Pros of Using Kivy for Mobile App Development

If you’re wondering which mobile app development is best, you might have pondered upon utilising Kivy. The following features of Kivy have proven to be beneficial for the process: 

• Kivy has a simple and intuitive syntax, which makes coding easier.
• The straightforward syntax allows you to create widgets quickly.
• The strong and helpful community enables you to seek assistance and collaborate.
• The platform independence feature allows users to work on different operating systems seamlessly.

Cons of Using Kivy for Mobile App Development

Along with the above plus points, many users have reported the following disadvantages while working with Kivy:

• Some of the widgets in Kivy often become unresponsive, resulting in a slower user experience.
• You might experience a crash while packaging Kivy apps to iOS and apk
• Many users reportedly find Kivy applications to have an outdated look and feel.

BeeWare: Leveraging Python for Native App Development

The BeeWare framework, a relatively nascent one, offers a wide range of tools and an abstraction layer that can be used to write native-looking apps using Python. This is the prominent feature which differentiates it from others. Unlike Kivy’s divergence from native features, BeeWare’s intrinsic appeal lies in its seamless embrace of native UI elements, ensuring that the user interface remains familiar and intuitive across platforms. 

Key Features of Kivy

Some of the noteworthy vital features of BeeWare include the following:

• Native user experience on each platform
• Consistency in appearance and behavior
• Native fonts and buttons for familiarity
• Distinctly Android or iOS feel and behavior
• BSD licensed, fostering collaborative innovation
• A dynamic team nurturing a diverse and inclusive community

Pros of Using BeeWare for Mobile App Development

Using BeeWare will let you enjoy the following benefits:

• The codes offer a consistent experience across several devices.
• BeeWare makes it possible to reuse the codes, hence proving to be cost-effective.
• The native look and feel make the user experience better.
• Given that it is BSD-licenced, anyone is allowed to use and modify the tools for their requirement. 

Cons of Using BeeWare for Mobile App Development

There are some limitations of BeeWare that you must keep in mind during mobile application development. Here are some of those:

• It does have a great community, but not a large one.
• Since it’s in the early stages of development, you might have to work more due to bugs, lacking features, and potential API changes.

Now that you understand the basics of Kivy and BeeWare frameworks, let’s examine the differences between them that guide strategic decision-making during mobile application development.

1. Custom V/S Native User Interface

Kivy’s proprietary UI toolkit promises a consistent experience across platforms, making it an ideal choice for applications seeking uniformity across various platforms. In contrast, BeeWare’s allegiance to native UI guarantees familiarity with a specific platform and a behavior suited to the comfort of the user.

2. Maturity V/S Innovation

While Kivy stands as an established framework, BeeWare is in its developmental phase. Fewer resources are available on the web for BeeWare compared to other Python modules. However, BeeWare’s community is making efforts to ensure enhancements and support with the framework while countering any concerns regarding maturity. 

3. Simplicity V/S Complexity

Kivy’s hallmark traits include speed, simplicity, and precision, rendering it as an adept choice for several projects. Conversely, BeeWare Python is not a single tool or library but a collection of tools. The increased functionality and customisation of using each tool independently or with others often increases the complexity of the process instead of easing it out.

The Balanced Perspective of Python in Mobile Applications Development

“Is Python good for mobile app development?” has been a hot topic amongst professionals, and while it is good to acknowledge its potency for the task, it is imperative to keep its limitations in mind. Even with the technological advancements, Python has a non-native status on iOS and Android platforms due to the challenging deployment processes. 

The onset of Kivy Python and BeeWare frameworks are slowly but steadily advancing to change the narrative. Since Kivy takes less time to make a simple interface, many developers are opting for Kivy to support Android app development on low-performance PCs. On the other hand, BeeWare is making the work of coders efficient by allowing them to reuse the same code base for mobile and desktop apps. 

It is essential to realize that whether you use Kivy or BeeWare, it ultimately boils down to the functionality of the final application developed. Foreignerds is a custom mobile app development company with experienced developers who have been providing proficient guidance, effective strategies, and user-centric products to their clients for years. We have helped businesses save time and resources using AI-powered apps tailored to the needs of their business. To get your custom app, visit our website or book a 15-minute, no-obligation consultation call.    

FAQs

1. Can mobile apps be developed using Python?

Python can definitely be used to develop mobile applications for several platforms like Android, iOS, and Linux. Though it is not widely in practice, the trajectory is definitely tilting towards Python mobile app development with the technological advancements in the language. 

2.  What is Python mobile app development?

It is a process of developing mobile applications using Python frameworks like PyQT, Kivy, and BeeWare. Python provides a comparatively easier process but is typically not the first choice for mobile app development. However, newly developed frameworks are changing the narrative by providing compatible cross-platform development.

3.  What factors should be considered before choosing Kivy and BeeWare Python?

It is important to keep n mind the project requirements, target audience, team’s skill set, future maintenance needs, and the platforms for which the mobile app is intended. Kivy and BeeWare come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered before choosing one from them.

4. When is it best to use Kivy and BeeWare?

Kivy is best suited for projects which have to prioritize cross-platform usability. It helps to deliver the project well within the timeline as well as budget. BeeWare is suited for applications requiring native user experience and higher flexibility for customization.